Environment & climate — Topics

12 Sep 2022

Effectiveness of Singapore’s Single-stream Recycling Approach

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried the effectiveness and potential studies comparing Singapore's single-stream recycling approach with a multi-stream system, asking why such studies may not have been conducted.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that Singapore standardized single-stream recycling in 2011 to increase convenience and operational efficiency, noting that it led to higher collection volumes and reduced carbon footprint from fewer collection trips.
The government is developing complementary consumer-sorting channels, such as an e-waste system under the Extended Producer Responsibility approach and a planned beverage container return scheme to improve recycling quality and volume.
Current pilots in Hong Kah North SMC and East Coast GRC are testing different recycling bin designs, including source-segregated compartments, with findings to be released when ready.
MSE and NEA are continuously exploring improvements to recycling efforts, guided by citizen feedback from the #RecycleRight Citizens’ Workgroup.

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12 Sep 2022

Measures to Cope with Drought in Singapore

The Ministry defines a drought as a period of at least three consecutive months with rainfall more than 50% below the long-term 30-year average, and notes that Singapore experienced one drought in 1983, with several dry spells in the past decade.
With climate change, Singapore expects more frequent and prolonged droughts, and has adopted a long-term strategy to ensure a resilient water supply through the Four National Taps and investments in new desalination and NEWater facilities.
The government emphasizes the need for continued water conservation by everyone to support resilience in the nation’s water supply under all circumstances.

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12 Sep 2022

Energy-efficient Accreditation of Commercial Equipment and Plans to Expand Scale of Accreditation for SMEs

Edward Chia queried the adequacy of energy-efficient accreditation for commercial refrigerators and asked if plans exist to expand accreditation to give SMEs more purchase choices.
Grace Fu stated the Energy Efficiency Grant provides pre-approved, high-efficiency models in categories like air-conditioners, refrigerators, clothes dryers, and LED lighting, and uses pre-approved models for commercial equipment where international standards are lacking.
The government will regularly review the list of pre-approved models and welcomes SME suggestions for models or technologies to be assessed for inclusion.

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12 Sep 2022

Update on Collection, Filtration, Testing and Delivery Procedures for Drinking Water in Singapore

Professor Koh Lian Pin requested an update on Singapore's water procedures for collection, filtration, testing, and delivery, citing a global study on PFAS contamination in rainwater.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that PFAS are strictly controlled as hazardous substances in Singapore, with their import and use largely prohibited to minimize environmental contamination.
PUB conducts daily water quality tests and monitors for emerging contaminants like PFAS, with no detections in drinking water so far, ensuring compliance with national and WHO guidelines.
Singapore's water supply remains safe, and PUB will continue monitoring PFAS developments and health effects to maintain water safety.

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12 Sep 2022

Plans to Mitigate Risk of Severe Transboundary Haze

The Ministry and NEA monitor transboundary haze risks through the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, which provides regular weather and haze outlooks, satellite imagery, and early warnings to ASEAN member states.
Singapore has formally extended an offer of fire-fighting assistance to Indonesia since 2005 and reinforced it in June 2022 to help address hotspots and fires during the dry season.
Singapore will host the 17th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution this year, using its chairmanship to strengthen regional commitment towards a haze-free ASEAN.

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12 Sep 2022

Income Tax (Amendment) Bill

The debate focused on amending the Income Tax Act 1947 to introduce tax incentives for offshore green investments, with the bill presented by Second Minister for Finance Ms Indranee Rajah.
Ministers emphasized that the amendments would position Singapore as a leading green finance hub and attract sustainable investment flows to support the nation's climate commitments.
The bill also included consequential changes to other related Acts to ensure regulatory consistency and effective implementation of the new tax measures.
During the debate, concerns were raised about the potential revenue impact and the need for robust safeguards to prevent misuse of the incentives.
The government assured that the amendments were carefully calibrated to balance economic growth with fiscal prudence and environmental responsibility.

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2 Aug 2022

Measures to Manage Rising Sea Levels and Unpredictable Weather Patterns

Singapore's mean sea levels have risen 10 cm over the last four decades and are projected to rise by up to 1 meter by 2100, with potential temporary peaks up to 4-5 meters due to extreme tides and storm surges.
The government is conducting site-specific coastal adaptation studies, including options like sea walls and tidal gates, and has set up a $5 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund to fund drainage and coastal protection measures.
PUB has invested $2 billion in drainage works and requires new developments to implement stormwater management measures, while using technology like radars and sensors for early flood warnings and coordinated public alerts.

