Straits Times Forum 16 May 09;
WE REFER to Ms Jessica Cheam's commentary, 'Black marks on green blueprint' (May 7). We agree that climate change would seriously impact Singapore. Thus, we have always taken the environment seriously.
We have taken many actions which have reduced Singapore's carbon emissions outside the present negotiations, such as promotion of public transport over private car use and the greening of our city.
In addition, 80 per cent of our energy now comes from natural gas, the cleanest of fossil fuels. This switch has reduced our emissions from the power sector by almost 25 per cent. Since 1990, economy-wide carbon intensity has decreased by 40 per cent.
Every emission-control measure entails costs. To afford to continue to take mitigation measures, we need to grow. We must therefore balance concern over the environment with economic growth.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) was set up last year to take a whole-of-government approach to ensure that Singapore's development is sustainable.
The Sustainable Singapore blueprint is a comprehensive plan to improve resource efficiency, enhance the physical environment, develop capabilities and build an environmentally responsible community.
We aim for energy intensity (energy consumption per GDP dollar) improvements of 35 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, building on our earlier efforts. We have factored in our unique circumstances as a resource-scarce country, dependent on global trade for our survival, and with no viable alternatives to fossil fuels for energy.
To address climate change effectively, a concerted effort by all countries is needed. The measures and goals in the blueprint are a first step. We will continually review and update these efforts.
We will employ a full range of policy instruments, including education, incentives and legislation. We will progressively introduce more stringent standards to give people and companies adequate time to adjust habits and practices.
The Government has set aside $1 billion to help businesses and individuals make more sustainable choices. This will support new initiatives to kickstart change.
There are also many separately funded initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. These include the budget for park space, the ABC Waters programme and the expansion of the rail network.
As new challenges and opportunities emerge, the budget will be reviewed. The blueprint is an evolving document. We will monitor Singapore's progress towards sustainable development, introduce new initiatives as technology and circumstances change and review the blueprint within five years.
We thank Ms Cheam for her views and welcome feedback on the blueprint at www.sustainablesingapore.gov.sg.
Philip Ong
Director, Strategic Policy
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
Co-Lead, IMCSD Secretariat
Teoh Zsin Woon (Ms)
Director, Strategic Planning
Ministry of National Development
Co-Lead, IMCSD Secretariat
