Environment & climate — Topics

24 Feb 2023

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

The debate focused on Singapore's climate change commitments, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with discussions on balancing economic growth, supporting SMEs, and ensuring a just transition for workers affected by the green shift.
Parliament addressed population and fertility challenges, including low birth rates, ageing demographics, and immigration policies, with calls for better family support measures like enhanced paternity leave and flexible work arrangements.
Concerns were raised about corporate governance and anti-corruption efforts, particularly regarding the Keppel case, with discussions on improving transparency, strengthening laws, and ensuring accountability in public and private sectors.
The Smart Nation agenda was reviewed, emphasizing digital inclusion for seniors, cybersecurity, and leveraging technology for public services, while maintaining non-digital options to avoid leaving anyone behind.
MPs debated lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, with the government maintaining that existing engagement mechanisms for youth are sufficient and that voting age should not be changed without clear benefits to governance.

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24 Feb 2023

Singapore's Contribution to Loss and Damage Fund Set Up in COP27

Leon Perera asked if Singapore would contribute to the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27, the amount, and reasons if not, while highlighting pledges from other countries.
Minister Grace Fu emphasized Singapore's stance as a developing nation and small island state vulnerable to climate impacts, noting the need for developed countries to lead funding and that details are still being finalized by a Transitional Committee.
The Minister clarified that Singapore has not yet decided whether to contribute or claim from the fund, prioritizing its own adaptation efforts with significant domestic resources, and will engage constructively in international discussions.

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24 Feb 2023

Disclosing Public Sector Scope 3 Emissions under GreenGov.SG Initiative

Leon Perera asked whether the Government will disclose public sector Scope 3 emissions under the GreenGov.SG initiative.
The Minister replied that disclosure is not required at this stage, with the framework to be refined as emissions reduction efforts and tracking capabilities develop.
The Minister noted that the matter will be discussed further in the upcoming Committee of Supply debate.
Perera sought a timeline for considering Scope 3 emissions reporting, to which the Minister reiterated the current non-requirement without providing a specific timeline.

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24 Feb 2023

Singapore's Support for Global Conservation Targets set at COP15 Biodiversity Conference

Singapore will work with other countries to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, contributing according to its national capabilities as a small, densely populated city-state.
The government is enhancing local conservation through City in Nature efforts, including safeguarding green spaces and restoring habitats, while sharing technical expertise regionally.
Singapore is updating its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to contribute to global targets like “30 by 30,” with plans to submit it before COP16 in 2024.
While open to considering future financial contributions to support biodiversity in other countries, Singapore emphasizes its current role in thought-leadership, such as through the Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity.

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23 Feb 2023

Contamination Rate of Recyclables for HDB Flats with Centralised Chute for Recyclables

The contamination rate for recyclables from HDB flats with centralised chutes is about 40% when combined with data from recycling bins.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) does not currently collect separate contamination data for recycling chutes versus bins.
The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment will consider the feasibility and usefulness of collecting separate data for recycling chutes in the future.

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23 Feb 2023

Government Officers Allocated to Deal with Wildlife Trade

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of officers in the National Parks Board Wildlife Trade branch over the past five years and whether the Ministry would consider increasing manpower for the branch.
Desmond Lee explained that various NParks officers, including those from the Wildlife Trade Branch and the Centre for Wildlife Forensics, are involved in regulating and enforcing wildlife trade, providing evidence for prosecution.
NParks collaborates with agencies like Singapore Customs and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, as well as international partners such as INTERPOL, to tackle illegal wildlife trade through risk-based screening and information exchange.
NParks also works with industry stakeholders on public education to raise awareness about illegal wildlife trade, employing a Whole-of-Government and multi-pronged approach.
The Ministry will continually review regulatory and enforcement frameworks to ensure sufficient manpower and leverage science, technology, and partnerships to support wildlife trade efforts.

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22 Feb 2023

Proposal for Ban on Use of Gill Nets for Fishing

Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry of National Development has studied or will consider a blanket ban on gill nets for fishing, including those used at depths below two kilometres.
Desmond Lee responded that NParks already promotes responsible fishing and prohibits biodiversity removal, including via nets, in managed areas like Sisters' Islands Marine Park.
NParks collaborates with stakeholders to monitor marine biodiversity and will continue assessing whether additional protective measures are needed.

