Environment & climate — Topics

24 Aug 2020

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry will help the construction sector restart and transform through technology, digitalisation, and skills training to improve productivity and create better jobs.
It will ensure housing affordability and stability by assisting affected households, minimizing BTO flat delays, and catering to diverse needs, including seniors, low-income families, and multigenerational households.
The Ministry aims to make towns more liveable and inclusive by upgrading estates, developing "Healthy Towns," and enhancing community engagement for resident-driven rejuvenation.
A key focus is transforming Singapore into a "City in Nature" by protecting nature areas, greening buildings and infrastructure, and reducing HDB town energy consumption by 15% by 2030.
It will partner the community and industry on long-term projects like the Rail Corridor, Greater Southern Waterfront, and Jurong Lake District to create sustainable, vibrant spaces for future generations.

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5 Jun 2020

Study on Safety Measures Taken by Other Countries upon Reopening of Parks and Nature Areas

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the Ministry has studied international safety measures for reopening parks and nature areas, and if it would consider reopening parks with safe distancing to allow Singaporeans more time in nature.
Lawrence Wong stated that parks and nature areas have remained open with safe distancing measures, using NParks officers, technology like apps and drones for crowd monitoring, and real-time visitorship updates to manage crowding.
Some facilities like car parks, eateries, playgrounds, and beaches were closed during the circuit breaker but will gradually reopen in Phase 2 with precautions, and NParks will continue studying other countries' measures to adopt relevant safe management practices.

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5 Jun 2020

Benefits to Wildlife from Reduction in Frequency of Green Verge Maintenance along Public Roads and Paths during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked if reducing green verge maintenance during the COVID-19 circuit breaker provided environmental benefits and whether such reduced maintenance could be permanently adopted to save costs and improve biodiversity.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that NParks already uses naturalistic planting and Nature Ways to enhance biodiversity and reduce maintenance needs, but emphasized that regular upkeep remains necessary for public health and safety reasons like dengue control and fire risk.
NParks plans to expand naturalistic landscapes and increase mechanization and innovation in maintenance to reduce manual labour, while scaling up maintenance as circuit breaker measures ease.

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4 Jun 2020

Actual and Expected Conversion of Natural Spaces to Urban Development and Carbon Sequestered under URA Concept Plan

Anthea Ong questioned the Minister for National Development about land converted from natural to urban spaces over the past 20 years, future conversions under the URA Concept Plan, the impact on primary and mature secondary forests, and the carbon sequestered by affected areas.
Lawrence Wong responded that Singapore has increased green and natural spaces from 5,500 hectares in 2000 to 7,800 hectares today, with plans to add another 1,000 hectares of parks and gardens under the Master Plan 2019, and is transforming into a City in Nature with initiatives like planting one million trees by 2030.
He emphasized that developments near sensitive nature areas undergo robust environmental assessments, and Singapore’s efforts to enhance natural ecosystems support carbon storage and sequestration, aligning with climate resilience goals and a pledge to peak emissions at 65 MtCO2e around 2030.

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4 Jun 2020

Current and Projected 2030 Energy Composition for Electricity Generation and Plans to Phase out Fossil Fuels

Ms Anthea Ong asked about Singapore's current and projected 2030 energy composition for electricity generation and plans to phase out carbon-intensive fossil fuels.
Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that currently about 95% of electricity is generated from natural gas, with non-fossil sources like solar, biomass, and municipal waste accounting for 3%, and the remainder from coal, diesel, and fuel oil.
He confirmed that natural gas will remain the dominant energy source in 2030, with plans to increase solar capacity six-fold to at least 2 GWp, contributing about 3% of energy demand, and to explore importing clean energy from neighbouring countries.

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4 Jun 2020

Impact of Telecommuting by Employees at Water Plants on Singapore's Water Supply Adequacy

Seah Kian Peng asked for assurance that Singapore's water supply remains adequate and water plants operate at full capacity, and what percentage of staff at these plants are telecommuting and whether this affects water quality.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M confirmed that Singapore's water supply is robust and diversified through the Four National Taps, with water plants operating normally under essential service status during the Circuit Breaker period.
PUB has implemented Safe Management Measures, including physical distancing, staggered hours, split teams, and enhanced cleaning, to ensure continued operations without compromising water supply adequacy.
Water quality remains compliant with national regulations and WHO guidelines, with daily sampling and monitoring conducted across reservoirs, distribution systems, and customer taps.
The minister expressed gratitude to PUB officers for their dedication, assuring Singaporeans of uninterrupted, high-quality drinking water during the pandemic.

