SINGAPORE
2024 wrapped: The biggest environment stories of the year, and what’s next
Singapore had its worst oil spill in a decade after 400 tonnes of oil leaked into the sea when a dredging boat hit a stationary bunker vessel on June 14.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Chin Hui Shan and Shabana Begum
UPDATED Dec 23, 2024
Straits Times
SINGAPORE – Closures of local farms. The hottest year on record. A dramatic UN climate conference. These were some of the most significant developments in the environment sector in 2024.
The UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in November ended with developed nations agreeing to channel US$300 billion (S$406 billion) in yearly climate finance to developing countries by 2035.
This new target amount for climate finance, an increase from the previous US$100 billion, aims to further help poorer and climate-vulnerable countries limit climate impacts and afford solutions to reduce their carbon emissions.
However, the target was met with criticism by many developing countries, which were expecting richer countries to commit more.
At COP29, countries also agreed on a broader aim of raising US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for countries in need through various forms of finance, including from the private sector and multilateral development banks.
2. Setbacks in local farming sector
Singapore’s farming sector was plagued with delays and closures in 2024.
About a quarter of Singapore’s sea-based fish farms have exited the market over the past year, while at least two vegetable farms scrapped their plans to produce here.
These developments raise concerns about whether the Republic can keep up with its 30 by 30 goal – to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.
With worsening climate impacts and geopolitical circumstances that can threaten food supply, local farms are important for Singapore – which imports more than 90 per cent of its food – to safeguard its food security.
But it is not all gloomy.
Amid growing cost pressures and the lack of robust local demand, some farms, such as Tomato Town, are working closely with international players to help bring the latter’s farming expertise and know-how to Singapore.
A new farm producing greens, including basil and kale, has sprouted in Changi in the hopes of producing 500 tonnes of leafy greens per year by April or May 2025.
Meanwhile, the flagging aquaculture sector will be given a helping hand, with a sweeping plan to overhaul the sector announced in November. The plan is to boost fish production while safeguarding the marine environment and providing farmers with an avenue to sell their products.
3. Biodiversity monitoring plan after oil spill
Singapore had its worst oil spill in a decade after 400 tonnes of oil leaked into Singapore’s waters when a dredging boat hit a stationary bunker vessel on June 14.
Oil slicks spread to biodiversity-rich areas along Singapore’s southern coast, including the Southern Islands, Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve and East Coast Park, despite efforts to contain the spill
The UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in November ended with developed nations agreeing to channel US$300 billion (S$406 billion) in yearly climate finance to developing countries by 2035.
This new target amount for climate finance, an increase from the previous US$100 billion, aims to further help poorer and climate-vulnerable countries limit climate impacts and afford solutions to reduce their carbon emissions.
However, the target was met with criticism by many developing countries, which were expecting richer countries to commit more.
At COP29, countries also agreed on a broader aim of raising US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for countries in need through various forms of finance, including from the private sector and multilateral development banks.
2. Setbacks in local farming sector
Singapore’s farming sector was plagued with delays and closures in 2024.
About a quarter of Singapore’s sea-based fish farms have exited the market over the past year, while at least two vegetable farms scrapped their plans to produce here.
These developments raise concerns about whether the Republic can keep up with its 30 by 30 goal – to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.
With worsening climate impacts and geopolitical circumstances that can threaten food supply, local farms are important for Singapore – which imports more than 90 per cent of its food – to safeguard its food security.
But it is not all gloomy.
Amid growing cost pressures and the lack of robust local demand, some farms, such as Tomato Town, are working closely with international players to help bring the latter’s farming expertise and know-how to Singapore.
A new farm producing greens, including basil and kale, has sprouted in Changi in the hopes of producing 500 tonnes of leafy greens per year by April or May 2025.
Meanwhile, the flagging aquaculture sector will be given a helping hand, with a sweeping plan to overhaul the sector announced in November. The plan is to boost fish production while safeguarding the marine environment and providing farmers with an avenue to sell their products.
3. Biodiversity monitoring plan after oil spill
Singapore had its worst oil spill in a decade after 400 tonnes of oil leaked into Singapore’s waters when a dredging boat hit a stationary bunker vessel on June 14.
Oil slicks spread to biodiversity-rich areas along Singapore’s southern coast, including the Southern Islands, Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve and East Coast Park, despite efforts to contain the spill
.
Oil slicks spread to biodiversity-rich areas along Singapore’s southern coast, including the Southern Islands, Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
In October, a 15-month plan was launched to monitor the impact of the oil spill on biodiversity in intertidal areas.
It will see researchers collecting sediment samples from areas affected and unaffected by the oil spill to find out the impact of the toxic slick on the tiny organisms in the sediment, such as crustaceans, worms and molluscs.
The data collected during this initial phase will be assessed before the team suggests possible mitigation and restoration measures to protect and restore biodiversity areas of importance in Singapore.
