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<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446</id><updated>2024-04-13T09:43:47.308+08:00</updated><category term="global"/><category term="singapore"/><category term="marine"/><category term="best-of-wild-blogs"/><category term="forests"/><category term="extreme-nature"/><category term="global-biodiversity"/><category term="singaporeans-and-nature"/><category term="climate-pact"/><category term="shores"/><category term="urban-development"/><category term="wildlife-trade"/><category term="haze"/><category term="food"/><category term="water"/><category term="green-energy"/><category term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category term="reefs"/><category term="pollution"/><category term="rising-seas"/><category term="overfishing"/><category term="climate-change"/><category term="fossil-fuels"/><category term="transport"/><category term="global-marine"/><category term="diseases"/><category term="singapore-general"/><category term="freshwater-ecosystems"/><category term="mangroves"/><category term="big-cats"/><category term="birds"/><category term="marine-litter"/><category term="sea-turtles"/><category term="elephants"/><category term="palm-oil"/><category term="human-wildlife-conflict"/><category term="singapore-biodiversity"/><category term="eco-tourism"/><category term="primates"/><category term="plastic-bags"/><category term="oil-spills"/><category term="dolphins"/><category term="aquaculture"/><category term="whales"/><category term="carbon-trading"/><category term="sharks-fins"/><category term="consumerism"/><category term="southern-islands"/><category term="insects"/><category term="global-general"/><category term="biofuel"/><category term="asean"/><category term="reptiles"/><category term="johor-water"/><category term="pets"/><category term="exotics"/><category term="bleaching-events"/><category term="pulau-ubin"/><category term="green-buildings"/><category term="seagrasses"/><category term="aquariums"/><category term="hydropower"/><category term="rhinos"/><category term="sustainability"/><category term="solar-energy"/><category term="nuclear-energy"/><category term="mining"/><category term="singapore-sand"/><category term="bears"/><category term="dugongs"/><category term="pangolins"/><category term="marine-plastic"/><category term="heritage-trees"/><category term="mass-fish-deaths"/><category term="whale-sharks"/><category term="urban-biodiversity"/><category term="population"/><category term="singapore-marine"/><category term="geo-engineering"/><category term="amphibians"/><category term="johor-reclamation"/><category term="acid-oceans"/><category term="carbon-capture"/><category term="climate-adaptation"/><category term="pricing-nature"/><category term="wind-energy"/><category term="pinnipeds"/><category term="ClimateActionSG"/><category term="individual-action"/><category term="cross-island-line"/><category term="wild-boar"/><category term="wetlands"/><category term="bottled-water"/><category term="volunteer-opportunities"/><category term="otters"/><category term="tapirs"/><category term="tidal-power"/><category term="green-web"/><category term="weather"/><category term="geothermal"/><category term="bukom-fire"/><category term="new-publication"/><category term="hydrogen-energy"/><category term="bats"/><category term="latest-publication"/><category term="gobal-biodiversity"/><title type='text'>wildsingapore news</title><subtitle type='html'>environmental news for singaporeans</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/-/singapore'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/search/label/singapore'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/-/singapore/-/singapore?start-index=26&max-results=25'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>14574</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-9034616544255232785</id><published>2019-09-13T12:07:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-16T06:11:38.357+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>wildsingapore news will no longer be updated</title><content type='html'>It's been more than a decade of daily updates, I would like to have a rest.
 
It's now easy to build your own news feed, and to gather the info you need from social media. 
 
So it's a good time for me to stop the updates. 
 
Besides, I sense that very few people really read the updates... 
 
Ria 
hello@wildsingapore.com 
 
Update 16 Sep: Thank you to the about 10 people who wrote to me about wildsingapore news. It really means a lot to me to hear from you. All these years, I've not heard from subscribers. Glad at least a few people have been reading it. 
 