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4 Jun 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Situation on Singapore’s Climate Change Commitments

Henry Kwek asked if Singapore will continue its climate commitments amid the COVID-19 crisis and its economic impacts.
Masagos Zulkifli affirmed that while managing COVID-19 is the immediate priority, climate change remains a critical long-term threat, and Singapore will not relent on its climate actions.
Singapore submitted its enhanced 2030 climate pledge to the UNFCCC in March to signal unwavering commitment and encourage global momentum, despite uncertainties from the pandemic.
Progress continues on climate initiatives, including achieving the 2020 solar target, advancing the 2030 solar goal, launching floating solar projects, and promoting local food security through the "30x30 Express" grant.
The government is investing in low-emissions solutions, coastal protection, and energy efficiency programs to build a resilient, low-carbon economy and ensure Singapore emerges stronger post-COVID.

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4 Jun 2020

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The bill amends the Environmental Public Health Act to update public health regulations and address emerging environmental issues.
The Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources presented the bill and outlined its key objectives during the parliamentary session.
The bill underwent its first reading and was scheduled for a second reading in a subsequent sitting of Parliament.

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26 May 2020

Reason for Recent Flash Floods and Plans to Tackle Issue

The flash floods on 30 April 2020 were caused by exceptionally intense rainfall of 128.4mm, overwhelming roadside drains in areas like Sennett Estate, Upper Paya Lebar Service Road, and Tampines Road.
PUB has invested almost $2 billion in drainage upgrades since 2011, with recent projects like the Tampines Canal upgrade reducing flood areas by 86%, and ongoing works to further improve drainage in affected areas by 2021.
Beyond drainage expansion, PUB is enhancing flood resilience through measures like loaning portable flood panels, upgrading radar technology for better forecasting, and encouraging public use of weather alert apps.

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5 May 2020

Proposal to Ban Display, Slaughter and Sale of Wild-caught Soft-shelled Turtles at Wet Markets

The Ministry of State for Environment and Water Resources stated that while the sale of wild-caught soft-shelled turtles in wet markets is allowed under existing regulations, agencies are reviewing the practice due to low but present zoonotic disease risks, with no detected infringements to date.
MP Louis Ng argued for a ban, emphasizing the unnecessary risk of zoonotic diseases like Salmonella in wild-caught turtles, drawing parallels to the origins of COVID-19 and questioning the alignment with NParks' stance on pet turtles.
The Minister confirmed that NParks and the SFA collaborate on regulations, including CITES compliance and food safety, and are conducting a review to improve standards, with public feedback encouraged on non-compliant vendors.

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7 Apr 2020

Cost of Building Cross Island Line and Measures to Ensure Minimal Impact on Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Affordability to Vulnerable Populations

Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the government fully funds the construction of the Cross Island Line (CRL) under the rail financing framework, ensuring commuters do not bear the cost through fares.
He stated that the final cost depends on tender bids and the government does not disclose project budgets to avoid influencing ongoing or future tenders.
For the Central Catchment Nature Reserve section, tender requirements will specify tunnel alignment, depth, and environmental mitigation measures as outlined in the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan.
The plan was developed through rigorous study and stakeholder consultation, including Nature Groups, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
No specific measures were mentioned for protecting vulnerable populations from affordability issues, as the cost is not passed to commuters via fares.

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6 Apr 2020

Adequacy of Estimated $100 Billion for Coastal Defences over Next 100 Years in View of Rise in Sea Level from Melting of Antarctica

The $100 billion estimate for coastal defences over 100 years was based on a 2013 study and older climate reports that did not fully account for Antarctic ice melt.
Newer scientific findings, including a 2019 IPCC report, indicate higher sea-level rise for tropical regions like Singapore, prompting ongoing research and updates to projections.
The government has allocated $5 billion to a Coastal and Flood Protection Fund and plans detailed studies on specific coastal areas to refine cost estimates and adaptation measures.
The $100 billion figure is an initial estimate that may change as climate science evolves, and Singapore’s approach will remain flexible to accommodate future data.

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6 Apr 2020

Private Bus Operations and Ridership in 2018 and 2019 and Their Contribution to Total Carbon Emissions and Measures to Achieve Goals of Land Transport Masterplan 2040

Ms Anthea Ong inquired about the number of private bus operators, buses, trips, passengers, and carbon emissions for 2018 and 2019, as well as the timeline for supporting cleaner private buses to meet the Land Transport Masterplan 2040 goals.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed there are about 5,000 operators with 13,500 private buses but stated the ministry does not track trip or passenger data or corresponding carbon emissions.
The government will support cleaner private buses through the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme offering up to $30,000 incentives from April 2021 and an enhanced Early Turnover Scheme for older diesel vehicles.
The government will collaborate with the private sector to expand charging infrastructure in carparks to promote electric bus adoption.
These measures align with the vision for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 and support the Land Transport Masterplan 2040 climate goals.

