More measures in Singapore being considered to tackle climate change

Esther Ng Today Online 2 Mar 12;

SINGAPORE - A working group under the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC) will study how Singapore can stabilise its long-term emissions, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday.

These could include putting a price on carbon emissions, contingent on a new binding global framework, he told Parliament.

Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, said: "Where these measures result in additional costs, the Government will assist our stakeholders, especially the more needy, through policies such as grants and rebates where appropriate."

Other measures being considered include more stringent energy efficiency standards and legislation, along with measures taken by other countries.

He was responding to Members of Parliament - Mr Charles Chong (Joo Chiat), Dr Lam Pin Min (Sengkang West) and Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang) - who had raised concerns on the impact of rising sea levels and climate change on Singapore during the Committee of Supply debate yesterday.

Mr Teo reiterated that Singapore was committed to reducing its emissions by 7 to 11 per cent below business-as-usual levels by 2020.

However, Singapore's "limited ability" to tap on renewable energy (like wind, solar or tidal) means the Government will adopt a "pragmatic approach" and "pace" the implementation of these measures so that "our economy and our people will adapt to the new environment", he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport will introduce a new Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme to encourage car buyers to switch to vehicles with lower emissions, while the Ministry of Trade and Industry will pilot repayable financing schemes to catalyse private sector investments in energy efficiency. ESTHER NG

New laws to deal with climate change
Lee U-Wen Business Times 2 Mar 12;

(SINGAPORE) Singapore has a vision to be a climate-resilient global city that is well-positioned for green growth, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday. The government, in facilitating this transition to a 'greener' Singapore, is set to roll out new policies and legislation, including those that will help consumers make informed choices, he said in parliament yesterday.

Mr Teo, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, said that some of these measures will be announced in the coming days by the relevant ministries during the Committee of Supply debates.

The Transport Ministry is set to launch a new carbon emissions-based vehicle scheme to encourage car buyers to switch to vehicles with lower emissions.

The Environment and Water Resources Ministry will soon raise the minimum energy performance standards for air-conditioners and refrigerators from next year onwards, as well as extend it to lighting in 2014. The Trade and Industry Ministry is going to pilot several repayable financing schemes to catalyse private sector investments in energy efficiency.

'We have set a target of reducing our emissions by 7-11 per cent below business-as-usual levels in 2020. This will be raised to 16 per cent in 2020 if there is a global agreement on climate change,' said Mr Teo.

He added that Singapore's National Climate Change Strategy - a document that will be released later this year - will explain in greater detail the government's plans to address the challenges of climate change. It will also share the measures that individuals, households and businesses should undertake to better tackle the issue effectively.

'We can create high-value jobs for Singaporeans and enable our economy to benefit from a green growth trajectory if we continue to strengthen our research and development capabilities and attract investments in green industries,' said Mr Teo.

'We are well-positioned to tap on the opportunities in this transition to a clean energy future,' he added.

Related links
Speech on Climate Change by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, at the Committee of Supply Debate [Speeches] from Green Business Times by Eugene Tay