Environment & climate — Topics

7 Nov 2023

Investigation into Potential Poisoning of Dogs at Parry Avenue Field

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about steps to investigate the potential poisoning of dogs at Parry Avenue Field and whether the findings would be made public.
Desmond Lee stated that investigations into the dog deaths linked to the field are ongoing, with NParks collaborating with agencies to collect environmental samples and monitor the area.
NParks has spoken with affected dog owners and veterinarians to gather medical and epidemiological information and reached out to other local veterinarians and dog owners but has received no reports of similar cases.
The government aims to complete investigations as soon as possible and will share the findings with the public when ready.

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7 Nov 2023

Boosting Availability of Carbon Credits for Companies in Singapore

The Ministry is developing credible carbon markets through international negotiations and partnerships, having signed MOUs with over 10 countries and concluded implementation agreements with Ghana and Vietnam, allowing companies to offset up to 5% of taxable emissions from 2024 using international carbon credits (ICCs).
Eligibility criteria for ICCs were published in October 2023, requiring compliance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and adherence to seven principles for environmental integrity, with a list of eligible host countries, programs, and methodologies to be published later this year.
The National Environment Agency has partnered with five carbon crediting programs that use independent third-party verifiers to ensure the robust validation, verification, and retirement of ICCs, upholding transparency and accountability in the carbon credit system.

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7 Nov 2023

Decision on Appropriate Strategy for Urban Wildlife Management

NParks uses a science- and community-based framework for urban wildlife management, considering species ecology, public safety, animal welfare, and biodiversity impact to decide strategies like public education, habitat modification, or population control.
For crocodiles, public safety is a major factor due to their predatory nature; NParks assesses immediate threats, explores relocation or rehoming, but may humanely euthanize if no feasible options exist, as was the case with the crocodile near Marina East Drive.
NParks conducts regular ecological studies, consults international experts and local stakeholders, and implements measures like fencing and signage to mitigate risks, while promoting public awareness and responsible human-wildlife encounters.

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6 Nov 2023

Ensuring Deep Sea Mining Activities Comply With Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty

The Minister confirmed that Singapore’s exploration contract with the International Seabed Authority does not yet permit exploitation, and any future deep sea mining will align with the BBNJ Treaty.
Singapore, as an ISA Council member, will contribute to developing regulations that ensure deep sea mining activities are environmentally protective.
The government emphasized that future plans by Singapore companies for deep seabed mining will be subject to BBNJ Treaty compliance once exploitation regulations are finalized.

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6 Nov 2023

Energy Resilience in Singapore

Singapore has improved energy resilience by diversifying natural gas imports through its first LNG terminal and standby facilities, ensuring stable supply amid global disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine war, and planning a second terminal and centralized gas procurement for better pricing and reliability.
To maintain adequacy in generation capacity, Singapore exceeds its reserve margin requirement, launched a Request for Proposal for new capacity by 2028, and commissioned fast-response gas turbine units to address unplanned outages within minutes.
The government will strengthen grid reliability by enforcing stringent standards, monitoring the network 24/7, and ensuring continuous investment in infrastructure to keep interruption times minimal and support growing energy demands.

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6 Nov 2023

Revising Local Banks' Risk-based Capital Adequacy Requirements to Reflect Climate Risks

Mr Don Wee asked if MAS will revise capital adequacy requirements for local banks to include climate risks, following European standards.
MAS stated its rules align with Basel Committee standards, which already allow banks to incorporate climate risks in credit assessments affecting regulatory capital.
MAS noted the European proposal reflects existing Basel clarifications and emphasized the need for international coordination for any major changes.
Beyond capital rules, MAS has issued supervisory guidance on environmental risk management and is consulting on transition planning guidelines for banks.
MAS will continue reviewing its approach to align with global best practices and collaborate with other regulators.