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22 Feb 2023

Impact to Environment from Use of Biodegradable Plastics Versus Conventional Types of Plastics

Yip Hon Weng asked about ongoing assessments on environmental impacts, plans to encourage biodegradable plastics, and reasons if not, in relation to sustainability goals in Singapore.
Grace Fu Hai Yien shared that a 2018 study found all plastics, including biodegradable ones, have environmental impacts, with biodegradable plastics sometimes requiring more resources like water during production.
She explained that biodegradable plastics offer little benefit in Singapore due to waste-to-energy disposal instead of landfilling, and they can disrupt recycling if mixed with conventional plastics.
The minister emphasized that encouraging a switch to biodegradable plastics may not improve overall environmental outcomes in Singapore.
The government prioritizes reducing all disposables and promoting reusables through education and regulations as a more sustainable approach.

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14 Feb 2023

Progress Made by Public Service on Eliminating Single-use Items in Food Catering for Their Events

The Public Service is committed to reducing waste through initiatives like GreenGov.SG, which targets a 30% reduction in disposed waste by 2030 and encourages the use of reusable items and waste segregation.
While agencies are encouraged to follow best practices for eliminating single-use items, complete elimination is challenging due to venue limitations and operational constraints, so a measured approach is taken.
A specific timeline for fully eliminating single-use items has not been set, but the government is tracking progress and reviewing strategies, with a focus on impactful waste reduction measures.

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14 Feb 2023

Sustainability of Tray and Crockery Return Movements at Hawker Centres, Coffee Shops and Food Courts

The average Tray and Crockery Return Rate (TCRR) at hawker centres, coffee shops, and food courts has remained at around 90%, with the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) conducting targeted checks to ensure cleanliness.
Enforcement measures include advice from officers, written warnings, and composition fines for repeat offenders, with efforts to collaborate with Town Councils, hawker associations, and stallholders to encourage compliance.
The Ministry will continue monitoring the situation and consider reviewing enforcement officer deployment or firmer actions if needed, while emphasising the goal of entrenching tray return as a social norm.

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14 Feb 2023

Proposal to Require USB-C to be Adopted as Charging Standard for Portable Electronics

Mr Leon Perera asked if the government will require USB-C as a charging standard for portable electronics, similar to the EU and India, to reduce electronic waste and consumer costs.
The Minister of State for Trade and Industry responded that while the EU and India are implementing such measures, most countries have not, and Singapore is monitoring developments alongside other e-waste management efforts like the Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
Mr Perera followed up by asking for the key factors or triggers that would lead to a policy change, citing potential e-waste reduction and cost savings from the EU's upcoming regulation.
The Minister of State reiterated that the government is still monitoring developments in this area without specifying immediate policy triggers.

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7 Feb 2023

Impact of Bioswales and Rain Gardens on Premature Deterioration of External Finishes of HDB Flats

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned if the Biophilic Town Framework's use of bioswales and rain gardens could cause premature wear on HDB flat exteriors.
Desmond Lee stated these features are placed away from building edges and do not hold standing water, thus avoiding mould and façade deterioration.
He explained bioswales and rain gardens filter pollutants from surface runoff before discharging cleaned water into PUB’s drainage systems.

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7 Feb 2023

Progress of Nationwide Reusable Dining-ware Scheme

Mr Leon Perera asked for updates on the Nationwide Reusable Dining-ware Scheme and whether a ban on disposables for dine-in at chain restaurants would be considered.
Grace Fu Hai Yien outlined the scheme, which includes a ban on disposables for dine-in at F&B establishments and a reusable takeaway container rental system.
The public sector has led by example, disallowing disposable crockery in new hawker centres since 2016 and extending the rule to all new stallholders in existing hawker centres from 2018.
Some F&B establishments have partnered with startups like Muuse to offer reusable takeaway container rentals, but the government believes businesses are best placed to decide on such systems given industry diversity.
The response indicates the scheme is being piloted and implemented in stages, with a focus on public sector leadership and voluntary business adoption.

