Environment & climate — Topics

1 Feb 2021

Considerations for Setting Aside Green Space in Urban Development

The Minister explained that Singapore’s land use planning must balance competing needs such as housing, infrastructure, and green spaces, using long-term stewardship and science-based conservation strategies to protect ecologically significant sites while meeting development demands.
For specific sites like Clementi and Ulu Pandan (including Dover Forest), the Ministry has designated them for potential residential use subject to detailed planning, conducted environmental studies, and extended public consultations to gather feedback on development vs. conservation trade-offs.
The government aims to add 1,000 hectares of green spaces over the next 10–15 years, implement species recovery plans, and integrate nature into urban developments, while ensuring environmental impact assessments consider ecological connectivity and biodiversity.

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5 Jan 2021

Enforcing Law Against Feeding of Wildlife under The Wildlife Act

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of warning letters and compound fines issued under the Wildlife Act, as well as the number of NParks staff dedicated to enforcing the law against feeding wildlife.
Desmond Lee responded that since June 2020, NParks has issued 38 warning letters and one composition notice for feeding wildlife.
NParks officers from various divisions collaborate to enforce the Wildlife Act, including provisions against feeding wildlife, with no dedicated staff solely focused on this enforcement.
The enforcement of the law against feeding wildlife is part of the broader responsibilities of NParks staff, rather than a standalone role.

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5 Jan 2021

Environmental Impact Study Done on Clementi Forest and Impact on Biodiversity if Land is Used for Urban Development

Dr Tan Wu Meng queried the environmental impact studies done on Clementi Forest, the implications for biodiversity if the land is developed, and whether it could be designated as a national park or nature reserve.
The Clementi Forest has been zoned for residential use since 1998 but is not needed for development immediately, with the government retaining the zoning while planning to balance future development and conservation needs.
Singapore has safeguarded about 7,800 hectares of green spaces and plans to add another 1,000 hectares over the next 10 to 15 years, citing examples where other green spaces were retained despite potential development pressures.
The government emphasizes careful management of environmental impacts for any future development and the integration of natural elements, while regularly reviewing land-use plans in partnership with the public.

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5 Jan 2021

Maintaining Singapore's Energy Supply Reliability

Members of Parliament asked multiple questions about Singapore’s current renewable energy share, plans to import electricity from regional countries, potential participation in projects like Sun Cable, and targets for future energy mixes, expressing concerns about energy security, diversification risks, and tariff impacts.
The Second Minister for Trade and Industry outlined Singapore’s “four switches” strategy: natural gas (95% of current electricity), solar energy (targeting 2 GW by 2030), regional power grids (starting with imports from Malaysia and Laos), and emerging low-carbon technologies like hydrogen, with a net-zero emissions goal by mid-century.
The government emphasized diversifying energy sources to enhance security, welcomed regional imports and projects like Sun Cable subject to reliability and market stability, and indicated future targets and policies would be set as technologies evolve, while addressing concerns about concentration risks and carbon tax impacts.

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4 Jan 2021

Progress of HDB's Plans to Install 5,500 Solar Panels in HDB Blocks by End-2020 and Its Target for 2021 and Beyond

HDB has called or awarded tenders for about 280 MWp of solar capacity across over 5,700 blocks by 2020, exceeding the original target of 220 MWp for 5,500 blocks, with roughly half the panels installed and the rest to be rolled out over the next two to three years.
The 280 MWp capacity can power about 70,300 4-room flats and cut carbon emissions by 168,000 tonnes annually, aiding climate change mitigation.
A new target of 540 MWp on HDB blocks by 2030 has been set, more than double the previous goal, potentially generating 648 GWh of clean energy per year and contributing to the national aim of at least 2 GWp by 2030.
HDB will continue to call more tenders for rooftop solar installations and use higher-efficiency panels to optimise space and meet the higher target.

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4 Jan 2021

Review of Environmental Impact Assessments by Independent, Third-party Organisations

Leon Perera questioned whether environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are reviewed by independent third parties and if individuals or organisations can contest EIAs on reasonable grounds.
Desmond Lee explained that EIAs are conducted by environmental consultants who aim to maintain professional objectivity, and are reviewed by planning and technical agencies to assess and mitigate potential impacts.
The government makes EIA reports publicly available unless there are security concerns, allowing anyone to provide feedback, which is reviewed by developers and agencies, leading to adjustments before project approval.
Community stakeholders and nature groups may also be engaged by developers as part of the process, with all feedback considered in the decision-making.