4. Hottest year on record
Climate scientists have declared 2024 as the hottest year on record. It is also the first year in which average global temperatures rose more than 1.5 deg C above the pre-industrial period, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Scientists have warned that if warming exceeds 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels, climate change impacts could be catastrophic.
The previous hottest year on record was 2023.
In Singapore, a marine heatwave took a toll on some corals, with an estimated 30 per cent to 55 per cent of them observed to have been bleached in July, amid the largest recorded global bleaching event
Oil slicks spread to biodiversity-rich areas along Singapore’s southern coast, including the Southern Islands, Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
In October, a 15-month plan was launched to monitor the impact of the oil spill on biodiversity in intertidal areas.
It will see researchers collecting sediment samples from areas affected and unaffected by the oil spill to find out the impact of the toxic slick on the tiny organisms in the sediment, such as crustaceans, worms and molluscs.
The data collected during this initial phase will be assessed before the team suggests possible mitigation and restoration measures to protect and restore biodiversity areas of importance in Singapore.
4. Hottest year on record
Climate scientists have declared 2024 as the hottest year on record. It is also the first year in which average global temperatures rose more than 1.5 deg C above the pre-industrial period, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Scientists have warned that if warming exceeds 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels, climate change impacts could be catastrophic.
The previous hottest year on record was 2023.
In Singapore, a marine heatwave took a toll on some corals, with an estimated 30 per cent to 55 per cent of them observed to have been bleached in July, amid the largest recorded global bleaching event
.
Corals in Pulau Hantu showed signs of bleaching on Oct 9.ST PHOTO: AUDREY TAN
The mercury climbed to 36.2 deg C in Paya Lebar on Dec 7 – the highest daily maximum temperature ever recorded for the month of December in Singapore.
Global warming – caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels – changes weather patterns and fuels extreme weather events.
Extreme weather swept around the world in 2024, with typhoons in South-east Asia leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced in countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam.
5. Headway in the Asean power grid
Singapore in September raised its electricity import goal from 4 gigawatts (GW) by 2035 to 6GW.
Singapore has inked electricity import deals with Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam to import 5.6GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
Singapore has also given a conditional nod to import 1.75GW of solar power from Australia via 4,300km of subsea cables. This import, which represents about 9 per cent of the country’s total electricity needs, would start some time after 2035.
With limited land and being alternative energy-disadvantaged, Singapore cannot get to net-zero emissions without relying on its neighbours for clean electricity.
By committing to import green electricity, Singapore is also laying the groundwork for the Asean power grid – a decades-long vision of energy trade for the region.
Corals in Pulau Hantu showed signs of bleaching on Oct 9.ST PHOTO: AUDREY TAN
The mercury climbed to 36.2 deg C in Paya Lebar on Dec 7 – the highest daily maximum temperature ever recorded for the month of December in Singapore.
Global warming – caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels – changes weather patterns and fuels extreme weather events.
Extreme weather swept around the world in 2024, with typhoons in South-east Asia leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced in countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam.
5. Headway in the Asean power grid
Singapore in September raised its electricity import goal from 4 gigawatts (GW) by 2035 to 6GW.
Singapore has inked electricity import deals with Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam to import 5.6GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
Singapore has also given a conditional nod to import 1.75GW of solar power from Australia via 4,300km of subsea cables. This import, which represents about 9 per cent of the country’s total electricity needs, would start some time after 2035.
With limited land and being alternative energy-disadvantaged, Singapore cannot get to net-zero emissions without relying on its neighbours for clean electricity.
By committing to import green electricity, Singapore is also laying the groundwork for the Asean power grid – a decades-long vision of energy trade for the region.
Asean power grid could create new jobs, bring investments to energy sector: StudyClimate action: S-E Asians are willing to do their bit, now govts must do theirs
Looking ahead
1. Developments in nuclear energy
Singapore, like many other countries, is warming to nuclear energy as a way to generate emissions-free electricity.
No decision yet has been made about the use of this energy form in Singapore, but the Energy Market Authority (EMA) has said the Republic is interested in exploring newer nuclear reactors, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), that can offer safety features that may make them feasible here.
A 30-year partnership with the US, inked in July, will unlock the Republic’s access to information and expertise about emerging technologies and nuclear safety. A new multimillion-dollar research building at the National University of Singapore will have about 100 researchers looking into nuclear tech and safety, from the latest in SMRs to how radioactive materials can disperse if there is an accident.
In 2012, Singapore decided that atomic power was unsuitable for the small island state. But the need to decarbonise, and concerns about energy security amid geopolitics have forced the country to relook the controversial power source.
While solar power is Singapore’s most promising alternative energy source for now, it can probably contribute to only less than 10 per cent of the nation’s electricity needs by 2050.
Therefore, there is a need to look into alternatives, including imported energy, and emerging technologies in geothermal energy, hydrogen fuel and nuclear power.