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25 Mar 2020

Wild Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill

The Wild Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill introduces comprehensive reforms to update Singapore's wildlife legislation, including renaming the Act to the Wildlife Act, extending prohibitions on feeding and releasing wildlife beyond parks to all of Singapore, and enhancing penalties for poaching, trafficking, and other offences to deter illegal activities.
The Bill expands protection to invertebrates and introduces a new list of "protected wildlife species" for stronger safeguards, while allowing exemptions for pests and non-threatened species to balance conservation with practical needs like pest control.
The amendments empower authorities to issue directions to developers for wildlife protection measures, strengthen enforcement powers such as seizing conveyances used in offences, and address public concerns through education and engagement, though some members raised questions about proportionality and implementation.

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6 Mar 2020

Air Quality Performance in 2019 for PM2.5, Sulphur Dioxide, Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions

In 2019, Singapore met its 2020 air quality targets for nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide but did not meet targets for PM2.5, PM10, and ozone, while sulphur dioxide met the annual target but exceeded the 24-hour limit on one day.
The government has implemented measures including tighter industrial emission standards, stricter vehicle and fuel regulations, and incentive schemes to replace older, polluting vehicles, with ongoing reviews planned.
The National Environment Agency conducts emissions inventory and source apportionment studies to identify key pollutant sources and inform air quality management strategies, though public emissions inventories are not currently published.

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6 Mar 2020

Data on New Diesel-hybrid and Electric Buses Deployed since 2018

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Transport about collated data on operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and rider feedback for new diesel-hybrid and electric buses deployed since 2018, and which indicators will support the proportion of each vehicle type in the cleaner bus fleet by 2040.
The Minister confirmed that since March 2019, 50 hybrid buses have been deployed and are well received by commuters for being quieter and smoother, with each bus reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions by about 32 tonnes per year, saving 1,620 tonnes annually across the fleet.
The hybrid buses also reduce fuel usage by up to 35% compared to traditional diesel buses, and 60 fully electric buses are being deployed in 2020 for assessment and to calibrate the ramp-up of cleaner energy buses.
The government is committed to having all public buses run on cleaner energy by 2040, and LTA will continue evaluating data to guide the transition.

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6 Mar 2020

Public Utilities (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources introduced amendments to the Public Utilities Act to expand PUB’s mandate to include coastal protection, establish a $5 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, and legislate new safeguards for water infrastructure, including smart water meters and water tank security.
Members of Parliament supported the Bill but raised questions on funding sustainability for coastal protection, the use of local companies for projects, and the circumstances under which Special Administration Orders would be invoked for Design-Build-Own-Operate water plants.
The Minister clarified that the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund would be ring-fenced and supplemented by other funding sources, and that legislative safeguards for water plants were proactive measures to enhance water security, with Special Administration Orders to be used only in exceptional circumstances.

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6 Mar 2020

Wild Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill

Louis Ng Kok Kwang introduced the Wild Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill after two years of work by a multi-stakeholder committee and extensive public consultations.
The Bill aims to strengthen wildlife protection and management by controlling feeding and release, requiring wildlife measures for developments, introducing new offences, and enhancing enforcement powers.
The proposal was developed with input from nature and animal welfare groups, pest management associations, religious leaders, and the public through over 1,000 consultation responses.
The Bill was read for the first time and scheduled for its second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting.
The amendment seeks to maintain a healthy ecosystem while safeguarding public safety and health in Singapore.

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5 Mar 2020

Study on Impact and Mitigation Factors of Climate Change on Low-income Groups

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Prime Minister whether a study on climate change impacts on low-income groups has been conducted and if its results are available.
Teo Chee Hean responded that the government's climate strategies consider all stakeholders, including low-income and vulnerable groups, through inclusive adaptation and mitigation measures.
Specific initiatives like HDB Green Towns Programme and energy-efficient appliance incentives are designed to reduce utility bills and minimize climate change impacts on low-income households.
Additional financial support, such as GST Voucher – U-Save rebates, is provided to eligible HDB households to cushion the effects of carbon taxes and rising utility costs.

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5 Mar 2020

Plans to Expand Green Bond Grant Scheme with Stricter Regulations

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether there are plans to expand the Green Bond Grant Scheme with stricter regulations to ensure adherence to eligible expenses.
The scheme has evolved since its launch, including lowering the minimum issuance size and expanding its scope to include social and sustainability bonds, while requiring issuers to follow internationally accepted principles and obtain independent external reviews to prevent greenwashing.
MAS is considering a new grant scheme for green and sustainability-linked loans to support SMEs, with plans to adjust minimum loan amounts to better meet their needs.

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