On Feb. 26 in Parliament, numerous Members of Parliament (MP) shared their thoughts on the 2025 Budget, with some focusing on the green initiatives announced.
Workers' Party (WP) MP Dennis Tan brought up the ongoing efforts for a Green Transition, while People's Action Party (PAP) MP Foo Mee Har touched on how the green economy represents one of the biggest growth frontiers.
WP's He Ting Ru also pointed out that Singapore's sustainability schemes must address the challenges faced in the climate crisis and that measures should assess their impact.
Foo Mee Har
Photo via MDDI/YouTube
Foo discussed Singapore's commitment to fighting climate change, highlighting a few initiatives announced in Budget 2025, such as the S$5 billion top-up to the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund and the extension of climate vouchers to private properties.
She added that renewable energy, green finance, sustainable infrastructure, and carbon services are high-value industries in which Singapore can play a leading role.
"By investing early and decisively, we strengthen our position as a global hub for green innovation, attracting investment, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term economic competitiveness."
Dennis Tan
Photo via MDDI/YouTube
Tan raised numerous questions on the government's efforts for Green Transition.
He brought up Singapore's 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which was submitted to the United Nations Framework.
Singapore has committed to reducing the country's emissions to between 45 and 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035.
He expressed satisfaction that the government is committed to a downward trajectory in Singapore's emissions after the planned peak in 2028.
Based on the NDC, Tan asked how much of it is aligned with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°Celsius warming target, and if not, how much warming the NDC is consistent with.
Tan further questioned the government on possibly accelerating negotiations on renewable imports with Singapore's neighbours. He expressed his hope that the Singapore government could incentivise a faster shift towards private vehicle electrification and expedite the electrification of public fleets.
Aviation and shipping
Tan also discussed the international aviation and shipping industry, questioning whether Singapore's climate targets will cover these two sectors, especially since the government is providing S$5 billion to the Changi Airport Development Fund.
This includes some of the funds going into the new Terminal 5 at Changi Airport, which will increase the airport's capacity by 50 per cent.
"While Singaporeans may all look forward to our air hub expanding, the 50 per cent increase in capacity will, if it goes according to plan, mean a staggering increase in flights and consequently aviation emissions."
He Ting Ru
Photos via MDDI/YouTube
Speaking on sustainability, He talked about the recent expansion of the Climate Voucher to private households.
She questioned how much carbon mitigation is achieved through the Climate Vouchers and how the government guards against climate vouchers that induce demand for household appliances.
"Our climate adaptation and mitigation schemes are key parts of our development journey, and should form a key part of our scorecards, and will assist in ensuring our agencies are laser focused on the intended impacts of various programmes."
Day 2: Lim Wee Kiak
Photo via Gutzy Asia/YouTube
On the second day of the debate on the 2025 Budget, Lim spoke at length on Singapore's energy and environmental resiliency.
On the possibility of deploying small modular nuclear reactors in Singapore, Lim questioned if such a reactor would be situated on one of Singapore's offshore islands as far as possible from the population centre.
Alternatively, it could be located deep underground within the granite bedrock, thereby offering easier containment in the event of an incident.
He asked about the cost of such a reactor and how the government proposes to fund such an undertaking.
He also asked for an update on discussions pertaining to geothermal energy generation from the underground heat beneath Sembawang hot springs.
Lim also called on the government to incorporate the installation of solar panels into the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) building code and to consider providing grants to private property owners to offset the cost of installing solar panels.
He then concluded his speech by calling for individuals with "innovative ideas and passion" to step forward and help contribute to the recycling industry, citing previous developments such as the incorporation of dedicated recycling chutes in new HDB blocks.
Top photos via MDDI/YouTube, Gutzy Asia/YouTube & Canva
