Climate Change & Singapore - NCCS

National Climate Change Strategy 2012Principles for an Effective Global AgreementInternational negotiations will take time. Eachcountry has different national circumstances andvulnerabilities which will have to be adequatelyaddressed for any global agreement to beacceptable to all countries.The UN-led negotiations on climate changeare based on the principle of “common butdifferentiated responsibilities and respectivecapabilities”. Developed countries, whose pastindustrialisation activities generated the bulkof historical emissions contributing to currentclimate change, must take the lead to reduceemissions. Developing countries, on their part,have to strive towards minimising the growthrate of their emissions whilst seeking to reducepoverty and pursue development, and reducingtheir emissions when they can. All countries willneed to work together to protect our commonenvironment while forging sustainable newgrowth paths for the global economy.Collective efforts to control emissionsshould take into account our highly diverseand connected global economy, and theinternational division of labour. Some countriesspecialise in producing goods, while othersare services-oriented. Countries that specialisein manufacturing activities will usually havehigher carbon emissions to begin with, and itwill be important for such maufacturing basesto work together to improve energy and carbonefficiencies. It will be counterproductive, forinstance, if efforts to reduce emissions result inthe relocation of these activities to other sites orcountries that are less efficient, thus generatingmore carbon emissions globally.Measures to reduce emissions will need to beconsistent with international law and establishedprinciples, such as global trade rules. This willgive businesses regulatory certainty, and providea conducive environment for investment andresearch on climate-friendly goods and services.Besides addressing the emissions due to fuelcombustion occurring within national boundaries,an effective global climate change agreementmust also address emissions that are transboundary in nature, such as those due tointernational aviation and maritime transport, andpromote efforts to maintain existing carbon sinksthat store carbon, such as the world’s forests.For international transport emissions, the ICAOand IMO have implemented and continue todevelop global measures to address emissionsfrom international aviation and maritimetransport respectively. It is important that theICAO and IMO, with their specialist expertiseand global regulatory framework, continue tolead in addressing emissions from these sectors.The world’s forests serve as reservoirs of storedcarbon. Emissions occur when deforestation orforest degradation takes place. This contributesup to 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions.1As such, the global community accepts the needfor effective implementation of REDD (ReducingEmissions from Deforestation and DegradationPlus2). REDD efforts could also help to reduceincidences of forest fires and the consequenthaze, lessen changes in regional weatherpatterns and climate, and reduce the impact ofdeforestation on biodiversity and displacement oflocal communities.1Source: Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT), World Resources Institute. 2005 data, greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, PFCs, HFCs, SF6) included.2REDD (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests andenhancement of forest carbon stocks) is based on the principle that developing countries, which are willing and able to reduce emissions from deforestationand forest degradation via the sustainable management of forests, conservation of existing carbon stocks and enhancement of carbon stocks should befinancially compensated by developed countries for doing so. Emissions reductions from such activities can be quantified, and subject to agreement, theymight be used by developed countries to offset their emissions from domestic sectors.8

Overview— Global Mission, National Vision, Local ActionPrime Minister Lee Hsien Loong articulatedSingapore’s position on a future climateagreement at the start of the UNFCCCnegotiations in Bali in 2007—the need for allcountries to act, the importance of economicgrowth to provide resources to address climatechange, and for each country’s contribution to takeaccount of its national circumstances. Singaporehas consistently advocated these principles.Successive Chairpersons of the Inter-MinisterialCommittee on Climate Change—then-SeniorMinister S Jayakumar and Deputy Prime MinisterTeo Chee Hean—have highlighted the need fora balanced and legally binding global agreementbetween all countries, underpinned by common,transparent rules, to engender confidence in themultilateral process.Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the UNFCCC Conference in Bali on 12 December 2007. Heexplained the need for all countries to act, the importance of economic growth, and the need toconsider differences in national circumstances.9