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4 Jan 2021

Work Done with Animal Experts to Educate Community on Response to Wildlife Sightings and Ways to Reduce Unintentional Access to Food in Residential Properties

NParks collaborates with animal experts, NGOs, and academic institutions to develop educational resources and outreach initiatives that teach the community how to respond to wildlife sightings and the negative impacts of feeding wildlife.
NParks partners with agencies like NEA, SFA, Town Councils, and Resident Committees to educate the public on proper refuse management and to enforce against littering, which reduces unintentional access to food for wildlife.
The government monitors feeding hotspots and takes enforcement action when necessary, while encouraging residents to not feed wildlife, keep areas clean, and observe wildlife from a safe distance.
The public is urged to report wildlife feeding activities to the 24-hour Animal Response Centre helpline at 1800-476-1600 to support these efforts.

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4 Jan 2021

Inculcating Responsible Consumption Values amongst Students in Schools

Ms Hany Soh queried the Ministry of Education on existing programmes and a measurement framework for inculcating responsible consumption values in schools.
The Minister responded that responsible consumption is integrated into the curriculum and co-curriculum across all educational levels through subjects like Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Economics, with sustainability topics increasingly emphasized.
Schools also provide practical opportunities through daily routines, Values-in-Action, and activities like Environmental Clubs to promote habits such as reducing waste and recycling.
Many schools adopt the Singapore Green Awards framework to audit and recognize their efforts in promoting responsible consumption, with over 200 schools awarded in 2019.

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4 Jan 2021

Measures to Target SME Awareness and Accessibility under Green and Sustainability-linked Loan Grant Schemes

MAS’s Green and Sustainability-Linked Loan Grant Scheme supports SMEs by covering up to $100,000 of costs for verifying green loan credentials.
A dedicated track encourages banks to develop SME-focused green loan frameworks, with 90% funding support for banks to reduce barriers for smaller firms.
HSBC and OCBC have launched such frameworks, with MAS expecting more banks to follow.
MAS is partnering Enterprise Singapore and banks to raise SME awareness and promote take-up of the scheme.

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4 Jan 2021

Green Mark Certification for Community Clubs

Hany Soh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about the number of Community Clubs that have achieved Green Mark Gold and Platinum certifications and whether funding will increase to support upgrades to Platinum.
Chan Chun Sing, representing the Minister, stated that guidelines require new CCs over 5,000 sq m to attain Platinum and existing ones over 5,000 sq m to reach Gold or GoldPlus by 2020, with 25 of 61 CCs certified by end-2020 and the rest progressing.
The Minister noted that current targets balance cost and benefits, and substantial reconstruction may be needed for older CCs to meet Platinum standards, with funding allocated as targets evolve.

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4 Jan 2021

Update on Next Phase of Rail Corridor plan

Liang Eng Hwa sought an update on the next phase of the Rail Corridor plan, the completion timeline for the northern stretch, and whether new stretches will have seamless connections to nearby HDB towns like Bukit Panjang.
Desmond Lee stated that the Rail Corridor, spanning 24 km, is being developed as a continuous green corridor to enhance biodiversity and heritage, with works ongoing along the southern and central stretches since 2018.
By 1Q 2021, a continuous trail from Spooner Road to Hillview Road will be available, and the northern stretch is already accessible with improvement works starting early 2021.
The corridor is linked to towns like Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, and Choa Chu Kang via the Western Adventure Loop, with new access paths planned for easier integration.
More details will be released as the project progresses, ensuring the corridor serves as an inclusive community space for all users.

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4 Jan 2021

Assessment for Forest Areas like Clementi Forest that are Earmarked for Potential Development

Dennis Tan asked if there will be a review of the status of Clementi Forest and other forests earmarked for development.
Desmond Lee stated that Clementi Forest has been zoned for residential use since 1998 but there is no immediate need to develop it, and the government will retain the zoning while balancing development and conservation needs.
He highlighted that Singapore has safeguarded about 7,800 hectares of green spaces and will add 1,000 more hectares over the next 10 to 15 years, while carefully managing environmental impacts where development is unavoidable.
The government will continue to regularly review land-use plans in partnership with the public to support evolving needs, such as housing demand and shifts in work and transport patterns.

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4 Jan 2021

Cleaning of Marine Trash and Micro Debris in the Sea

The Ministry explained that marine trash is cleaned through twice-daily beach cleanups during monsoon periods and daily or weekly otherwise, with styrofoam, film, and hard plastic fragments being the most common debris types found on Singapore's shores.
A Member raised concerns about micro-plastics in locally bred seafood and suggested collaborating with neighboring countries on waste management upstream to address marine litter at its source.
The Minister responded that food safety is regularly monitored and agreed to study the micro-plastic issue further, while highlighting Singapore's active regional and global cooperation through ASEAN declarations and training programs to tackle marine litter.