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7 Feb 2023

Reports Received on High-rise Littering Involving Faeces since 2017

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for annual statistics since 2017 on high-rise littering involving faeces, including the number of reports, identified perpetrators, and penalties imposed.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency does not track the specific types of litter in high-rise littering cases.
She stated that all high-rise littering offenders are charged in court, facing fines of up to $2,000 for a first conviction, $4,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent convictions.
Offenders may also be issued a Corrective Work Order requiring them to clean public areas for up to 12 hours in addition to fines.

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7 Feb 2023

Offence for Leaving Vehicle Engines Idling and Whether it Applies to Electric Vehicles

Melvin Yong questioned whether the offence for leaving vehicle engines idling applies to electric vehicles, which have no tailpipe emissions.
Grace Fu clarified that the Environmental Protection and Management Regulations prohibit idling only for vehicles with engines that are kept running while stationary.
She explained that electric vehicles do not have engines that idle, as their motors stop when the vehicle is stationary, so the regulation does not apply to them.
The key distinction is based on whether a vehicle has a combustion engine that can be left idling versus an electric motor that shuts off.

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7 Feb 2023

Impact of Packaging Partnership Programme and Resource Sustainability Act on Amount of Single-use Plastics Produced

The Mandatory Packaging Reporting scheme under the Resource Sustainability Act requires companies to report packaging data and reduction plans, raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices since its 2022 implementation.
The Packaging Partnership Programme has provided training and resources to over 700 companies, supporting the adoption of sustainable packaging and facilitating the sharing of best practices.
The government plans to introduce legislation requiring large supermarkets to charge for disposable carrier bags from mid-2023 to reduce consumption and will continue exploring further measures to cut single-use plastics.

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7 Feb 2023

Tests on Water Sources for Presence of Micro-plastics Contamination

Edward Chia Bing Hui questioned if the Ministry tested the national water supply for micro-plastics in the last year and across all four tap sources.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that PUB conducts biennial surveillance of micro-plastics in water from the Four National Taps since 2017.
The latest 2021 testing results indicated that micro-plastics were not detected in the water from the Four National Taps.

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7 Feb 2023

Installation of Noise Barriers on MRT Tracks near Residential Areas and Proposal to Reduce Train Speed near Residential Areas

LTA has installed 21.5 km of noise barriers at 45 locations and plans to add another 5.5 km at 16 more sites, chosen based on island-wide noise studies that account for track wear and train frequency.
Since July 2016, new developments near MRT tracks must undergo Traffic Noise Impact Assessments to ensure compliance with NEA’s noise guidelines.
Reducing train speed is not advised due to increased journey time and reduced capacity; LTA instead uses noise-dampening wheels, ballast, and frequent maintenance to mitigate noise.

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7 Feb 2023

Impact of Anticipated Drought and Bushfires in Australia on Singapore's Food Import

Miss Rachel Ong asked how anticipated drought and bushfires in Australia could affect Singapore's food imports from the country and what mitigation measures exist.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that Australia’s agricultural export outlook for 2023 remains strong, but climate change may cause global food supply disruptions.
Singapore mitigates such risks through import diversification from over 180 countries, stockpiling, and developing local agri-food production.
Given over 90% of Singapore’s food is imported, the government encourages consumer flexibility and industry contingency planning.
The government emphasizes that while strategies reduce vulnerability, Singapore cannot fully insulate itself from supply chain disruptions.

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7 Feb 2023

Financial Impact from Ongoing Administration of Sun Cable

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Trade and Industry about the financial impact on Singapore from the ongoing administration of the Sun Cable project, including effects on the Energy Market Authority’s Request for Quotation process and energy supply reliability.
The Minister responded that the query had been addressed in a previous combined reply to parliamentary questions from 6 February 2023, directing reference to the official report on the Sun Cable collapse’s impact on Singapore’s renewable energy targets.
The debate highlights parliamentary interest in assessing potential fiscal consequences and operational disruptions to Singapore’s energy security from the Sun Cable administration.

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