Singapore’s Vision for Sustainable Development by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development
July 28, 2008 by Eugene
Filed under Features, Government and Policies, Singapore
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) will be announcing Singapore’s vision and initiatives for sustainable development at a press conference today. For a sneak preview of what to expect, visit the Sustainable Singapore website.
An introduction to the IMCSD from the website:
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) was set up in Feb 2008 to formulate a clear national framework and strategy for Singapore’s sustainable development in the context of the emerging domestic and global challenges.
The IMCSD is co-chaired by the Minister for National Development Mr. Mah Bow Tan, and the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim. The members are: the Minister for Finance Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister for Transport Mr. Raymond Lim, and Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry Mr. S Iswaran.
The IMCSD will be studying ways to be more sustainable in the way we Work, Commute, Live and Play. Under each category, the IMCSD would be looking at some key issues.
For Live/Play, the key issues involve:
- Land Use Planning
- City of Gardens and Water
- Haven for Urban Biodiversity
- Water Conservation
- Energy Efficient Buildings
- Sustainable Public Housing
- Social Ownership
For Work, the key issues involve:
- Energy Efficiency
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Water for Non-Domestic Sector
- Pollution Control
- Providing Sustainable Development Solutions
For Commute, the key issues involve:
- Make Public Transport a Choice Mode
- Cycling as a Form of Transport
- Fuel Efficient Private Transport
- Clean Transport
Watch out for the press conference today for more details. We will be sharing our thoughts on the announcements later. Meanwhile, do take some time to visit the Sustainable Singapore website and give your feedback on the sustainable development issues in Singapore.
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Channel NewsAsia – Energy resources critical in ensuring Singapore’s sustained devt, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/363261/1/.html
Ministry of National Development Press Release – IMCSD Invites Views on Sustainable Development for Singapore, http://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/newsreleases/2008/news28072008.htm
Channel NewsAsia – Nationwide call for ideas on sustainable development, http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/363338/1/.html
Today – Sustainable if costs don’t tip the scales, http://www.todayonline.com/articles/267614print.asp
Disappointing. Zero mention of renewable energy technology deployment and zero mention of measurable carbon targets, ostensibly hiding behind the excuse of high costs. Frankly, there is nothing groundbreaking about the enumerated initiatives. Most of the initiatives are cosmetic, relying on toothless incentives for voluntary action, rather than setting floors or standards.
If Singapore wants to truly achieve sustainability, it should scrutinize the supply chains and life cycle processes of all its major industries and devise whole-system strategies to decarbonize and dematerialize through eco-efficient redesign. Its petrochemicals industry is a chief culprit. Unfortunately, because most petrochemical operations are situated on our offshore islands, it is out of sight and out of mind for most citizens.