If you would like to keep up with marine issues, do consider subscribing to the <a href="https://celebratingsingaporeshores.blogspot.com/">Celebrating Singapore Shores blog</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CelebratingSingaporeShores/">facebook page</a>. 
</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/9034616544255232785'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/9034616544255232785'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/wildsingapore-news-will-no-longer-be.html' title='wildsingapore news will no longer be updated'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-171570010307639963</id><published>2019-09-09T08:33:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-09T08:33:23.386+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="best-of-wild-blogs"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Best of our wild blogs: 9 Sep 19</title><content type='html'>
 
Butterfly of the Month - September 2019 
<a href="http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2019/09/butterfly-of-month-september-2019.html">Butterflies of Singapore</a> 
 
Night Walk At Windsor Nature Park (06 Sep 2019) 
<a href="https://beetlesg.blogspot.com/2019/09/night-walk-at-windsor-nature-park-06.html">Beetles@SG BLOG</a></content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/171570010307639963'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/171570010307639963'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/best-of-our-wild-blogs-9-sep-19.html' title='Best of our wild blogs: 9 Sep 19'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-5647450216506540432</id><published>2019-09-09T08:31:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-09T08:33:24.226+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="urban-development"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="water"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="wetlands"/><title type='text'>Stretch of Kallang River gets $86 million upgrade, with flood protection and water features</title><content type='html'>Lim Min Zhang <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stretch-of-kallang-river-gets-86-million-upgrade-to-protect-against-flooding-and-with">Straits Times</a> 7 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE - A 1.8km stretch along Kallang River has received a facelift, to make it not only more attractive, but also a better defence against the onslaught of rain. 
 
The four-year, $86-million project called ABC Waters @ Kallang River is meant to boost flood protection for residents in the area, as well as to strengthen the canal's structural integrity. 
 
With the canal wider and deeper, drainage capacity has been increased by 80 per cent. 
 
The drainage improvement works by national water agency PUB at Singapore's longest river was completed recently and unveiled on Saturday (Sept 7), at an event attended by Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MPs Ng Eng Hen and Chong Kee Hiong. Dr Ng is also Defence Minister. 
 
Previously, this part of the canal, between Bishan and Braddell roads, was plain concrete and did not have such water features. 
<a name='more'></a> 
Features to beautify the area include a naturalised slope, small islands with plants, and water cascades which help the water to flow from a higher elevation. However, the canal is not accessible to the public due to safety reasons. A meandering stream, meant to enhance the look of the canal, is the first to be located within a canal in Singapore. 
 
Said Mr Yeo Keng Soon, PUB's director of catchment and waterways: "This stretch of the Kallang River was built in the 1970s and has reached its structural lifespan. 
 
"With the upgrading, it can now convey 80 per cent more rainwater than before, providing better flood protection for residents to cater to potentially more frequent and intense rainfall events due to climate change," he added. 
 
As part of the makeover, PUB also worked with the National Parks Board to develop the Kallang Linear Park along the river between Bishan Stadium and Block 165 Bishan Street 13. 
 
PUB is also constructing a cycling ramp over Kallang River to be completed by the end of this year (2019). The ramp will connect cyclists from Bishan to downtown Singapore in the future. 
 
The project is the latest of six ABC Waters @ Kallang River projects. ABC stands for Active, Beautiful, and Clean. The ABC Waters Programme was started in 2006 to spruce up water bodies here. 
 
Since the 1990s, PUB has been upgrading the drainage infrastructure at Kallang River, which measures 10km and runs from Lower Peirce Reservoir to Marina Reservoir. 
 
The agency has also been carrying out island-wide works to upgrade drains, in preparation for the possibility of more frequent and intense storms with climate change. 
 
Bishan resident of 18 years Jason Cheong, said that the upgraded section with its greenery has given him extra reason to visit it. 
 
Said the 45-year-old, who is a clients operations manager at Eagle Investment Systems: "The river, together with the fishes and birds there, is an ideal place to unwind after a stressful week at work."</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/5647450216506540432'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/5647450216506540432'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/stretch-of-kallang-river-gets-86.html' title='Stretch of Kallang River gets $86 million upgrade, with flood protection and water features'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-3409842406907814979</id><published>2019-09-09T08:30:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-09T08:33:23.761+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="human-wildlife-conflict"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="insects"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="water"/><title type='text'>PUB releases thousands of fish in Pandan Reservoir to combat midges</title><content type='html'><a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pub-fish-pandan-reservoir-midge-infestation-11880498">Channel NewsAsia</a> 6 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE: National water agency PUB has released "tens of thousands" of fish into Pandan Reservoir, the latest measure employed to try to control the midge pupae population, it said on Friday (Sep 6). 
 
The release of the guppies, mollies and swordtails into the reservoir was done in a controlled manner that does not affect its ecosystem, PUB said in a Facebook post. 
 
Midges, which are commonly mistaken for mosquitoes, are small insects which exist in and near water bodies. 
 
