Environment & climate — Topics

5 Oct 2020

Cat Feeders Issued Summonses for Littering

Lim Biow Chuan asked how many cat feeders have been summoned for littering in the past three years.
Grace Fu Hai Yien replied that eight cat feeders have been enforced against for littering by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
She explained that leftover food can attract pests and create health risks, and containers can lead to mosquito breeding.
The NEA and Animal and Veterinary Service work with the Cat Welfare Society to allow responsible feeding while ensuring no food remnants are left behind.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Per-flight Environmental Tax and Retaining Pilot’s Skills Via Flight Simulators Instead of Launching "Flights to Nowhere"

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned whether a per-flight environmental tax should be imposed on SIA's "flights to nowhere" and proposed that pilots retain skills via simulators instead, with salaries supplemented by a government subsidy to cover environmental costs.
Ong Ye Kung acknowledged the questions and indicated he would respond during the 6 October 2020 Parliament sitting.
The debate highlighted concerns about the environmental impact of unnecessary flights and alternative methods for maintaining pilot proficiency without physical flights.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Proposal for Carpooling by Taxis to Maximise Seating Capacity and Reduce Overall Carbon Footprint

Ms Hany Soh asked the Ministry of Transport to allow taxi operators to carpool to increase vehicle seating capacity and reduce the country's carbon footprint.
Ong Ye Kung stated that no regulations prevent taxi or P2P operators from pooling passengers, and services like GrabShare and RydePool already exist.
Due to COVID-19, Grab and Ryde have voluntarily suspended their carpooling services as a precaution.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Smart Sensors for Lightings at Common Areas and Parks

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked if smart light sensors can be installed in all common areas, parks, and the environment to automatically turn on lights instead of manually adjusting timings.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB has already implemented the Smart Lighting System (SLS) in public housing developments since May 2018, using sensors to automatically activate lights in indoor and outdoor common areas during low ambient lighting.
NParks is piloting ambient light sensors at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and will assess wider park implementation based on the trial's outcomes.
Agencies plan to extend the SLS to existing estates under the HDB Green Towns Programme and continue exploring new technologies for sustainability.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Leveraging Work-from-Home Trend to Increase Adoption of Recycling and Reducing Waste

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how Singapore can use the work-from-home trend to boost personal recycling and waste reduction, prompting the NEA to enhance engagement efforts focused on home-based actions like using reusable containers and cleaning recyclables.
The NEA's "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign expanded with 95 partners and over 2,100 premises, promoting waste reduction through initiatives such as default opt-out for disposable cutlery and incentives for reusable use, leveraging increased home-based food delivery.
A Citizens' Workgroup was launched to co-create solutions with the public to reduce disposable consumption, aiming to gather ideas applicable both at home and in workplaces.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Expansion of Domestic Waste Recycling Industry

The Ministry acknowledges the need to expand local recycling capabilities and has acted on a 2018 study by the National Environment Agency (NEA) that found it feasible to develop domestic recycling for e-waste and plastics, aligning with the 2019 Zero Waste Masterplan.
Progress includes plans for three new e-waste facilities in the next three years to recycle over 64,000 tonnes annually, along with research collaborations and efforts to develop mechanical and chemical recycling solutions for plastics, including a feasibility study for a pilot Plastic Recovery Facility.
A cost-benefit analysis comparing exporting recyclables versus local processing has not been conducted due to lack of data on how exported waste is handled overseas, but the government is committed to strengthening local recycling capabilities to enhance resource resilience, especially given pandemic-related supply chain vulnerabilities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Percentage of Singapore's Recyclable Waste Exported

