Environment & climate — Topics

7 Feb 2023

Due Diligence on Carbon Credits Issued by Gold Standard and Verra

Mr Chua questioned whether due diligence was done on Gold Standard and Verra carbon credits before MOUs were signed, what the findings were, and whether the MOUs would continue given recent claims about Verra's "phantom" credits.
Minister Grace Fu explained the MOUs are non-binding and aim to help Singapore companies use high-quality international carbon credits to offset up to 5% of taxable emissions from 2024, with Gold Standard and Verra selected due to their CORSIA acceptance.
The government is aware of media reports questioning Verra's credits and will finalize environmental integrity criteria later this year, publishing a whitelist of acceptable carbon credit programs and host countries.
In follow-up, Mr Chua asked how the Ministry will verify credit authenticity and ensure companies buy legitimate credits, to which the Minister responded that the government will set standards via the whitelist, but companies must ultimately assess methodologies themselves.
The Minister emphasized that the carbon credit market is broad and companies should follow government guidance while exercising their own due diligence in selecting and using credits.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Sampling and DNA Analysis for Non-compliant Shark's Fin Shipments

Louis Ng asked about the percentage of shark's fin shipments sampled and DNA-analyzed to check for endangered CITES Appendix I species.
Desmond Lee explained that most CITES-listed sharks are in Appendix II, not Appendix I, and all imports require CITES permits.
NParks uses inspections, tips, and the AI-based Fin Finder app to identify non-compliant shipments, with DNA testing conducted on suspicious ones at its wildlife forensics center.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Training for Officers Who Enforce Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act and Wildlife Act

Louis Ng asked the Minister for National Development about the training provided to officers enforcing the Endangered Species Act and Wildlife Act, and whether they are trained in species identification.
Desmond Lee stated that NParks provides regular training covering CITES provisions, Singapore’s legislative framework, investigative methods, and species identification under these Acts.
NParks also trains officers in using science and technology, such as DNA barcoding by researchers at the Centre for Wildlife Forensics, to support enforcement.
Officers attend international conferences and workshops, like those by INTERPOL, to stay updated on developments and share best practices in combating wildlife crime.
These efforts collectively strengthen Singapore’s enforcement against wildlife-related offences under the Endangered Species Act and Wildlife Act.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Impact of Collapse of Sun Cable Project on Singapore's Renewable Energy Targets

Dr Lim Wee Kiak and other MPs raised concerns about the implications of Sun Cable’s collapse on Singapore’s green targets, whether the project could be revived, and what lessons could be drawn for future clean energy projects.
Minister Gan Kim Yong clarified that Singapore has not made any financial investment in Sun Cable, so there is no financial impact from its collapse, and the Energy Market Authority remains on track to import up to four GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
Singapore is pursuing multiple clean energy pathways, including accelerating solar deployment, developing regional power grids, and exploring hydrogen and geothermal energy, with over 20 proposals received for electricity imports.
The government highlighted ongoing international collaborations, including MOUs with regional partners and a feasibility study with the US, as well as small-scale import projects like the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project to support future scaling.
Minister Gan emphasized that while Sun Cable’s proposal is one of many under consideration, Singapore welcomes its resumption of discussions when ready and continues to assess commercial risks and execution for future projects.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces a Progressive Wage Model for waste collection and materials recovery workers, with legislated wage increases and career progression to uplift the sector and support its transformation.
A new statutory presumption will hold flat owners or tenants liable for high-rise littering from their units unless they can rebut it, aiming to improve enforcement and deter such acts.
The cleaning business licensing framework will be revised into three classes with differentiated requirements to raise industry capabilities, with a transition period for existing businesses.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2023

Resource Sustainability (Amendment) Bill

The Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment introduced the Bill to amend the Resource Sustainability Act 2019, outlining its purpose and the procedural timeline for its readings.
The Bill was presented on behalf of the Minister and was scheduled for its second reading at the next available sitting on or after 20 March 2023.
The debate focused on the legislative process and the formal introduction of the amendment, with the first reading completed and the second reading deferred to a future date.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2023

Outcome of Transparent Recycling Bin Trials Launched in Bukit Batok, Bedok and Upper Changi