"While these midges do not bite or spread diseases, they can be a nuisance when present in large numbers," said PUB. 
<a name='more'></a> 
Residents and businesses at Teban Gardens have been affected as swarms of the insects have infested the neighbourhood. 
 
PUB biologist Tricia Poh releasing fish into Pandan Reservoir to help control the midge pupae population. (Photo: Facebook/PUB) 
PUB said insect nets have also been installed at bus stops along Penjuru Road and West Coast Road. 
 
The nets are laced with permethrin, an insecticide used in PUB’s fogging operations. It is non-toxic to humans. 
 
An insect net installed at a bus stop along West Coast Road to help deter adult midges from entering the area. (Photo: Facebook/PUB) 
Earlier, PUB said in a Facebook post on Aug 1 that it had stepped up measures to control the rising midge population around Pandan Reservoir. 
 
These include putting more biological liquid larvicide within the reservoir, fogging and misting around the reservoir dyke and surrounding vegetation more frequently, and installing bright spotlights at the Pandan Reservoir pumping station to attract adult midges when they emerge at night. According to PUB, the bright lights deter them from flying into residential estates. 
 
There are approximately 57 species of non-biting midges in Singapore's reservoirs. 
 
The current dominant midge species that has recently emerged at Pandan Reservoir is a rare one that has not been studied in great detail, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli in Parliament on Monday. 
 
The species exhibits different behaviours from other species, he added. 
 
“Midges cannot be eradicated as they are part of the natural aquatic ecosystem, and will emerge to breed, especially when aided by favourable environmental conditions. Climate change will further complicate our efforts,” he said. 
 
Pandan Reservoir midge infestation: 'You can say that we’ve given up' 
Ang Hwee Min <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pandan-reservoir-midge-infestation-you-can-say-that-we-ve-given-11879188">Channel NewsAsia</a> 6 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: For the past month, stallowners at Makan Shiokz coffee shop on the ground floor of Block 49 Teban Gardens have had to watch their regular customers turn around and go home after seeing the swarms of midges plaguing the block. 
 
“At around 6 or 7pm, I see them walk here to buy food, and after they see the midges, they u-turn and go home,” said the coffee shop manager, who only wanted to be known as Zai. 
 
“They don’t even want to come here and take away food. It's so sad. We couldn’t even do anything,” he added. 
 
Located adjacent to Pandan Reservoir, the coffee shop has seen a 40 per cent dip in business over the past month, said Zai. 
 
He told CNA that the stallowners have grown so frustrated at the swarms of midges that they decided to take the problem into their own hands. 
 
“First we tried electric racquets. Then we bought electrical insect traps. Then we tried glue boxes. Then these weren’t working, so we bought small fogging machines to try fogging ourselves, and now we’ve put up this net. 
 
“Every night in August, we even used a paint brush to brush the net and the columns with oil, because it is sticky and the midges get stuck.” 
 
“The problem with (the coffee shop) being here, is because we are located at an angle and there is no HDB blocking us, the wind blows all the midges towards (the coffee shop),” said Zai. 
 
“Whenever they do the fogging, it works for the reservoir, but then the midges come to us. You can see them sticking to the second and third floors also.” 
 
He added: “We did email PUB asking if there’s any possibility for us to get compensation, because (the reservoir) belongs to them. But they emailed back and said no way of compensation.” According to Zai, PUB informed residents that the problem is predicted to persist until October. 
 
“The insects really fly into your food. It makes me uncomfortable,” said housewife and regular customer Ms Normah Johan, 53. 
 
Ms Normah stopped eating at Makan Shiokz for about a month, but recently started going to the coffee shop again as she observed that there has been a reduction in the swarms of midges. 
 
Her husband, Mr Aziz Biat, drives a lorry for work every day, and has to wash it more often because the midges stick to the vehicle after he drives around the area. 
 
“When it was hot in August, there were really a lot of insects flying around. Now it is a bit better,” said the 61-year-old. “Actually this is not so bad, it is just irritating. At least it is not mosquitoes, that actually can be dangerous.” 
 
The couple has lived at Block 24 Teban Gardens for over 20 years. While their home has yet to be invaded by midges because their block is located further away from the reservoir, the family closes all their windows and sprays insect repellent before going to bed. 
 
When CNA visited Teban Gardens between 4.30pm and 7pm on Thursday afternoon (Sep 5), midges were swarming above drains in large numbers, and dead midges had accumulated in crevices on walls and pillars, appearing to be dirt or dust at first glance. Standing still resulted in midges swarming around and getting into one's eyes, mouth, nose and hair. 
 