Over the past five years, Singapore exported 1.44 to 1.89 million tonnes of recyclable waste annually, accounting for 34% to 41% of the total waste recycled each year, with ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paper, and cardboard comprising about 90% of exports in 2019.
Recyclable waste exports are regulated under the Basel Convention, and Singapore companies are reminded of their obligations, though the government cannot track how imported recyclables are processed overseas.
The Ministry recognizes the need to develop local recycling capabilities, including mechanical and chemical recycling for plastics and frameworks for e-waste, to reduce reliance on exports and build a circular economy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment introduced the Bill to strengthen public hygiene through mandatory environmental sanitation standards for high-risk premises, including preschools, eldercare facilities, and hawker centres, with premises managers held accountable for compliance.
Members of Parliament broadly supported the Bill but raised concerns about implementation, suggesting a cleanliness grading system for public toilets, incentives for compliance, and phased approaches to ease costs on small businesses, while also emphasizing the need for public education to foster shared responsibility.
The Minister responded by outlining a pragmatic rollout from mid-2021, starting with higher-risk sectors, and highlighted support measures such as training subsidies for Environmental Control Coordinators and Officers, infrastructure grants, and behavioral nudges to encourage civic-mindedness.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Local Species of Flora and Fauna Classified as Extinct and Endangered and Efforts to Raise Students and Young Singaporeans' Awareness of Biodiversity Conservation Issues

No species of flora or fauna native to Singapore has been classified as presumed extinct in the last five years, while 857 species are critically endangered and 352 are endangered.
NParks runs youth engagement programmes like Greening Schools for Biodiversity and Biodiversity Friends Forum to raise awareness and involve students in conservation efforts.
These initiatives aim to equip students with knowledge and skills for habitat enhancement and nurture future leaders in biodiversity conservation.
NParks continues to explore new ways to engage young Singaporeans in biodiversity conservation as part of transforming Singapore into a City in Nature.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Update on Feasibility Study of Implementing Noise Mitigation Measures along Pan-Island Expressway Adjacent to HDB Blocks in Bukit Batok SMC

The Ministry of Transport reported that LTA's feasibility study on noise mitigation for the Pan-Island Expressway near HDB blocks in Bukit Batok SMC is ongoing.
Trials indicated that low-noise pavement mix is more effective than vertical barriers in reducing noise for nearby residents.
LTA will assess incorporating this pavement mix at an appropriate time, while acknowledging the need for public patience during ongoing efforts to improve living conditions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Incentivising Use of Environment-friendly Food and Drink Containers

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Ministry would consider incentivising the use of environment-friendly containers like washable or reusable ones.
The Ministry and NEA have been promoting reusable containers, such as by banning disposables for dine-in at new hawker centres and through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign.
Private companies like Starbucks and SaladStop! already offer discounts or freebies for customers using reusable containers, and the government encourages more businesses to join this effort.
A Citizens' Workgroup will be convened to explore measures to reduce disposable consumption, including incentivising environmentally friendly containers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Develop Responsible Financing Policies to Address Climate Risks Posed by High Climate-Risk Sectors

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about policies MAS is studying to address climate risks in high-risk sectors identified in the 2018 Guidelines and how MAS will collaborate with banks to develop responsible financing policies.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam stated that MAS will issue new supervisory guidance in Q4 2020, requiring banks to implement environmentally responsible financing policies, including board oversight, sector-specific policies for high-risk sectors, and disclosure of environmental risk management.
MAS expects banks to assess exposures, mitigate risks, and work with higher-risk customers to improve sustainability, rather than outrightly disallowing services to climate-risk industries.
MAS is engaging banks on guideline implementation, collaborating with regulators on risk measurement, and promoting best practices in environmental risk management.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Measures to Tackle Illegal Bird-feeding

NParks has issued 31 enforcement notices for bird-feeding offences since January 2020, with 18 being composition notices, and has strengthened penalties under the enhanced Wildlife Act, allowing fines up to $5,000.
NParks employs camera surveillance, Town Council partnerships, and enforcement operations to deter illegal bird-feeding, alongside public education to address feeders' motivations and discourage the practice.
A pilot Pigeon Management Plan was launched in February 2020 with four Town Councils, using a multi-pronged approach including food reduction and habitat modification, with findings to guide scaling to other areas.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Cleaning of Debris Washed Ashore Due to Monsoon Season

The Northeast monsoon from November to March and the Southwest monsoon from June to September bring flotsam to Singapore’s shores, affecting specific recreational beaches like Changi, Pasir Ris, Punggol, Coney Island, Sembawang, and East Coast Park depending on the season.
During monsoon periods, the National Environment Agency increases cleaning of recreational beaches to twice daily, while non-recreational beaches are cleaned weekly or fortnightly, a schedule maintained even during COVID-19.
Singapore actively participates in international and regional efforts, including UN and ASEAN initiatives, to address transboundary marine litter and supports capacity building for other countries.
Community groups and individuals are encouraged to participate in clean-ups and practice responsible disposal to help keep beaches clean and protect wildlife.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Recent Trends in High-rise Littering