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2 Aug 2022

Targets under Trial for Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project

The LTMS-PIP trial allows Singapore to import up to 100 megawatts of renewable energy from Laos for two years to study the feasibility of cross-border power trade as a pathfinder for the ASEAN Power Grid.
Since its start in June 2022, the project has facilitated steady electricity trading, supplying around 65,500 megawatt-hours to meet the demand of approximately 140,000 households, demonstrating the viability of regional collaboration for decarbonization.
The Energy Market Authority will monitor the project to refine technical and regulatory frameworks for importing large-scale low-carbon electricity, with plans to import up to four gigawatts by 2035 through initiatives like the ongoing Request for Proposal.
Commitments from electricity trade are expected to attract foreign direct investments into the renewable energy sector in Laos and the region, supporting economic opportunities and decarbonization efforts.

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2 Aug 2022

Regulation of Deep Seabed Mining Activities and Enforcement Actions Against Non-Compliance

The Government emphasized that Singapore participates in the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to develop robust regulations for deep seabed mining, ensuring activities do not harm the marine environment and align with international law.
Ocean Mineral Singapore Pte Ltd is the only company licensed under the Deep Seabed Mining Act, conducting environmental baseline studies in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with its compliance reviewed annually by the ISA.
The Minister outlined that the Trade and Industry Minister can impose penalties, issue directions, or terminate licenses for non-compliance, and no companies have been found guilty of offences under the Act to date.
The Government assesses costs and benefits while consulting stakeholders before supporting companies in the deep seabed mining industry, prioritizing environmental and regulatory safeguards.

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2 Aug 2022

Increased Wildlife Numbers and Assessment of Disamenities Caused to Public Properties and Residents' Lifestyles

Seah Kian Peng raised concerns about potential overpopulation of monkeys and otters and their impact on public properties and residents' lifestyles, prompting a query to the Ministry for National Development.
Desmond Lee reported that NParks receives about 2,500 monkey-related feedback cases annually and manages wildlife through community-based, science-led approaches, including population studies, deterrent measures like monkey guarding, and collaboration with stakeholder groups.
NParks emphasizes preventive measures such as habitat modification and public engagement to address root causes like feeding, while promoting coexistence through initiatives like "Our Wild Neighbours" and educational outreach.

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2 Aug 2022

Food Security Strategies for 2050 and Beyond

Singapore’s long-term food security strategy for 2050 and beyond is a multi-pronged approach focusing on import source diversification and enhancing local production, with active accreditation of overseas food sources growing from 172 to 180 countries and regions between 2019 and 2021.
The strategy includes the “30 by 30” goal to locally produce 30% of nutritional needs by 2030, which aims to build resilience against supply disruptions and take into account global population growth and climate change impacts.
Investments in climate-resilient food production, such as controlled-environment indoor farming and innovations in novel foods like plant-based and cultured meats, are part of efforts to ensure food security by mitigating uncertainties from erratic weather and supply chain risks.
Continuous collaboration with industry and consumers is emphasized to sustain and advance Singapore’s food security strategy for the long term.

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2 Aug 2022

Updating Singapore Green Plan 2030 and Climate Targets Following Outcomes of World Ocean Summit

Louis Ng asked whether Singapore will update its Green Plan 2030 and climate targets after the World Ocean Summit outcomes.
Grace Fu replied that the Green Plan already includes ocean protection initiatives, such as promoting green shipping fuels and marine research programs.
She confirmed the Green Plan is a living document that will be regularly reviewed to reflect new international developments and scientific findings.

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2 Aug 2022

Intent and Approach Towards Criteria for New Energy Efficiency Grant for SMEs

The Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) is designed to support SMEs in food services, manufacturing, and retail sectors by providing funding of up to 70% for pre-approved energy-efficient equipment in six categories, chosen for their high energy usage and long operating hours.
The government encourages a "total solution" approach to energy efficiency, with additional support available through schemes like NEA's Energy Efficiency Fund and BCA's Green Mark Incentive for system-level upgrades and building retrofits.
The ministry is engaging with industry stakeholders to refine the EEG and is open to reviewing and expanding the list of eligible equipment based on SME feedback and technological advancements.
MTI and ESG are committed to helping SMEs at all stages of their sustainability journey, offering various support measures including energy audits and capability-building programs to facilitate green transformations.

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2 Aug 2022

Temporary State Control of Energy Market to Keep Electricity Prices Stable for Consumers and Businesses

Yip Hon Weng asked whether the government would consider temporarily state-controlling the energy market to stabilize electricity prices amid global volatility.
The Second Minister for Trade and Industry replied that while global energy prices are volatile, existing measures like the SLF, fuel stockpiling, and TRECS have ensured supply stability without state intervention, and the government will introduce new measures if needed.
Yip inquired about diversifying electricity sources to reduce reliance on imported natural gas, which accounts for 95% of Singapore's electricity.
The Minister outlined ongoing efforts to diversify, including electricity imports via projects like LTMS and RFPs, accelerating solar deployment, and developing low-carbon alternatives like hydrogen and geothermal energy.
The government emphasized maintaining natural gas as a transition fuel while advancing international cooperation for energy resilience and sustainability.