At about 4.30pm, Block 31 and Blk 33 Teban Gardens, which directly face the reservoir, were washed down with water jets. And at about 6pm, PUB officers carried out fogging around the reservoir, as well as drains surrounding the blocks next to the reservoir. 
 
PUB said in a Facebook post on Aug 1 that it has increased the frequency of fogging and misting around the reservoir dyke and surrounding vegetation, frequency and dosage of biological liquid larvicide within the reservoir, as well as the installation of bright spotlights at the Pandan Reservoir pumping station to attract adult midges when they emerge at night. 
 
According to PUB, the bright lights deter them from flying into residential estates. Midge egg masses attached to floating structures and rocks along the edges of the reservoir have also been removed. 
 
Residents and passersby were spotted wearing masks, swatting the insects away and avoiding drainage areas where huge swarms of midges were gathering. 
 
Mr Lim Thiam Chye, who works in a provision shop in the industrial area near Pandan Reservoir, has worn a mask and a cap to work every day since the midge emergence began in July, to prevent the insects from flying into his eyes, nose and mouth. 
 
“It rained the other day, and the midges disappeared for a while. A few days later, they were back and there was even more of them,” said the 57-year-old in Mandarin. 
 
“I don’t think the fogging has helped. The number of midges hasn’t decreased at all, and the wind is so strong, it just blows them back to the HDB area,” he added. 
 
After the fogging on Thursday ended, CNA observed swarms of midges returning to the drains and the surroundings just 15 to 20 minutes later. 
 
Resident Xavier Lopez, who has lived at Block 40 Teban Gardens for over 40 years, said the midges emergence happens most years. 
 
“But this is the first time it is like that. It’s been going on for more than a month, last time is at most one week. It’s probably the most insects I’ve seen,” he added. 
 
Mr Lopez said he closes all his windows at home, but this does not prevent midges from flying through the bathroom windows. He told CNA that dead midges accumulate on the floor, walls and mirrors, and he washes the toilet every day. He also does not turn on any lights, even at night. 
 
Student Zena Seah and her family have adopted similar habits, choosing to leave all windows closed at all times. They also avoid turning on the lights, as they have observed that midges swarm around their bright kitchen lights. 
 
Zena, who stays in Block 25 Teban Gardens, said she encounters swarms of midges in the lift when she leaves and returns from school. “I don’t even dare to open my mouth,” she said. 
 
When she eats at the nearby hawker centres, she has also noticed midges landing on tables and chairs. 
 
“There was once I went to the hawker centre to get food, and I saw a table full of black marks. Then the cleaning aunty wiped the table, and I realised it was all dead midges,” she added. 
 
But Zena said that while the midges are a nuisance, they have not affected her family’s daily routines. “We don’t really care. Even if we see them, they’ll die in one to two days anyway.” 
 
The current dominant midge species that has recently emerged at Pandan Reservoir is a rare one that has not been studied in great detail, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli in Parliament on Monday. 
 
The species exhibits different behaviours from other species, like hiding in drains and culverts in the day and swarm above the drains in the evening, he added. 
 
PUB has greased drain walls to trap midges when they land to rest, and have targeted these areas for fogging, he said. It has also explored the use of free-moving oily paper within drains to increase the capture rates of adult midges. 
 
The netting on the reservoir dyke has also been extended by 1km, said Mr Masagos, acting as a barrier to trap adult midges and reduces the number of adult midges that would otherwise be blown to residential estates. 
 
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, MP for West Coast GRC Foo Mee Har said residents who live near Pandan Reservoir have “suffered greatly” from the mass emergence of midges since July this year. 
 
"This year’s outbreak is the most severe we have witnessed yet and also persisted for the longest time, impacting the daily lives of our residents. Some have likened it to being in a horror movie. If you visited it's really scary," she added. 
 
READ: PUB stepping up measures to tackle emergence of rare dominant midge species at Pandan Reservoir: Masagos 
READ: PUB to carry out fogging, checks as midges multiply near Pandan Reservoir 
As for Zai, returning home is not an escape from the midges at work. The 46-year-old lives in a unit in the same block. 
 
He spends his free time looking on the Internet for solutions that might work against the midges, but has not found any other options yet. “I do not know what to do anymore. Seriously, I do not know what to do anymore,” he said. 
 