National Climate Change Strategy 2012Preparing for Climate Change: Our Economy and EnvironmentEven as negotiations for a climate changeagreement for the post-2020 period are ongoing,it is important for Singapore to make preparationsnow for this uncertain and challenging future.Countries that plan ahead will be better able torespond—both in terms of domestic measuresto protect our immediate environment andreduce emissions, and also by collaborating withothers to find workable and scalable solutions.Singapore will continue to support the multilateralnegotiations under the auspices of the UNFCCCand other UN specialised agencies, and otherglobal efforts to address climate change.Singapore-based companies and institutes canalso create new opportunities for a low carbonfuture, by proactively developing innovativetechnologies and solutions today.Singapore has always placed a high priority onenvironmental issues as part of its aim to createa clean and green garden city for its people. Sinceindependence in 1965, long before climate changebecame a global issue, Singapore has pursuedconcurrent goals of growing the economy andprotecting the environment. In 1970, the AntiPollution Unit was established under the PrimeMinister’s Office to tackle air pollution. As earlyas 1972, following the UN Conference on theHuman Environment in Stockholm,3 Singaporeset up a dedicated Ministry of the Environment.Singapore also participated actively in the 1992United Nations Conference on Environment andDevelopment (UNCED4) (commonly known asthe Rio or Earth Summit) which adopted theUNFCCC. The preparatory committee of UNCEDand the Main Committee of the Rio meeting waschaired by Singapore’s Ambassador-at-LargeTommy Koh. The first Singapore Green Planwas issued thereafter, highlighting Singapore’scommitment to ensure our environmentalsustainability.5 In 2009, the Sustainable SingaporeBlueprint which outlined our sustainabledevelopment targets till 2030 was published.Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh chairing the Preparatory Committee of UNCED in 1992. Singapore participated actively in theConference which later led to the formation of UNFCCC.3The Stockholm Conference is widely regarded as the first international forum on global environmental challenges.4The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Earth Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro.5The Green Plan was updated in 2002 and 2006.10

Overview— Global Mission, National Vision, Local ActionWhile Singapore’s early initiatives to protectthe environment have laid a strong foundationfor policy action, our reputation as a clean andgreen garden city is also the outcome of decadesof sustained effort and conscious decisions.For instance, fuel oil was replaced by naturalgas—the cleanest form of fossil fuel—as theprimary fuel for electricity generation. About80% of Singapore’s electricity is now generatedby natural gas. Singapore is also the only countryin the world to cap vehicle growth and pricevehicle usage aggressively. However, these andother earlier initiatives limit our scope to furtherreduce emissions growth, because many of thegains have already been reaped. As a country,Singapore generates relatively low levels of CO2emissions per GDP dollar in the world (123rd outof 137 countries).6Nonetheless, the Singapore Government remainscommitted to reduce emissions growth further.Plans to improve energy efficiency in all sectors ofthe economy were included in its 2009 SustainableSingapore Blueprint. Prior to the 2009 CopenhagenClimate Change Conference, Singapore pledgedto reduce our emissions by 16% from the 2020business-as-usual (BAU) level, contingent ona legally binding global agreement in which allcountries implement their commitments in goodfaith. Although a legally binding agreement has yetto be reached, Singapore has nonetheless startedto implement mitigation and energy efficiencymeasures which should reduce our emissions by7% to 11% from the 2020 BAU level. This pledgeis not contingent on international financing andSingapore will utilise our domestic resources.The first phase of measures to encourage evengreater public transport usage and improve energyefficiency in industry, buildings and households isbeing rolled out.6To achieve more emissions reductions over timewill require deeper behavioural adjustments andchanges in business processes. There is a needto consider more stringent energy efficiencystandards and legislation, more innovative energyefficiency financing schemes and capabilitydevelopment initiatives. Market forces will alsohave an important role to play to ensure thatpeople and businesses get the right carbon pricesignal and have the right incentives to reducecarbon emissions. Where these measures resultin additional upfront costs, we will be prepared tohelp those that need it.Despite our best efforts to reduce emissions,Singapore is constrained as a small and highlyurbanised city-state, with more than 5 millionpeople occupying a land area of about 710km2.There is no rural hinterland and limited accessto alternative, low-emission energy sources suchas wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal or nuclearpower. Deployment of solar power is limited bySingapore’s small land area. Singapore, as analternative-energy disadvantaged city-state, relieson imported fuels to power our daily activities,and there are no viable technology alternativesthat can replace our reliance on fossil fuels inthe foreseeable future. Given these physicalconstraints, our total emissions are projectedto grow in the near term but we will reduce ouremissions below BAU levels.With concerted research and developmentefforts over time, emerging technologiescould gradually enhance our ability to reduceemissions. Singapore can share this knowhow with other countries which have greaterpotential for deployment. As a small city-statewith significant expertise in sustainable urbansolutions, Singapore is doing our utmost to raiseenergy efficiency levels, support companies andbusinesses to test new technologies, businessmodels and solutions, so that climate-friendlygoods and services can be developed, improved,and eventually exported.Source: CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion—2011 Highlights OECD/International Energy Agency, 2011.11