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6 Nov 2023

Heat Emissions from Top Floors of Multi-storey Car Parks with and without Rooftop Gardens

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked HDB to study heat emissions from top floors of multi-storey car parks (MSCPs), whether rooftop gardens emit less heat, and the practical limits to converting underused MSCP decks into gardens.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB converts underused MSCP rooftops to greenery and community gardens via a tray system, which studies show can reduce surface temperatures by an average of four degrees Celsius compared to bare concrete.
He noted that not all MSCP rooftops are suitable for conversion due to factors like structural load, utility availability, resident disamenities, fire safety, and area development plans.
The government will continue exploring ways to make good use of HDB MSCP rooftops, including for other community benefits beyond gardens.

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6 Nov 2023

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Rezoning of Sungei Serangoon from "Park" to "Road" to Build Bus Depot

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether an environmental impact assessment was conducted for the proposed rezoning at Sungei Serangoon from "park" to "road" for a bus depot, and if such studies could be disclosed.
The Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, stated that environmental studies are required for developments with significant impact, but an assessment was not needed for this project as the site is a brownfield area with limited sensitive habitats.
To mitigate any negative environmental impact, the Land Transport Authority will implement earth control measures and restrict working hours during construction.

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4 Oct 2023

Adequacy of Existing Flood Prevention Measures for Underground MRT Stations

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the adequacy of current flood prevention measures for underground MRT stations and whether they need enhancement due to increased rainfall from climate change.
Chee Hong Tat, for the Minister for Transport, stated that MRT infrastructure design considers climate change scenarios based on national studies and complies with PUB’s drainage code, with new stations featuring elevated entrances.
Existing stations not meeting the latest standards have additional measures like flood barriers, which are maintained regularly, and operators conduct staff training and drills to ensure readiness for flooding incidents.

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4 Oct 2023

Timeline for Deciding Deployment of Use of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in Singapore's Energy Mix

The Government has not made a decision on deploying small modular nuclear reactors in Singapore’s energy mix, pending detailed studies on safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is monitoring developments in alternative energy, including advanced nuclear reactor designs, but most are still in research and development without commercial operations.
There is currently no announced timeline for a decision on the deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore.

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4 Oct 2023

Update on Regional Power Grid Trials Commenced in 2022

The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project has successfully imported about 270 gigawatt hours of electricity to Singapore since its start in June 2022, with trading continuing at up to 100 megawatts and discussions ongoing for higher capacity.
Singapore is pursuing additional electricity imports through ongoing Requests for Proposal, with Conditional Approvals issued for one gigawatt from Cambodia and two gigawatts from Indonesia to meet its 2035 target of four gigawatts of low-carbon electricity.
The LTMS-PIP is viewed as a feasible model for regional collaboration, accelerating efforts toward the ASEAN Power Grid and enhancing energy security and sustainability in the region.

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4 Oct 2023

Use of Past Reserves to Fund Projects to Mitigate Climate Change

The Government is not currently considering using past Reserves to fund climate mitigation projects but will instead allocate resources through annual Budgets to achieve net-zero targets.
For adaptation measures like protecting against rising sea levels, the Government is studying long-term solutions such as land reclamation, seawalls, and flood barriers.
Funding for these adaptation measures will come from a mix of sources, including the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, long-term borrowing via SINGA bonds, and the use of past Reserves for land reclamation costs.
The Government aims to ensure that financing these measures is fiscally sustainable and equitable across generations.
No specific projects are currently funded by past Reserves, but the approach to financing adaptation will continue to be studied.

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4 Oct 2023

Plans to Encourage Separating Compostables from Recyclables and Trash

Leong Mun Wai proposed a three-bin system to separate compostables from recyclables and trash to prevent food waste incineration from filling Semakau Landfill by 2035.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the Resource Sustainability Act already requires large commercial food waste generators to segregate food waste for treatment from 2024, diverting it from incineration.
The government has piloted biogas generation from segregated food waste and plans to scale this up at Tuas Nexus starting 2026.
Household food waste segregation is not currently mandated, but community initiatives are supported.

