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SINGAPORE: Members of the Government Parliamentary Commission (GPC) for Sustainability and Environment have tabled a parliamentary motion to talk about climate change and its impact on Singapore.
This is the first motion on the issue, the Popular Action Party (PAP) said in a press release on Friday (January 29).
It was introduced by PAP MPs Louis Ng (Nee Soon), Poh Li San (Sembawang), Cheryl Chan (East Coast), Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio), Hany Soh (Marsiling-Yew Tee) and Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang), and is for the Parliament session on Monday.
The motion reads: “That this House urges the Government, in partnership with the private sector and the people of Singapore, to deepen and accelerate efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and embrace sustainability in Singapore’s development.”
Mr Ng, who chairs the GPC for Sustainability and the Environment, said that climate change “is an existential threat that we cannot ignore.”
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The GPC members have been working closely with the PAP youth wing, Young PAP, which last year published an article on the subject entitled “Singapore – A Green Center”.
“The motion’s recommendations include considerations and input gathered from a series of public consultations with environmental groups, industry, academia, and Singaporeans,” Ng said.
“We hope that the entire House supports this motion.”
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The committee’s vice chair, Ms Poh, said she will focus on the importance of greener buildings.
“Globally, buildings account for a third of greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of global energy and resource consumption, and 25% of global water consumption,” he said.
“Singapore is a highly urbanized city-state and 82 percent of our land is urbanized areas for residential and commercial construction and public infrastructure. I hope to push for greener buildings in Singapore as that will have a big impact on mitigating climate change. “
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Wee, a member of the committee, said he would propose a way to cut carbon emissions “by proposing that the government gradually increase the carbon tax based on the schedule and the amount.”
“With the proposed tax increase, we would have to look at how to support small medium-sized businesses and low-income families to ensure that they are not the ones who ultimately pay for the increase,” he said.
The other committee members, Ms. Chan, Mr. Gan and Ms. Soh, said that they will focus on the importance of involving everyone.
“I hope that everyone can do their part to save the earth and provide a better tomorrow for our children, grandchildren and future generations,” said Mr. Gan.