National Climate Change Strategy 2012Our constraints and unique circumstancesmean that Singapore’s emissions will notdip below historical levels in the near future.Nonetheless, the Singapore Government willstudy how Singapore can stabilise our long-termemissions. Every Singaporean and resident canhelp do their part to reduce emissions by makinginformed decisions to reduce their resource andenergy consumption.Singapore’s pledge to reduce emissions is asignificant commitment for a resource poor andfossil energy-dependent city-state. Although weare a small country with minimal impact on globalemissions, Singapore has a responsibility as amember of the global community to help addressclimate change.In addition to our participation in globaldiscussions, Singapore currently shares expertisein climate change and environment managementwith other countries, through training courses ona wide range of topics including sustainable urbandevelopment, water management and energyefficiency. Singapore is also a partner in a numberof key bilateral initiatives such as our collaborationwith China in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-cityproject, envisioned as a replicable, practical andscalable model for sustainable development forother cities in China and other parts of the world.Singapore as a Climate Resilient Global CitySingapore has overcome many environmentalchallenges in its short history. Our vision isto be a climate resilient global city that is wellpositioned for green growth.As a small city-state, Singapore’s success andprosperity depends on being able to overcomethe challenges of climate change and to graspthe opportunities it presents. We must nurturea vibrant and innovative economy, and achieveeconomic growth in a low carbon and sustainablemanner through the development and deploymentof clean energy and energy efficient technologies.This will enable us to develop a high qualityenvironment and sustainable growth for thesake of our current and future generations.Guiding PrinciplesThese key principles guide our response to thechallenges of climate change:Long-Term and Integrated PlanningClimate change is a challenge which requiresa response that is long-term, integrated and12holistic. We must plan ahead, and accept thatsome short-term adjustments or costs may yieldlonger term benefits. For instance, our decisionto clean up the Singapore River in 1977 was madeat great financial and social cost. Industries andcommunities had to be relocated. Today, theSingapore River is part of the Marina Reservoir,a freshwater reservoir in the heart of the city.This would not have been possible without thelong-term and integrated planning that is at theheart of Singapore’s economic and environmentalmanagement. We must continue to take a longterm view towards assessing costs and benefits.Pragmatic and Economically Sound MeasuresOur goal is sustainable growth—to pursueeconomic and environmental objectivestogether, not one at the expense of the other,or either at all costs. We want Singapore tobe an environmentally-friendly home in whichcurrent and future generations of Singaporeanscan live, work and play. At the same time, ourpolicies must be economically sound so thatthey are sustainable. Reducing emissions andsustaining economic development at the sametime is a delicate balance that has to be made