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2 Aug 2022

Measures to Mitigate Rising Temperatures and Create More Conducive Working and Living Environments

The Ministry of National Development outlined measures such as planting nearly 90,000 trees in industrial estates under the OneMillionTrees movement, using cool paints on HDB blocks, and incorporating greenery on multi-storey carparks to reduce ambient temperatures, with plans to expand these efforts by 2030.
Agencies are conducting studies on optimal tree species for cooling, monitoring temperatures via sensors, and using environmental modelling in HDB design to enhance thermal comfort, including building orientation, wind flow optimization, and exploring double-glazed windows to minimize heat transfer.
The government adopts a holistic, inter-agency approach to climate adaptation, with cross-Ministerial coordination led by the Inter-Ministerial Committee and specific initiatives like the HDB Green Towns Programme to reduce energy consumption and improve livability, while addressing health and safety concerns for vulnerable groups.

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2 Aug 2022

Measures to Mitigate Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions

The Minister outlined a three-pronged strategy to mitigate rising temperatures, focusing on deepening scientific understanding, strengthening community resilience, and implementing heat mitigation strategies.
Research and guidelines are being updated, including the Third National Climate Study and workplace heat stress guidelines, to account for climate change impacts and protect vulnerable groups like the elderly and outdoor workers.
Measures include cooling the urban environment through planning, greenery, and cool materials, as well as reducing heat generation from human activities via energy efficiency and electrification efforts.
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to adopt energy-efficient practices to reduce heat and carbon emissions, with policies like the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme to support this.
The government emphasized the need for community co-creation and ongoing policy rollouts to build long-term heat resilience in Singapore.

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1 Aug 2022

Feedback Received on Nuisances Caused by Crows and Pigeons and Effectiveness of Measures Taken

Liang Eng Hwa inquired about the trend in feedback on crow and pigeon nuisances and the effectiveness of current control measures.
NParks reported that pigeon-related feedback has remained constant, while crow-related feedback has increased moderately in recent years.
NParks employs a community and science-based approach, including habitat modification, food source reduction, and humane population control, working with Town Councils and other agencies.
Measures such as tree pruning, netting, bird trapping, and enforcement against illegal feeding have been effective in mitigating disturbances to residents.
NParks plans to continue enhancing its bird management strategies in collaboration with agencies to reduce bird-related disamenities.

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1 Aug 2022

Efforts to Tackle Solar Panel Waste and Solar Panel Recycling

Dr Shahira Abdullah questioned how Singapore plans to manage solar panel waste and recycling as it expands solar energy use.
The government applies an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, requiring suppliers to offer free take-back services and send panels to licensed recyclers.
Singapore currently has four licensed e-waste recyclers for solar panels and supports R&D to develop sustainable recycling solutions.
Ongoing projects, such as a Singapore Polytechnic and Sembcorp collaboration, aim to create pilot lines for recovering materials from old panels.
Authorities intend to enhance e-waste management capabilities in line with growing solar deployment.

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1 Aug 2022

Percentage of Freshwater Bodies Open to Public for Recreation and Plans to Increase Access

Shawn Huang asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the percentage of freshwater bodies open for public recreation and plans to increase access and approved activities.
Grace Fu responded that PUB collaborates with agencies to offer recreational activities at eight reservoirs and two waterways, with fishing allowed at designated sites in 10 reservoirs and five waterways.
She noted that agencies continually review demand and possibilities for opening more freshwater bodies for recreation, balancing recreational use with the primary function of reservoirs as raw water sources.
Considerations include impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, and space for other uses like floating solar systems in land-scarce Singapore.

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1 Aug 2022

Measures to Safeguard Biodiversity and Natural Hydrology in Choa Chu Kang Waterworks Area

The Ministry outlined that PUB and NParks completed a comprehensive environmental impact assessment in 2021 and incorporated feedback from nature groups to propose mitigation measures.
To safeguard biodiversity, PUB adjusted the project footprint to preserve a freshwater stream with significant aquatic species, established a 10-metre vegetation buffer, and enhanced Earth Control Measures.
Flora of conservation significance will be salvaged, placed in a nursery for potential replanting, and wildlife shepherding will be conducted before site hoarding.
These measures will extend the project timeline and increase costs but are fully committed to by PUB to protect the environment.

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