He added that while he, along with other stallowners, used to paint the insect net and columns with oil by hand every night, they have since stopped doing so. 
 
“You can say that we’ve given up. There are just too many.” 
 
Source: CNA/hw 
</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3409842406907814979'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3409842406907814979'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/pub-releases-thousands-of-fish-in.html' title='PUB releases thousands of fish in Pandan Reservoir to combat midges'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-3350240257909696689</id><published>2019-09-09T08:26:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-09T08:33:23.667+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="ClimateActionSG"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Taking the climate fight beyond straws and tote bags — individual actions that matter</title><content type='html'>NAVENE ELANGOVAN <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-climate-beyond-straws-tote-bags-individuals-actions-matter">Today Online</a> 7 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE — In a country where most people do not think twice about buying new clothes, Mr Leow Yee Shiang has not bought a single piece of clothing in the past two years. 
 
The 31-year-old civil servant practises what he calls a “minimalist lifestyle”. He rarely shops, and has only bought four items for himself this year – a water bottle, socks, lenses for his sunglasses and a motorcycle plate number. 
 
What sparked the decision? Mr Leow said it happened early last year when he was packing his belongings for his return to Singapore from Australia, where he had been living with his wife for two years because of work. 
 
“I got a bit fed-up as I was packing… There were many boxes. I got so angry at myself that I just started throwing away things,” he recalled. Among some of the items which he threw out included his wedding photo and its frame, as well as the love letters he got from his wife when they were dating. It means that he can now “focus on cherishing” their relationship, he said with a smile. 
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Another person who has gone to the extremes to reduce his carbon footprint is Mr Tan Hang Chong. 
 
Mr Tan is the co-founder of Foodscape Collective, a community group that aims to raise awareness about food waste. He does not switch on the lights in his house, even at night. Instead, he relies on light which filters in from the corridors or neighbouring flats, and even showers in the dark. 
 
Mr Tan said that the idea to live this way occurred to him after he started pondering about ways to reduce his electricity bill several years ago. “I realised that while I was always so conscious about light pollution and its impact on wildlife… why not harness the light pollution?” he said. 
 
Mr Leow and Mr Tan may be outliers but anecdotally, more and more Singaporeans are taking the effort to do their bit for the environment — in particular, by using reuseable straws and bringing their own tote bags for grocery shopping. 
 
Many of those who swear by reuseable straws would recall watching a video of a turtle with a straw stuck in its nose, which went viral on social media some years ago. 
 
The anti-plastic straw movement got a boost last year, with big corporations such as coffee giant Starbucks announcing that they would eliminate plastic straws and other disposables from their premises. 
 
The surge in sales of reusable straws comes on the heels of other trendy environmental efforts such as the use of tote bags, which at one point were seen as the panacea to plastic bags and freely given out at some retail establishments. 
 
In Singapore, several supermarkets have also introduced reusable bags for sale, or have given them away for free to discourage consumers from using plastic bags. 
 
Such initiatives come as the effects of climate change are being felt around the world with increasing intensity — from erratic weather patterns to melting of glaciers, and rising sea levels. Singapore has not been spared either, with long spells of hot weather and heavier rainfall becoming the new normal in recent years. 
 
Indeed, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently urged the nation to see climate-change mitigation measures like how it treats the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) — “with utmost seriousness”. 
 
“Both the SAF and climate change defences are existential for us. These are life and death matters,” he said during his National Day Rally speech on Aug 18, noting that low-lying Singapore is especially vulnerable to rising sea levels. 
 
While there has been a greater awareness among Singaporeans on the gravity of the climate change problem in recent years, not everyone is aware of what they can do to make a meaningful difference — beyond the use of reuseable straws and bags, which some environmentalists have noted do not make a huge impact in the grand scheme of things. 
 
Mr Ho Xiang Tian, 23, the co-founder of sustainability interest group LepakInSG, recounted an incident where he had refused a straw at a food establishment, only to see the cashier accidentally knock over an entire packet of straws onto the floor, rendering them unusable. 
 
“It was in that instant when I realised that I could refuse a straw 100 times, but in three seconds the cashier negated all my efforts,” he said. 
 
Still, environmental experts and activists TODAY spoke to reiterated the importance of individual action. After all, great social movements start from the convictions of a few before reaching a tipping point, they noted. 
 
The world will be “on a path to failure” if people do not believe in individual actions, said Mr Michael Broadhead, a board member at environmental non-profit Centre for a Responsible Future and founder of EarthFest Singapore. 
 