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4 Oct 2023

Average Duration Between Identification of Mosquito Breeding Site and Issuance of Fine

The National Environment Agency takes an average of five months to issue a fine after detecting a mosquito breeding site, with longer times during dengue outbreaks due to increased caseload; the Ministry is reviewing the process to reduce delays.
From 2020 to date, about 22,400 fines were issued, with only four cases (0.02%) wrongly sent due to administrative errors, which were rectified immediately upon appeal.
First-time offenders are not exempt from fines, as all offenders are held accountable to prevent dengue, and notification slips are placed under doors if residents are not home, with contact details for follow-up queries or appeals.

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4 Oct 2023

Change in Cost of Producing NEWater and Desalinated Water, and Support for Businesses facing New Water Recycling Requirements

The government announced a 50-cent increase in water prices over 2024 and 2025, citing rising costs in electricity, chemicals, maintenance, and construction since 2017, while introducing rebates to offset impacts on households and mandating water recycling for industries to manage demand.
Businesses face new water recycling requirements starting next year, with enhanced funding support for efficiency projects, though concerns were raised about supporting existing investments and preventing cost pass-through to consumers.
Debates highlighted the need to balance water pricing with affordability, considering a progressive pricing system and ensuring long-term cost stability post-2061 when the Johor water agreement expires.

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3 Oct 2023

Considerations for Extensions of Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive and Additional Registration Fee Floor from 1 January 2024

The government extended the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive and Vehicular Emissions Scheme rebates to reduce the upfront cost difference between cleaner energy and internal combustion engine cars, supporting the 2040 target for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy.
The Additional Registration Fee floor for electric cars was extended to allow them to maximize combined rebates of up to $40,000, meaning many mass-market models will not need to pay ARF.
These extensions and adjustments aim to continue subsidizing cleaner energy vehicles and encourage wider adoption by making them more financially accessible.

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3 Oct 2023

Expanding Duty of Directors in Companies Act 1967 to Include Environmental Impact of Company Operations

Murali Pillai proposed expanding the duty of company directors under the Companies Act 1967 to include considering the environmental impact of their company's operations, citing the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and practices in the United Kingdom.
Lawrence Wong acknowledged the proposal and noted that a public consultation on advancing sustainability reporting in Singapore, including expanding directors' duties for climate-related disclosures, had recently concluded.
The Ministry of Finance will study the feedback from the public consultation and consider practices from other jurisdictions before introducing changes suitable for Singapore's context.

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3 Oct 2023

Monitoring and Fines for Errant Contractors who Dispose of Renovation Debris and Refuse Indiscriminately

Renovation contractors must dispose of debris at NEA-approved sites by each workday, with HDB sending reminders and conducting site inspections to enforce proper disposal.
Errant contractors face a $500 fine and six demerit points for improper disposal, and may be suspended or debarred for 12 months if they accumulate 24 demerit points within 24 months.
Town Councils can issue composition notices to contractors for illegal dumping under their by-laws, adding another layer of enforcement.

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3 Oct 2023

Progress and Long-term Plan for Reducing Carbon Footprint of Singapore's Sea Ports

PSA Singapore and Jurong Port are targeting a 60% cut in port operation emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and net-zero emissions by 2050.
PSA is expanding its fleet of electrified vehicles like Automated Guided Vehicles to boost efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to diesel alternatives.
Jurong Port is developing a Steel Port-Centric Ecosystem to reduce truck trips and improve efficiency, while also exploring electrifying gasoline-powered vehicles and optimizing its diesel forklift fleet.
Both port operators are progressing toward their 2050 net-zero goals while maintaining business competitiveness.

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19 Sep 2023

Impact of El Niño Weather Pattern on Local Farm Yields and Imported Food Supply

Edward Chia asked how El Niño will impact Singapore’s local farm yields and imported food supply due to warmer ocean temperatures.
Grace Fu explained that El Niño brings drier, warmer weather to Southeast Asia and may cause extreme weather globally, potentially affecting crop production and food security.
She noted Singapore imports over 90% of its food and remains vulnerable to global disruptions from weather, geopolitics, or policy changes.
The government’s multi-pronged strategy—diversifying import sources, boosting local production, and stockpiling essentials—aims to mitigate these risks.
While the specific impact of El Niño is hard to predict, extreme weather events are known to harm food security, reinforcing the need for resilience measures.

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