The results of the transparent recycling bin trials in Bukit Batok, Bedok, and Upper Changi are still being compiled, with a full report to be published later.
The Ministry is exploring other initiatives such as the Recycle Right campaign, the Bloobox distribution, and a beverage container return scheme to improve recycling habits and reduce contamination.
Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, including the e-waste program, have already collected significant amounts of recyclables and are part of the broader strategy to enhance recycling quality and rates.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2023

Expected Change in Output of Non-sustainable Products in Jurong Island from 2019 Levels

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Trade and Industry about the expected change in output of non-sustainable products on Jurong Island compared to 2019 levels by 2030 and 2051.
The Sustainable Jurong Island strategy targets a 1.5-fold increase in sustainable product output by 2030 and a four-fold increase by 2050 compared to 2019 levels.
Growth in sustainable products is projected to outpace that of all other products as companies pursue green growth and emissions targets.
The response did not provide specific figures for non-sustainable product output changes, focusing instead on the growth of sustainable products.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2023

Reducing Number of Foreign Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles Entering Singapore

The government already enforces strict emission standards for all foreign internal combustion engine vehicles entering Singapore, with composition fines and potential turn-backs at checkpoints for non-compliant vehicles.
New rules from 6 April 2023 require foreign motorcycles to meet the same minimum emission limits as local motorcycles for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
Foreign commercial vehicles must not emit smoke with opacity exceeding 40 Hartridge Smoke Units to comply with regulations.
The Ministry of Transport collaborates with neighbouring countries like Malaysia through bilateral platforms to encourage cleaner energy vehicles and address cross-border vehicular emission issues.
Current measures focus on regulating emissions from existing foreign vehicles rather than implementing a specific plan to reduce their overall number in the coming years.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Jan 2023

Feasibility of Seaweed Production in Singapore’s Waters

The government is currently prioritizing high-demand, resource-efficient food items for its "30 by 30" agri-food strategy and has no plans to allocate sea space for seaweed production, though it is open to industry proposals on new food types that align with the goal.
The Senior Minister of State noted that local demand for seaweed is low compared to staples like vegetables, and commercial viability is a key consideration, as industry interest may be limited by market size.
Concerns were raised about the feasibility of seaweed cultivation due to Singapore's unique water conditions, biodiversity, and potential ecosystem impacts, requiring careful study before any experimentation.
The government emphasized the need for thorough ecological assessments to ensure that introducing seaweed cultivation does not harm local marine biodiversity or create unintended environmental problems.
While acknowledging global experimentation with seaweed for emissions reduction and biodiversity benefits, the government stressed that proposals must be commercially viable and nutritionally aligned with local goals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Plans to Ban Use of Disposable Plastic Cups by Bubble Tea Shops, Coffee Joints and Fast Food Restaurants

Melvin Yong asked if the government plans to ban disposable plastic cups in bubble tea shops, coffee joints, and fast food restaurants, citing Taiwan's 2022 ban as an example.
Grace Fu responded that reusables are more environmentally friendly and all disposables, including plastic, paper, and degradable materials, have environmental impacts.
The Ministry currently has no plans to ban disposable cups but promotes reusable alternatives through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, encouraging incentives and charges for disposables.
F&B establishments are encouraged to offer incentives for customers using reusable containers and to charge extra for disposable ones.
The public is urged to use reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Data on Solar Panels Installed in Private Residential Properties

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Trade and Industry for data on the number of private residential properties with solar panels and their aggregate installed capacity over the last five years, and whether the Government would consider collecting such data if unavailable.
Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that as of Q1 2022, there were 1,891 solar photovoltaic installations in the private residential sector.
The total installed capacity from these private residential properties was approximately 22.1 megawatt-peak (MWp), accounting for 3.3% of total installed capacity.
The response indicates the Government has data for at least one point in time but does not address the five-year trend or future data collection plans.
The debate highlights the need for ongoing data to better understand the energy market and usage related to solar panels in private residences.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Measures to Improve Sustainability Efforts and Reduce Carbon Footprint in Industrial Sector

Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined Singapore’s net-zero by 2050 commitment, focusing on decarbonising energy through increased solar use, 4 GW of imported green electricity by 2035, and new sources like hydrogen.
The National Hydrogen Strategy was launched to develop low-carbon hydrogen as a feedstock or fuel for industrial sectors, especially manufacturing, to cut emissions.
Economic agencies are restructuring emissions-intensive industries, such as through Sustainable Jurong Island, to boost sustainable products and deploy system-wide solutions like carbon capture.
Government schemes like the Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions and Energy Efficiency Fund support companies in improving energy efficiency and developing sustainability strategies.
Continued collaboration between the government and industry is key to transitioning toward a low-carbon economy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Climate Action Tracker's Assessment of Singapore's Climate Targets and Policies