“Any social change at the beginning has a few people making change. They do it because they see a better way and are passionate about it,” he said. “Eventually these people spread awareness and educate more people to adopt those habits, reaching a tipping point to become mainstream.” 
 
Despite its detractors, the anti-plastic straw movement around the world is a case in point: Individual actions can generate enough momentum to lead to changes in business and government policies. 
 
Starbucks, for instance, announced last year that it would eliminate plastic straws by 2020. At home, fast-food chain McDonalds announced earlier this week that it would remove straws from selected outlets. 
 
These developments — or “small victories” as some would say — suggest that if individuals make other lifestyle changes, they can collectively make a tangible impact in saving the environment. 
 
Here is an in-depth look at five things which individuals can do to make a real difference: 
 
1. SWITCH OFF THE AIR-CON 
 
The air-conditioner is ubiquitous in Singapore given its tropical climate — it is found in 99 per cent of condominium units, and almost every public building here, for example. 
 
While Singapore’s first prime minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, had once described air-conditioning as the greatest invention in history and viewed air-conditioners in civil-service buildings as key to public efficiency, air-conditioners can consume up to half of a building’s energy needs, contributing to climate change. 
 
The amount of energy required to cool Singapore is expected to grow by 73 per cent between 2010 and 2030, said Associate Professor Lee Poh Seng from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). 
 
Not only are air-conditioners prevalent in most buildings, they are turned on excessively: A survey conducted late-2017 by environmental news website Eco-Business found that 68 per cent of Singapore residents felt that it was too cold in buildings – the highest proportion among six Asean countries surveyed. 
 
Without any change in consumption habits, energy consumption in all Asean countries is likely to increase by a compound annual growth rate of 5.7 per cent by 2030. 
 
According to the SP Group’s website, the air-conditioner is the biggest energy guzzler at home, with its power input reaching as high as 3,000 watts. 
 
Based on calculations from “What is My Carbon Footprint” website, an individual living in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat who often uses air-conditioner and other large electrical appliances — such as refrigerators, water heaters and televisions — can generate 1 tonne of carbon emissions a year. 
 
By reducing usage, the individual can cut his or her carbon footprint by half. 
 
However, based on random interviews with some Singaporeans, it seems that giving up air-conditioning or just setting the machine a few degrees Celsius higher is a big ask for people here. 
 
Ms Priya Chandran, a first-year student at Nanyang Technological University, said that she would usually leave her air-conditioner at home running for up to 10 hours a day overnight. 
 
While the 21-year-old is aware of its environmental impact, she considers the air-conditioner as necessary in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. 
 
“It's very hot. When I'm outside, I don't have the same access to air-conditioning that I have at home, so I would like to make optimal use of that comfort while I'm resting,” she said. 
 
When asked if she was prepared to switch to environment-friendly options at home, Ms Chandran said that she would only do so if they offered the same chillness as her current air-conditioner, and if the alternatives were within her budget. 
 
Mr Rishvinder Singh, who lives in a four-room HDB flat, said his family leaves two of their air-conditioners switched on for up to five hours each night. 
 
When told that he could potentially cut his carbon footprint by half if he were to stop using air-conditioners, Mr Singh, 25, said that while he would consider reducing usage, he would need regular reminders to do so. 
 
“Although there are a lot of push factors against using the air-conditioner frequently because of climate change, it’s a very difficult change to implement throughout the entire country because Singapore is hot and humid, even at night,” said the teacher. 
 
2. DRIVE LESS 
 
Leaving the car at home and making greater use of public transport is another step that Singaporeans can take to reduce their carbon footprints. 
 
The number of cars on the roads in Singapore remains high, even as the Government continues to promote public transport as part of its 2040 land transport master plan. 
 
As of July, figures from the Land Transport Authority showed that there were about 967,800 vehicles on the road. Of these, 556,200 were private cars while another 91,700 were taxis and private-hire cars. 
 
According to the National Climate Change Secretariat, private cars make up the largest share of emissions by the transport sector at 35 per cent. This is followed by commercial vehicles (26 per cent), taxis (17 per cent), bus (15 per cent), MRT and LRT (4 per cent) and motorcycles (3 per cent). 
 
While there are no official figures available on the amount of carbon emissions generated by private car use, the transport sector made up close to 14 per cent of total emissions in 2014, and the figure is projected to increase by 0.5 per cent next year under a business-as-usual scenario. 
 