Overview— Global Mission, National Vision, Local Actionconsciously. We harness market forces andprice signals, avoiding energy subsidies thatconsume fiscal resources, distort consumerbehaviour and increase environmental pollution.By pricing energy at its market cost, weencourage households and businesses to useenergy judiciously. We will consider economicand environmental costs and benefits, as wellas human factors, when determining the mostappropriate measures to reduce emissions andtackle climate change. As attitudes, behaviourand options change over time, our policies willalso have to evolve. For instance, as technologiesmature, the range of feasible energy alternativesavailable to Singapore could increase.Developing Innovative Solutions for Singapore andGlobal MarketsSingapore has a potential role as a green growthhub. Our land and resource constraints are apotent impetus for us to be innovative and toinvest heavily in resource efficient technologies.For example, Singapore reduced our dependenceon imported water by developing NEWater (ultraclean and high grade reclaimed water) technology.Over the last four decades, we diversified ourwater supply through strategic planning andinvestment in research and technology. Wenow have capabilities in water management,desalination and water reclamation technologies,and have exported our expertise worldwide.Our policies to address climate change shouldencourage and nurture our potential to developsolutions that can benefit the world.Approach to Address Climate ChangeRecognising that climate change affects thework and responsibilities of many Ministriesand government agencies, the Governmentformed the National Climate Change Secretariat(NCCS) as a dedicated unit in July 2010 under thePrime Minister’s Office to provide coordinationat the highest level for Singapore’s domesticand international policies, plans and actionson climate change. The NCCS also supportsthe work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee onClimate Change.Singapore’s approach to addressing climaterelated challenges is four-fold:First, reduce carbon emissions in all sectors.Through fuel taxes, controlling vehicle ownershipand usage, energy efficiency incentives and otherpolicies, Singapore has proactively reduced thegrowth of carbon emissions. There is scope to domore. In particular, we must continue to improveenergy efficiency and minimise wastage of energy.Technology will play a key role in shapingSingapore’s measures to mitigate emissionsand waste. The Government is working with theacademic and research community, as well asinnovative companies, to assess and developtechnologies addressing climate change thatmight be deployed in Singapore.Second, be ready to adapt to climate changeeffects. To improve Singapore’s resilience toclimate change, we need to better understandits potential impact on Singapore, and formulateappropriate strategies to cope with climate-relatedchanges. Companies will need to examine theirbusiness continuity plans to cope with disruptionsfrom extreme weather events. The public will haveto be mentally prepared for and learn to adapt toa changing environment and weather patterns.Third, harness green growth opportunities.Singapore is well positioned to support thedevelopment and export of climate-friendlytechnologies, services and solutions. Oureconomic agencies’ efforts to grow the cleanenergy, water and carbon services sectorshave started to yield results. This builds on ourstrengths in engineering and sustainable urbanmanagement. We will strengthen our R&Dcapabilities and human capital with the help ofour tertiary and research institutes, and provideopportunities for companies to develop and testinnovative solutions here. A supportive businessenvironment will help attract more investmentsin green industries, and encourage internationaland non-governmental organisations in theenvironmental and developmental areas to bebased in and expand from Singapore. Singaporebased businesses are encouraged to developsolutions for deployment in Singapore and for13

National Climate Change Strategy 2012export to other countries. This will create highvalue jobs for Singaporeans and propel oureconomy along a green growth trajectory.Fourth, forge partnerships. Our domesticefforts are complemented by internationalcollaboration. Besides the UNFCCC discussions,Singapore participates in related multilateralefforts, including discussions hosted by theWorld Trade Organisation (WTO), the WorldIntellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), theInternational Maritime Organisation (IMO) andthe International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO), in support of a holistic approach to dealwith climate change. We are also actively engagedin environmental cooperation through regionaland bilateral platforms such as the Asia-P

The IMCCC will drive Singapore’s efforts to realise our vision of a climate resilient global city poised for green growth. Singapore’s plans to prepare for climate change are laid out in this National Climate Change Strategy 2012 document. Its title, “Climate Change & Singapore: C