Channel NewsAsia 8 Dec 07;
Economic growth is important to provide jobs and the government is working towards finding a balance between economic growth and concerns about the environment.
SINGAPORE: At least two major government efforts are going on to combat climate change.
Data is being collected from the biggest energy-consuming sectors like industry and transport, while a study is going on to evaluate how climate change will effect Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim touched on these efforts at a forum with young people.
Just how much energy do industries in Singapore consume?
The Minister said that the answer is still work in progress as it is the first time multi government agencies are coming together to look into this.
He said: "We are compiling this data so we can understand overall what is Singapore's energy intensity and energy efficiency levels."
And rather than a direct carbon emissions cut, he said Singapore has set a target to reduce its carbon intensity - that is carbon dioxide emissions per GDP dollar - by 25 percent by 2012 compared to its 1990 levels.
The Minister said the government is also studying the latest UN report to see how climate change would affect Singapore.
Rising temperatures and sea levels are of particular concern, among others.
Also of concern are public health issues like how rising temperatures would affect the spread of dengue and the breeding of mosquitoes.
A forum participant said the government's performance on the environment is getting better.
But he said that the government takes the view that economic growth comes first.
The Minister replied that economic growth is important to provide jobs and the government is working towards finding a balance between economic growth and concerns about the environment. - CNA/ir
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