Environment & climate — Topics

6 Jan 2020

Impact of Recent UN Climate Talks (COP25) on Singapore

COP25 failed to reach an agreement on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which is crucial for carbon markets and cost-effective mitigation, but Singapore will continue working with other countries to secure a credible outcome at COP26.
Despite the setback, COP25 made progress by adopting decisions that reinforce multilateralism, acknowledge the role of climate finance, and call for updated national climate pledges, which Singapore co-facilitated.
Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to implementing its Paris Agreement pledges, including capping emissions around 2030, updating its Nationally Determined Contribution, and contributing to international climate efforts through organizations like ICAO and IMO.
Regionally, Singapore supports fellow developing countries through capacity-building workshops, such as those on the Paris rulebook and updating NDCs for ASEAN countries.
Nationally, Singapore is implementing a carbon tax, promoting a circular economy through initiatives like the Zero Waste Masterplan and Resource Sustainability Act, and focusing on sustainable food supply to strengthen climate resilience.

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6 Jan 2020

Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) (Amendment) Bill

The Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) Act and make consequential amendments to the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018.
The bill was presented by the Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources on behalf of the Minister, read for the first time, and scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting.

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5 Nov 2019

Plans to Encourage Innovative Solutions to Climate Change in Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Sciences

The government is investing $900 million in research and development to develop innovative solutions for decarbonising Singapore's grid, industries, and buildings, working with industry and academic partners.
Singapore is maximizing solar energy deployment, including testing floating solar photovoltaic systems and studying clean fuels like hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.
The Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) is leading climate science research, including a new Programme Office and the National Sea Level Programme to address sea level rise and coastal protection.
Singapore is exploring coastal protection technologies and building a polder at Pulau Tekong to gain experience in managing sea level rise impacts.
The government emphasizes collaboration across government, businesses, civil society, and citizens to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation efforts.

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5 Nov 2019

Comparative Study on Carbon Impact of Tetra Paks and Disposable Plastic Bottles

Louis Ng asked about the recycling percentages of tetra paks versus plastic water bottles in Singapore and if a life-cycle assessment comparing their carbon impact has been conducted.
Masagos Zulkifli responded that while about 60% of materials from recycling bins are recycled, the National Environment Agency does not track specific recycling rates for each packaging type.
He stated that no specific life-cycle assessment comparing tetra paks and plastic bottles has been conducted or is known by the Ministry, which instead focuses on reducing overall packaging consumption and promoting recycling.

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5 Nov 2019

Reduction in Sulphur Dioxide Emissions from Vessels at Singapore Port after Enforcement of IMO 2020

Ong Teng Koon asked about the expected reduction in sulphur oxide emissions from vessels in Singapore Port after IMO 2020 enforcement.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that IMO 2020 reduces the sulphur content limit in marine fuel from 3.5% to 0.5% from 1 January 2020.
Based on IMO estimates, global sulphur oxide emissions are expected to fall by more than 80% under IMO 2020.
Singapore Port is anticipated to see a similar proportional reduction in emissions from vessels.
The response highlights the environmental impact of the new global sulphur cap on shipping activities.

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5 Nov 2019

Final Environmental Impact Assessment before Decision on Alignment Option for Cross Island MRT Line

Dennis Tan asked if a final, holistic environmental impact assessment would be conducted before deciding on the Cross Island MRT Line's alignment, to which the Ministry responded that a comprehensive two-phase EIA was already completed in 2019, with no plans for further study.
The Minister emphasized that the existing EIA was robust, involved independent review and stakeholder engagement, and concluded both alignments are feasible with mitigation, but it does not cover broader economic or whole-biome considerations.
Dennis Tan clarified his request for a more holistic valuation of ecosystem services and species/climate projections, while the Minister noted such broader assessments are separate from the specific EIA and that no date for the alignment decision has been set.

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4 Nov 2019

Long-term Measures to Curb Amount of Packaging Used in Delivery of Online Purchases

The Ministry is introducing mandatory packaging data reporting from next year to curb waste, focusing on companies that place packaging on the market, including those involved in e-commerce delivery.
An Extended Producer Responsibility framework for packaging waste, including plastics, will be established by 2025 or earlier, building on the reporting system.
Educational campaigns and a Citizens' Workgroup will be convened to address excessive single-use plastics, while challenges with regulating overseas e-commerce companies are noted.