Singapore’s neighbours, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, plan to go nuclear. EMA said Singapore has been engaging regional partners to build capabilities in nuclear safety and prepare and respond to radiological emergencies.
The dawn of a global renaissance in nuclear energyST Explains: What are S-E Asia’s nuclear ambitions and why should S'pore care?
2. Gazetting of Singapore’s second marine park
Singapore is expected to designate the southern part of Lazarus Island and the reef off Kusu Island as its second marine park in 2025.
Gazetting a site as a marine park ensures that the area’s reefs and marine life are conserved and protected, with research activities and public education prioritised.
The southern part of Lazarus Island has one of the country’s remaining rocky shore habitats and one of the largest mature secondary coastal forests.
The proposed site also complements Singapore’s existing marine park, the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, because the Lazarus reefs receive coral larvae released by the protected area’s corals.
As the reef areas off Kusu Island are extensive, they are an ideal location for coral transplantation and restoration efforts.
By 2025, the boundaries of the proposed marine park are expected to be finalised.
Singapore’s sea space is limited and shared with other sectors, including shipping, aquaculture and petrochemicals.
Coastal development and reclamation works in the past wiped out about 60 per cent of Singapore’s coral reefs, leaving intact reefs to be mostly found on the Southern Islands.
Therefore, when the country planned to have another marine park, it was a major win for marine life and conservation, signalling that biodiversity is also a priority.
An aerial view of Lazarus South (top left) and Kusu Reef (bottom extreme right).ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
3. New climate change targets
Under the Paris Agreement, countries are expected to submit new and more ambitious climate targets to the UN by February 2025.
These climate pledges are formally called nationally determined contributions (NDCs), with this round of carbon emission-reducing targets to be met by 2035.
These pledges, submitted as documents, will include each country’s specific targets to reduce emissions, measures countries are taking to adapt to climate change, and deadlines.
Countries that have submitted their new climate targets so far include the US, Britain, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
These NDCs form the backbone of the global fight against climate change. But several existing targets have been criticised for not being ambitious enough nor realistic enough, lacking sound implementation plans.
The 2024 UN Emissions Gap Report also found that current climate policies will result in catastrophic global warming of 3.1 deg C by 2100.
There is much more countries need to do to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to well below 2 deg C.
Developed nations must uphold historical climate responsibilities, says S’poreOil lobby versus public opinion – this will decide the future
4. Impending La Nina
La Nina is one of three phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, a global climate cycle involving changes in winds and sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. These changes affect weather patterns across the globe.
During a La Nina event, cooler temperatures and more rainfall may be expected over Singapore.
The Meteorological Service Singapore’s website shows that Singapore is currently on “La Nina watch”. This means that La Nina conditions are developing, and will likely be fully formed some time between now and March 2025.
But the upcoming La Nina conditions are expected to be relatively weak and short-lived, according to the latest update from the World Meteorological Organisation on Dec 11.
During the La Nina phase, the trade winds – which are prevailing east-to-west winds near the Equator – strengthen and blow towards the western Pacific Ocean, which includes South-east Asia.
This pushes more warm water towards the region, leading to more evaporation and the formation of rain clouds. This typically results in more rain in Singapore.
La Nina – “little girl” in Spanish – usually brings wetter and cooler conditions to South-east Asia and Australia. For example, it partly led to higher than average total rainfall in Singapore in 2022, with rainfall in October that year being the highest for the month of October in the past four decades.
In Singapore, La Nina events also tend to moderate the annual mean temperatures.
5. Human-wildlife conflicts
From a rare sambar deer being killed in a car accident to crows attacking people, there have been many reports on human-wildlife interactions in 2024.
More recently, the new neighbourhood of Punggol Northshore saw some monkey business, with troops of long-tailed macaques spotted at construction sites and even eating at a void deck of one of the HDB blocks there.
The new neighbourhood of Punggol Northshore saw some monkey business, with troops of long-tailed macaques spotted at construction sites.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Beyond human-wildlife conflicts, there have been reports on animal cruelty such as a reticulated python reportedly burned alive with flammable fluid in spray cans by two people.
With the clearance of natural habitats for developments, and with greater greening efforts, human-wildlife interactions will only increase. It remains to be seen how we can live in harmony with wildlife in our midst.Chin Hui Shan is a journalist covering the environment beat at The Straits Times.
Beyond human-wildlife conflicts, there have been reports on animal cruelty such as a reticulated python reportedly burned alive with flammable fluid in spray cans by two people.
With the clearance of natural habitats for developments, and with greater greening efforts, human-wildlife interactions will only increase. It remains to be seen how we can live in harmony with wildlife in our midst.Chin Hui Shan is a journalist covering the environment beat at The Straits Times.
Shabana Begum is a correspondent, with a focus on environment and science, at The Straits Times.
No comments:
Post a Comment