The National Climate Change Strategy 2012 (NCCS-2012) document was launched last month by DPM Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC).
The 140-page document outlines Singapore’s strategy and plans to address climate change and is published by the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) in collaboration with the IMCCC agencies, and after private sector and public consultations.
Download the National Climate Change Strategy 2012 document or read some of the key points.
Here’s some random thoughts on the NCCS-2012 document:
1) The document is a good summary of various initiatives and policies (mostly announced previously); there is nothing much on new policies or targets.
2) The document is focusing on mitigation policies and actions towards 2020, and does not really look at long term mitigation policies (understand this would be looked into by the Long Term Emissions and Mitigation Working Group).
3) Good that the report includes sectoral contributions to emissions reductions, which was not available to the public previously. Shows what each sector has to achieve.
4) There is no mention of a renewable energy target. In 2010, the Economic Strategies Committee recommended to have 5% of peak electricity demand supplied from renewable energy sources by 2020. Current mix is 2.5% (renewables and others). What is the potential mix target for solar energy? Competition between green roofs and solar on rooftops? Conclusion from pre-feasibility studies on nuclear?
5) No mention on the use of coal and how that affects emissions reduction target. Tuas Power likely to start coal/biomass plant end of the year. Plans for CCS-ready plants?
6) No mention of food security. How to grow more food, how much can we grow realistically, how urban farming and community crops can build social resilience?
7) How to tackle the persistent problem of air-conditioning that is too cold. Regulations and campaigns?
8) Are community programmes and campaigns effective? What are the KPIs, actual reductions in energy or emissions? Each CDC has their own green programme, how is it aligned with this new 2012 strategy?
9) 86% of Singaporeans feel that they play a part in taking action on climate change, and 74% are concerned about climate change. How to translate awareness to real actions?
10) How can we tap on peer-to-peer, web 2.0 and mobile app technology to nudge people in taking action? Eg. MyRideBuddy provides dynamic car-sharing platform for car owners and ride users; Intraix provides home energy management, sharing and benchmarking; the new Energy Audit and Lifecycle Cost mobile apps by NEA.