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4 Nov 2020

Environmental Implications of Indonesia's Omnibus Law for Singapore

Leon Perera queried the environmental impact of Indonesia's Omnibus Law on Singapore, especially regarding transboundary haze, and how it might affect Singapore's haze strategy.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that Singapore experienced no haze this year due to wet weather and Indonesia's proactive fire prevention efforts, and emphasized respect for Indonesia's sovereignty in enacting laws for domestic needs like job creation.
She affirmed that Singapore's regional cooperation with Indonesia and ASEAN on haze issues will continue unaffected, including offering fire-fighting assistance when requested.
Singapore will maintain its commitment to ASEAN mechanisms like the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre and the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to support a haze-free region.

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4 Nov 2020

HDB Rooftop Farming in Support of Singapore's "30 by 30" Food Sustainability Goal

Murali Pillai inquired about the number of HDB rooftop farming sites to be established, their expected yield, and whether community engagement will be a tender requirement.
Grace Fu outlined Singapore’s "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of nutritional needs by 2030, with HDB rooftops among alternative spaces for commercial urban farming.
The first tender for nine Multi-Storey Carpark sites yielded up to 1,600 tonnes of vegetables annually, with a second tender planned and more sites to be identified based on industry interest.
Urban farming on HDB rooftops supports food security, provides community benefits like employment, and encourages public support for local produce due to its freshness and sustainability.
The government calls for public support in purchasing local produce to achieve the "30 by 30" goal and reduce carbon miles.

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4 Nov 2020

Better Waste Management in View of Carrying Capacity of Singapore's Green and Blue Spaces

The debate centered on managing trash and assessing the carrying capacity of Singapore's green and blue spaces, particularly the Southern Islands, as more people visit these nature parks.
NParks monitors park capacity in real-time, temporarily closes areas when needed, and uses initiatives like the Safe Distance@Parks portal to manage visitorship and protect biodiversity.
Agencies like SLA and NParks have installed bins, clear litter daily, and collaborate with the community on clean-ups to reduce trash on the Southern Islands.
The government plans to expand the park network to spread out visitor demand and alleviate pressure on core biodiversity areas, while urging park users to be socially responsible.

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3 Nov 2020

Domestic Non-recyclable Waste Disposal Rates and Domestic Recycling Rates in Past Six Months

The Minister reported that domestic non-recyclable waste collection remained stable over the past six months, averaging 3,340 tonnes per day from April to June 2020 and slightly lower at 3,265 tonnes per day from July to September 2020, similar to pre-work-from-home levels.
Domestic recyclable collection initially dropped by 20% in April to June 2020 due to suspended programs during the Circuit Breaker period but rebounded in July to September 2020, exceeding March 2020 levels by 11%.
Despite shifts in consumption patterns like increased online shopping, the government continues to promote waste reduction through initiatives such as the Food Wastage Reduction Handy Guide and the Say Yes to Waste Less campaign.
A Citizens' Workgroup has been established to engage the public in co-creating solutions to reduce the use of disposables, whether working from home or in offices.

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3 Nov 2020

Update on Efforts to Raise Awareness about Arctic Issues in Singapore

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment has run campaigns and events like Climate Action Week and thematic years to raise public awareness on climate change and sustainability.
Singapore, as an observer to the Arctic Council since 2013, has hosted forums and exhibitions and supported youth engagement to increase understanding of Arctic issues.
The government acknowledges the Arctic’s impact on Singapore’s maritime sector, including potential new shipping routes, and is monitoring developments to leverage opportunities.
Multiple agencies are engaged in Arctic Council working groups to address emergency response, marine environment protection, and conservation.
Singapore aims to maintain its global hub port status by working with industry stakeholders to adapt to changes in global supply chains and Arctic-related developments.

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3 Nov 2020

Sharing Progress of Carbon Emissions and Sustainability Targets by SAF Annually

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Defence whether the SAF has targets on carbon emissions and sustainability and if it can commit to annual reporting of progress.
The SAF integrates environmental sustainability into its planning, aligning with national standards like PSTLES, while ensuring it does not compromise operational readiness.
The SAF tracks sustainability progress annually under whole-of-government initiatives, with examples like replacing administrative vehicles with hybrids and energy-efficient building designs.

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2 Nov 2020

Extension of Rainwater Harvesting Systems under HDB Greenprints @ Yuhua Programme to Mature Housing Estates to Minimise Potable Water Usage for Common Area Washing and Watering of Plants

Murali Pillai proposed extending rainwater harvesting systems from the HDB Greenprint @ Yuhua pilot to mature estates to cut potable water use for common areas and plant watering.
Desmond Lee noted the initial pilot was not cost-effective due to separate tanks and treatment systems, but HDB has since developed a more integrated Urban Water Harvesting System (UWHS) that lowers costs and also helps mitigate flooding.
The UWHS is now included in all suitable BTO projects from August 2018, and HDB will pilot it in some existing estates under the Green Towns Programme, with wider rollout if successful.
HDB is working with PUB to identify pilot sites based on cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility, and will continue exploring new water-saving solutions.

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