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of high-rise littering cases charged over five years, whether there is a rising trend, and if new measures will be introduced.
Grace Fu Yien stated that NEA took 6,000 enforcement actions against 2,200 offenders in the past five years, with annual numbers stabilizing between 1,100 and 1,500 from 2016 to 2019.
The use of surveillance cameras with video analytics significantly increased enforcement actions from 11 in 2012 to over 1,000 in recent years.
NEA has deployed more cameras, streamlined investigation processes, and partnered with Town Councils for better information sharing, while also piloting community co-solutioning projects in Yio Chu Kang.
Future plans include exploring better camera technology, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting social responsibility to curb high-rise littering.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Reasons for Recent Surge in Dengue Cases

The surge in dengue cases is attributed to a confluence of factors, including the dominance of the less common DENV-3 serotype with low population immunity, a 30% increase in the Aedes aegypti mosquito population during warmer and wetter weather, and the Circuit Breaker period which increased human exposure at home and reduced cleaning services.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has intensified efforts, including over 107,000 home inspections, tightened enforcement with higher fines, and launched vector control exercises with Town Councils and community volunteers, alongside distributing repellents and expanding public communication campaigns.
Initial results show a 20% decline in recent dengue cases and most clusters closing, but the overall number remains high, prompting ongoing measures such as Project Wolbachia trials, which have shown promise in suppressing mosquito populations by up to 90% in test areas, though community efforts are still essential.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Sep 2020

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment introduced the Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill to update the Environmental Public Health Act.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting.
The purpose of the amendment is to refine public health regulations under Chapter 95 of the 2002 Revised Edition.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

24 Aug 2020

Prime Minister's Office (Strategy Group)

The COVID-19 pandemic is Singapore's gravest challenge since independence, requiring a coordinated whole-of-government and society response led by the Strategy Group to navigate the crisis and build a better post-pandemic future.
The government will conduct a comprehensive review of its medium-term policy agenda to address new challenges and opportunities, focusing on economic and social policies, climate action, and infrastructure for a sustainable city.
Singapore will maintain its population strategies, supporting parenthood aspirations while taking a calibrated approach to immigration and foreign worker flows to ensure a cohesive society and vibrant economy.
The government remains committed to climate action, supporting global efforts and exploring technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen, while advancing a green recovery to create new jobs and build resilience.
The government emphasizes the need for partnerships with individuals, communities, and businesses through initiatives like SG Together to develop and implement ideas for a better post-COVID Singapore.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport will focus on reviving Singapore's air hub by progressively restoring transit services, improving infrastructure like Changi's three-runway system and Terminal 5, and re-skilling workers amid severe COVID-19 impacts.
The maritime sector will be strengthened through investments in Tuas Port, digitalization for efficient operations, and adapting to global supply chain shifts to maintain Singapore's status as a key maritime hub.
Public transport will be expanded and made more sustainable, with new MRT lines, improved accessibility, and a move towards a car-lite nation including phasing out internal combustion vehicles by 2040 and promoting electric vehicles.
Collaboration with Malaysia on land transport projects, like the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link and discussions on the HSR, aims to improve connectivity and people-to-people ties post-pandemic.
Climate change initiatives include promoting sustainable travel patterns, expanding cycling paths, and international efforts in maritime and aviation decarbonisation through advisory panels and green funds.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment will prioritize environmental public health resilience, food security, and job creation in response to COVID-19, including initiatives like the "30x30 Express" grant and hiring for safe distancing roles.
Long-term plans include combating climate change through a green recovery, investing in climate science research, and protecting against rising sea levels, with programs such as the National Sea Level Research Programme and the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Singapore will enhance water security by expanding the Changi NEWater Factory and implementing smart meters, and improve food security by diversifying imports and achieving the "30 by 30" goal for local food production.
The ministry is committed to a zero-waste nation via circular economy approaches, transforming waste into resources like NEWSand and NEWOil, and mandating recycling for key waste streams to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.
MSE aims to create 4,000 new and upgraded jobs in the next year and 55,000 over 10 years in sustainability sectors, while engaging the public through initiatives like the $50 million SG Eco Fund to foster collaborative environmental solutions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source