Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia 31 Dec 08;
SINGAPORE: A team of local and foreign experts is studying possible long-term effects of climate change on Singapore and the findings are expected to be out next year.
Even though there is no melting iceberg or severe drought in Singapore, experts said the tropical island can still be vulnerable to climate changes such as coastal erosion, water scarcity, and higher energy demand. That is why the government is making sustainable development a priority.
Sustainable development for Singapore means being able to support future economic and population growth, while maintaining a clean and green environment.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resources, Amy Khor, said: "For individuals and households, all they need to do is to make simple changes in their everyday lifestyle in order to do their part for the environment.
"Making simple adjustments in their lifestyle to save energy will not only help to mitigate green house gas emissions and address climate change issues, but also save in terms of cutting down on electricity expenses."
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) is launching a blueprint in early 2009. It will provide a comprehensive road map of initiatives to sustain Singapore's development for the next ten years and beyond.
A slew of measures have been rolled out to get more individuals and companies on the bandwagon to help sustain the environment. The Green Mark recognition and monetary incentives were also given to developers with eco-friendly buildings.
Singaporeans were encouraged to adopt green practices as well. A "10% Energy Challenge" was launched to get households to cut their energy usage by at least 10 per cent, just by adopting simple measures such as keeping their air-conditioners at 25 degree Celsius.
The IMCSD said energy is the most critical resource for Singapore.
Mah Bow Tan, co-chairman, IMCSD, said: "The more resource-efficient we are, the more efficient and competitive we can be."
The committee has also asked Singaporeans to suggest ways on how to make the city more eco-friendly.
Over 1,300 suggestions were received - among them were ideas to develop chargers that switch off automatically when no devices are plugged in and solar panels to power up water heaters in homes.
Moving from sun to wind and water, Singapore said there are huge economic benefits in the research and development of clean energy.
The Environment and Water Industry Development Council plans to increase the value-added contribution from the water sector to S$1.7 billion by 2015 and jobs in this sector are expected to double to about 11,000 by 2015.
To share its expertise in water resource management and facilitate water solutions, a Singapore International Water Week was held in June this year.
It culminated in the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize – a prestigious international award to recognise outstanding contributions in solving global water issues.
The inaugural event also saw deals that are worth over US$270 million and international initiatives to boost water research and investment.
The Singapore International Water Week will return in June 2009, buoyed by the fact that environmental challenges like water resources will continue to be a hot topic worldwide as nations grapple with climate change and sustainability issues.- CNA/so