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4 Nov 2019

Falling Water Level at Johor's Linggiu Reservoir

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources about plans to work with Malaysia to increase the yield of the Johor River amid falling water levels at Johor’s Linggiu Reservoir.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M noted the Linggiu Reservoir’s water level dropped from 72% in early 2019 to below 50% in September 2019 and only slightly recovered, with unsustainable water abstractions from the Johor River exacerbated by dry weather and upstream plants in Malaysia.
He highlighted that the Linggiu Reservoir, built by Singapore for $300 million, ensures reliable water abstraction, but its failure could compromise Singapore’s right to 250 million gallons per day under the 1962 Water Agreement.
Both countries recognize the need for joint efforts to sustain the water supply, with regular engagements between Singapore and Malaysian authorities to explore measures to increase the Johor River’s yield.

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4 Nov 2019

Plans for Singapore to Reach Net Zero Emissions

The Government is studying how to advance technology, such as carbon capture and green hydrogen, to transit to a lower carbon future and is exploring the feasibility of working toward net zero emissions while maintaining an ambitious NDC to reduce emissions intensity by 36% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Singapore faces geographical constraints like limited land and low renewable potential but is pushing innovation, such as floating solar and doubling solar deployment to at least 2 GWp by 2030, to compensate and enhance climate action.
The Government emphasizes a whole-of-nation effort, including policies like the carbon tax, energy conservation mandates for industries, and transport infrastructure improvements, while encouraging public and business participation to achieve climate goals.

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4 Nov 2019

Use of Photographs or Video Recordings of High-rise Littering and Feeding of Pigeons to Prosecute Perpetrators

The Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources confirms that surveillance cameras and video analytics are used to catch high-rise littering offenders, with over 2,200 caught since 2012, and NParks uses cameras and targeted operations to curb pigeon feeding.
The public can submit photos and video recordings of these offences to NEA and NParks to aid investigations and enable more targeted enforcement operations.
The Ministry emphasizes that enforcement alone is insufficient; fostering collective responsibility and positive social norms through community outreach, advisories, and partnerships is crucial for a clean and sustainable Singapore.

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4 Nov 2019

Number of Hybrid and Fully Electric Cars Registered in Singapore

There are currently 34,000 hybrid cars and 1,000 fully electric cars registered in Singapore.
The Land Transport Master Plan 2040 aims for all taxis, private hire cars, and public buses to be hybrid or fully electric by 2040.
Existing vehicle owners decide whether to switch, but taxi companies and some private hire providers have committed to 100% cleaner fleets by 2040.

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4 Nov 2019

Subsidy on Treated Water Supplied to Malaysia

Singapore sells treated water to Johor at 50 Malaysian sens per thousand gallons under the 1962 Water Agreement, which is significantly below the actual cost of treatment and supply.
The subsidy amount has varied over time due to rising costs of materials and energy, but the government does not disclose the total subsidies provided since tracking began.
Beyond the agreed entitlement of five million gallons per day, Singapore supplies up to 22 million gallons daily at the same subsidised price, as an act of goodwill.

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4 Nov 2019

Manufacturers’ Information on Recycling Classification on Product Packages

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether manufacturers should be required to provide recycling classification information or labels on product packaging to boost public awareness.
The Minister responded that Singapore currently has no plans to mandate such labels, as the country uses a commingled recycling system where all recyclables are collected together and sorted at facilities.
The Ministry and NEA will continue collaborating with stakeholders to promote recycling awareness, including exploring packaging labels, and have launched initiatives like the #RecycleRight movement and a redesigned bin label to guide proper recycling.

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4 Nov 2019

Installation of Water Dispensers in Shopping Centres, Public Transport Stations and Office Buildings

Mohamed Irshad asked if the Ministry plans to install or encourage more water dispensers in shopping centres, transport stations, and offices to reduce bottled water use.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M said the Ministry supports installing water dispensers to aid Zero Waste and War on Diabetes efforts, noting that millions of bottled water are imported monthly and tap water is safe to drink.
The Ministry stated that NEA has installed dispensers in all MEWR-owned hawker centres and is working with Town Councils to provide them in HDB-owned hawker centres.
The Ministry also encourages building owners to install dispensers through schemes like Green Mark for Healthier Workplaces and the Singapore HEALTH Award, and promotes reusable cups at events via a best practice guide.