A study by Assistant Professor Lynette Cheah from the Singapore University of Technology and Design estimated that cars alone generated 2.2 kg of carbon per litre of petrol. 
 
Figures from the Transport Ministry also show that travelling by car generates about 14 times more emissions (187 gCO2/passenger-km) compared with travelling by MRT (13 gCO2/passenger-km). 
 
In a separate study, the average occupancy of cars in Singapore was found to be about 1.7 people per car — and this reflected “immense inefficiencies”, said Asst Prof Cheah. 
 
Like many working professionals, lawyer Melissa Tham, 29, typically travels by car. Each day, she either takes a private-hire car or gets a lift from her family to travel from her home in Upper Thomson to her workplace at Marina Bay Financial Centre. 
 
This comes up to 0.02 tonnes of carbon emissions per week, or about 1 tonne per year. 
 
The figure excludes her travels by private-hire car or taxis during the weekend, which can come up to about six trips each weekend. 
 
Travelling by car generates about 14 times more emissions compared with travelling by MRT. Photo: Nuria Ling/TODAY 
 
While Ms Tham is aware that travelling via public transport will significantly reduce her carbon footprint, she cited convenience as the key reason for continuing to take private-hire cars or taxis. 
 
“I live with my parents and we don’t live near an MRT station, with the nearest being 20 minutes away, and it’s really too long and time consuming for me to walk there,” she said. 
 
She added that with a new MRT station coming up near her home, she might switch to public transport in future. 
 
For Mr Ash Lim, 45, cost had been the major factor — rather than a desire to save the environment — in giving up his car about three years ago. 
 
The managing director of a theatre company said that he had decided not to get another car after he scrapped his car in 2016 due to high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices. 
 
He added that using the train to get from his Aljunied home to his workplace in the Central Business District “was not really difficult”. He only takes a taxi or private-hire car about twice a week, he said. 
 
Nevertheless, he said he may think about getting a car again if he moves to another place further from his office, for example. On whether the level of carbon emissions generated from driving would be a consideration, he said it would be “a small, but not deciding factor”. 
 
Building more connected infrastructure is one of the ways in which the Government hopes to cut down on emissions intensity generated by road transport. In 2017, 67 per cent of trips during peak hours were made by public transport. The Government is aiming to increase this to 75 per cent by 2030, and 85 per cent by 2050. 
 
However, Asst Prof Cheah noted that several hurdles remain in the drive for a car-lite nation, such as the growing population and a tendency for car owners to drive as much as they can to maximise their financial outlay on the vehicles. 
 
A tax based on mileage rather than ownership, which is currently the case, could deter people from taking the car, she added. 
 
3. EAT LESS MEAT 
 
Beef is more potent in terms of carbon emissions than other forms of meat. Photo: Rawpixel 
 
Reducing meat consumption is one of the most significant ways for an individual to reduce his or her carbon footprint. 
 
The animal agriculture sector has been identified as a key source of greenhouse gas, with deforestation to grow crops for animal feed contributing to global warming. 
 
Beef in particular, is more potent in terms of carbon emissions than other forms of meat. More resources are required to produce beef. Cows also release methane which is 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. 
 
A 2014 study of meals in the United Kingdom found that vegetarians generated about half the amount of carbon dioxide (3.8kg) compared to those who had more than 100g of meat a day (7.2 kg). 
 
A study by medical journal The Lancet in January recommended that people eat a plant-based diet, with the occasional inclusion of meat, dairy and sugar in their meals. 
 
However, figures from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority showed that on average, each Singaporean ate 2kg of beef, 3kg of mutton and 20kg of pork in 2017. This works out to about 68g of meat consumed per day — nearly five times the 14g of meat a day recommended by The Lancet study. 
 
Some environmentally-conscious individuals whom TODAY spoke to admitted that they had struggled to make a complete switch to vegetarianism or veganism due to nutritional issues or opposition by family members. 
 
Vegetarians are those who do not eat meat products while vegans do not eat meat and other products derived from animals such as milk or honey. 
 
However, there are Singaporeans who have successfully made the change such as Mr Hilmi Hayan, an entrepreneur and bodybuilder. The 25-year-old decided to go vegan several years ago after watching a small bird killed for food. 
 
Mr Hilmi, who rarely ate vegetables before turning vegan, said that he subsequently learnt about the destruction and level of carbon emission involved in producing meat, and this reaffirmed his decision to stay vegan. 
 
