Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 1: Teo Chee Hean on urgent climate action
Global climate action is urgent and all countries, including Singapore, must honour the shared responsibility for planet Earth, said Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. Speaking in Parliament on Friday (Feb 24), he said the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change takes a whole-of-nation view to make sure that Singapore's efforts are comprehensive and coordinated. Businesses, communities and individuals must play their part, he added. Mr Teo said the climate transition will be a rewarding journey, with opportunities to innovate and reimagine a greener and more sustainable future. Mr Teo said recent conditions have made it more difficult to stay the course. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted energy and food supplies, causing energy and food prices to increase in many countries around the world. Despite these external challenges, Singapore decisively stepped up its efforts against climate change last year, he said. To mitigate climate change effects on the country, it must engage other countries to reduce their emissions and do its best so that it can shape international norms. Mr Teo said putting climate ambition into action positions Singapore as a choice location for businesses and investors interested in participating in the regional green economy. The Government will strike a balance between ambition and practicality of action and take a whole-of-nation effort, he said. The public sector will set the example by aiming to achieve net-zero emissions around 2045, ahead of the national target of 2050. This year, it will enhance its public procurement strategy and start making regular progress reports on public sector sustainability initiatives. It will also continue to forge international collaborations on climate action. Noting that many Singaporeans are passionate about sustainability, he said the Government will support them towards making an impact. It will also support Singaporeans in acquiring green skills and improve their access to green job opportunities.
Global climate action is urgent and all countries, including Singapore, must honour the shared responsibility for planet Earth, said Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. Speaking in Parliament on Friday (Feb 24), he said the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change takes a whole-of-nation view to make sure that Singapore's efforts are comprehensive and coordinated. Businesses, communities and individuals must play their part, he added. Mr Teo said the climate transition will be a rewarding journey, with opportunities to innovate and reimagine a greener and more sustainable future. Mr Teo said recent conditions have made it more difficult to stay the course. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted energy and food supplies, causing energy and food prices to increase in many countries around the world. Despite these external challenges, Singapore decisively stepped up its efforts against climate change last year, he said. To mitigate climate change effects on the country, it must engage other countries to reduce their emissions and do its best so that it can shape international norms. Mr Teo said putting climate ambition into action positions Singapore as a choice location for businesses and investors interested in participating in the regional green economy. The Government will strike a balance between ambition and practicality of action and take a whole-of-nation effort, he said. The public sector will set the example by aiming to achieve net-zero emissions around 2045, ahead of the national target of 2050. This year, it will enhance its public procurement strategy and start making regular progress reports on public sector sustainability initiatives. It will also continue to forge international collaborations on climate action. Noting that many Singaporeans are passionate about sustainability, he said the Government will support them towards making an impact. It will also support Singaporeans in acquiring green skills and improve their access to green job opportunities.
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