Minister Grace Fu confirmed the Government is aware of the CAT's November 2022 assessment but noted it does not fully reflect Singapore’s recent enhanced climate commitments and policies.
The Government has formally engaged CAT to seek clarifications on its methodology, particularly regarding Singapore's unique energy constraints, but has not yet received a response.
Singapore’s climate plans are guided by national interests and circumstances rather than solely relying on any single external assessment, and the Government remains committed to its net-zero by 2050 target and international climate efforts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Review of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans

The Minister confirmed that Singapore will update its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adapting the global targets to the nation's unique city-state context.
Specific local initiatives include the City in Nature efforts, which involve safeguarding green spaces, establishing nature parks, restoring habitats, and planting one million trees by 2030 to integrate biodiversity with climate action.
The National Parks Board will collaborate with agencies and stakeholders to develop updated national targets for the revised plan.
The updated action plan is scheduled for submission prior to the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2024.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Nuclear Energy Options that Do Not Require Domestically Located Reactor

Leon Perera questioned whether Singapore is considering nuclear energy options that do not require domestically located reactors, such as floating barges, in light of the government's updated emissions targets.
Gan Kim Yong stated that Singapore lacks scalable domestic renewables and must explore low-carbon sources, noting that the Energy 2050 Committee included advanced nuclear options like Small Modular Reactors in a net-zero scenario, though these technologies are still under development.
The Energy Market Authority is monitoring nuclear innovations, including floating designs, but any deployment would be evaluated for safety, reliability, affordability, and sustainability, aligning with international standards.
In the interim, Singapore will focus on energy efficiency, conservation, and other low-carbon sources like solar, regional grids, hydrogen, and carbon capture.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jan 2023

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, presented the bill to amend the Environmental Public Health Act 1987 on behalf of the Minister, marking its First Reading in Parliament.
The bill will undergo a Second Reading at the next available Parliamentary Sitting, after which it will be printed for further legislative review.
The debate focused on procedural formalities for introducing the amendment, with no detailed policy discussion provided in the submitted text.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

30 Nov 2022

Expiry of Singapore's Gas Supply Contracts with Malaysia and Indonesia and Future of Piped Natural Gas

The Minister confirmed that Singapore imports Piped Natural Gas (PNG) from Malaysia and Indonesia through commercial contracts negotiated by PNG importers, but declined to disclose specific contract expiry dates due to commercial sensitivity.
Natural gas is expected to continue playing an important role in Singapore's energy transition and will feature in the country’s 2030 energy mix, even as efforts to decarbonise the power sector proceed.
To safeguard energy security, Singapore will continue diversifying its natural gas sources, including supplementing PNG imports with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) since 2013 to enable imports from a wider geographic range.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

30 Nov 2022

Shortfall in Gas Supply from Sumatra and Impact on Businesses and Residents

The Minister confirmed that declining natural gas supply from Sumatra will not impact Singapore’s electricity supply because the LNG terminal can meet all domestic gas needs and users can purchase gas from multiple suppliers, including long-term LNG importers.
To enhance long-term energy security, Singapore is diversifying sources by maximizing solar deployment and importing low-carbon electricity from the region, with the Energy Market Authority receiving over 20 proposals from five countries for such projects.
The government remains on track to meet its electricity import target of 4GW by 2035, which together with other measures will reduce reliance on natural gas and improve the power system’s resilience.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

30 Nov 2022

Dealing Effectively with Overpopulation of Birds in HDB Estates

Murali Pillai asked whether NParks should lead in handling complaints about bird overpopulation in HDB estates to ensure proper ownership.
Desmond Lee explained that Town Councils are primarily responsible for managing feedback on pest birds, with NParks supporting them through advice, best practices, and collaborative measures.
NParks works with Town Councils on upstream mitigating actions like tree pruning and public awareness campaigns, and conducts enforcement against illegal bird-feeding.
The response emphasized continued collaboration between Town Councils and agencies to effectively manage pest bird issues.
NParks will continue to advise and support Town Councils in addressing bird-related complaints.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source