Managing Climate Change

A seat in the global greenhouse

Singapore actively participates in regional and international forums to address climate change and environmental sustainability issues. It collaborates closely with neighbours, subscribes to international agreements, and shares technical expertise with other countries. Last year was no exception to the rule.

In October 2004, Singapore hosted the 8th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (IAMME) to discuss joint environmental projects and initiatives.

At the ASEAN Summit in November 2004, ASEAN leaders adopted the Vientiane Action Programme (2004 - 2010), which is the second medium-term action plan that further guides ASEAN towards achieving environmental sustainability and ASEAN Vision 2020.

Singapore maintains its reputation as a regional meteorological expert. The Meteorological Services Division of NEA hosts the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, which uses cutting-edge technology, such as satellite remote sensing, to conduct surveillance of forest fires and haze in the region. It also serves as a one-stop meteorological information centre for weather agencies in the region.

Besides participating in the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Singapore also plays an international role in addressing specific environmental challenges.

May 2005 saw Singapore’s ratification of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and accession to the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. Singapore is also signatory to key international agreements, including the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

Cutting through the haze
Regionally, Singapore works closely with its ASEAN neighbours on issues such as waste management and smoke haze. It is signatory to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed by ASEAN member countries in June 2002. It came into force on 25 November 2003.

Bilaterally, Singapore works closely with many other states to address environmental challenges of mutual concern. Examples of such bilateral cooperation: Indonesia-Singapore Environmental Partnership and Indonesia-Singapore Joint Working Group on the Environment.