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4 Nov 2019

Proper Disposal of Car Batteries to Prevent Pollutive Discharge in Singapore's Water Catchment Areas

Teo Ho Pin asked for details on how car batteries are disposed of in Singapore and what measures prevent pollution of water catchment areas.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that lead acid batteries are classified as Toxic Industrial Waste and must be collected by licensed dealers who are prohibited from indiscriminate disposal.
Lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride batteries from electric and hybrid cars are removed at workshops and recycled or exported for recovery.
From 2021, Singapore will implement an Extended Producer Responsibility approach under the Resource Sustainability Act, requiring producers to provide free take-back and disposal services for end-of-life batteries.
The National Environment Agency will enforce recycling requirements for e-waste recyclers and collaborate with LTA and industry stakeholders on operational details.

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4 Nov 2019

Impact of Haze on Tourist Arrivals and Attendance of Major Events

Tourist arrivals grew 2.1% to 14.3 million from January to September 2019, but the haze in August and September may have limited further growth.
The haze can negatively affect outdoor activities and event attendance, with impact severity depending on haze duration and intensity.
Singapore must collaborate with neighboring countries on haze mitigation and diversify its economy to remain resilient against such external shocks.

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4 Nov 2019

Outlook on Singapore’s Water Adequacy and Possibility of Water Rationing Exercises

A Member of Parliament asked whether Singapore might face water rationing like some regional cities, the outlook on water adequacy, and advice for businesses and residents.
The Minister responded that while regional cities have faced droughts and rationing, Singapore has not needed nationwide rationing since 1964 due to robust water infrastructure and diversification into NEWater, desalination, local catchment, and imported water.
However, recent dry spells have affected reservoirs, and climate change may increase extreme weather risks, so the government continues to invest in water resilience while urging prudent use.
PUB conducts water rationing exercises in schools and communities to raise conservation awareness, and advises all to adopt water-saving practices and technologies.
The government calls for collective commitment to treat water as a precious resource to ensure long-term sustainability.

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4 Nov 2019

Singapore’s Role in Coal-fired and Gas-fired Independent Power Producer Projects in the Region

Saktiandi Supaat asked the Ministry how many regional coal and gas-fired IPP projects Singapore is involved in and how it can lead in renewable energy financing.
The Ministry responded that investment decisions are commercial, but noted that ESG considerations are shifting funds toward sustainable projects, with initiatives like the Green Bond Grant Scheme and sustainable reporting standards.
Supaat suggested enhancing investments in first-loss funds or renewable projects in ASEAN to boost green financing, but the Ministry reiterated that it does not interfere in commercial decisions, though it supports green financing transitions.
Louis Ng asked if the Ministry would urge GIC to stop funding coal-power projects, but the Ministry emphasized that sovereign wealth funds make independent commercial decisions, with sustainability as a factor.
The debate highlighted Singapore's role in promoting green financing while maintaining that investment decisions in power projects remain the domain of commercial entities.

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4 Nov 2019

Sources of Carbon Emissions in Singapore

The Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources provided data on carbon emissions, stating that air-conditioning contributes to a portion of the 19% from buildings and households, land transport accounts for 14%, and waste incineration makes up 3% of Singapore's total greenhouse gas emissions.
The government is implementing various measures to reduce emissions, including energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances, promoting public and active transport, and diverting waste from incineration through recycling and the Zero Waste Masterplan, while studying but not yet adopting carbon capture technologies.
In supplementary questions, members asked about district cooling, public charging for electric vehicles, gasification for waste treatment, battery swapping, and feasibility studies for carbon capture, with the Minister confirming ongoing studies and pilot projects but noting challenges for implementation.

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7 Oct 2019

Singapore Climate Rally Movement and Plans to Raise Awareness of Overconsumption, Waste and Carbon Footprint Reduction

The Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources has engaged various groups, including youths, through initiatives like the Year of Climate Action, Climate Action Week, and focus group discussions to raise awareness on waste reduction and sustainable consumption.
The government co-creates solutions with citizens, such as through the Citizens’ Workgroup on recycling and plans for a workgroup on single-use plastics, while supporting ground-up projects via the Towards Zero Waste Grant.
Singapore actively participates in international climate efforts, including hosting ASEAN and UN meetings and facilitating NGO involvement in global environmental forums to address regional and global climate challenges.

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