4. BUY LESS, THROW AWAY LESS 
 
Last year, Singaporeans threw out about 7.7 million tonnes of waste, enough to fill about 15,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. On a daily basis, this is equivalent to the weight of more than 1,400 double-decker buses. 
 
Mr Leow, the civil servant who practises a minimalist lifestyle, felt that Singaporeans’ tendency to buy things and throw them away soon after was symptomatic of the country’s affluence. 
 
Mr Leow Yee Shiang has been a minimalist for the last one and a half years. Photo: Najeer Yusof/ TODAY 
 
He has only 20 pieces of clothing in total and he avoids spending money on new items unless they are absolutely necessary. He extends the life of his personal possessions by repairing or repurposing them. 
 
Mr Leow is an anomaly in Singapore, where most people are victims of “fast fashion”. 
 
In 2016, a CNA survey of 1,000 respondents found that on average, Singaporeans bought about 34 pieces of new clothing each year, driven by the lure of cheap prices. They also threw out an average of 27 items of clothing per year. 
 
Only 6 per cent of 220,000 tonnes of textiles and leather generated in Singapore was recycled last year. 
 
According to the United Nations, if the fashion industry does not adopt more sustainable methods of production, it will represent 26 per cent of global carbon emissions, up from 10 per cent now. 
 
Corporate communications senior executive Manesh Rangarajan, for example, buys at least one new item each month, including clothes. Despite being aware of the environmental costs of the mostly imported fast-fashion, Mr Manesh felt that there is little incentive to buy local products to reduce the environmental cost of clothes. 
 
Mr Manesh, who refreshes his wardrobe every two to three years, said: “It’s hard to think about carbon footprint when you live in Singapore where everything is imported.” 
 
“The made-in-Singapore items are mostly pricey and the affordability of ready-to-wear items by bigger brands is a bigger draw,” said the 30-year-old who window shops online on a daily basis. 
 
5. TAKE FEWER FLIGHTS 
 
Singapore generated 9.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions in terms of departing flights. Photo: TODAY file 
 
The aviation industry generates 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, and 12 per cent of carbon emissions among all forms of transport. 
 
While they seem small, figures by the European Environment Agency show that flying emits 285g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, exceeding 158g by road and 14g by rail for each passenger. 
 
A study in 2012 on the carbon footprint of the aviation industry also found that within Asia, Singapore generated 9.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions in terms of departing flights, second only to Hong Kong (10.4 million tonnes). 
 
The study also found that the route between London and Singapore generated the highest amount of carbon emissions. 
 
With Singapore being a travel hub and its citizens avid travellers, this amount of carbon emissions is unlikely to abate. Last year, Changi Airport Group posted its highest passenger haul of 65.6 million, a 5.5 per cent increase from the year before. 
 
While the global aviation industry has committed to improving its fuel efficiency per year from 2009 to 2020 and reduce its net aviation carbon emissions in half by 2050 (relative to 2005 levels), it remains to be seen whether travellers’ mindsets will change. 
 
Consultant Yoong Leong Yan flies to Kuala Lumpur monthly for work. 
 
On the idea of taking a coach instead of a flight, the 51-year-old said: “The coach is not convenient because of the time and because you need to get on and off at the checkpoint immigration.” 
 
He added: “My main consideration is the efficiency (of the travel mode) and to get … the business done.” 
 
Still, some are making the adjustments, including Mr Tan, the co-founder of Foodscape Collective. He tries to limit his travel, only travelling in the region when he needs to. He also lengthens his stay when he travels — getting more done, instead of having to fly to and fro — and offsets his carbon emissions through green activities. 
 
INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS COUNT, BUT GOVTS & FIRMS THE REAL GAME-CHANGERS 
 
While making changes to their lifestyle could significantly cut down Singaporeans’ average carbon emissions, several interviewed cited cost, inconvenience or peer-pressure as reasons for not doing so. Some also pointed to Singapore’s negligible contribution to global carbon emissions, and felt that any drastic changes to their lifestyles — along with the inconveniences — are not worth it. 
 
The website “What is My Carbon Footprint” showed that the average Singaporean generates 9 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, more than twice the world’s average, and more than four times the target to maintain a sustainable footprint. 
 
At the same time, Singapore contributes to only 0.1 per cent of global carbon emissions. 
 
Reflecting a common mindset among most individuals, Mr Manesh said: “I think saving the environment is important. And I have made some changes to do so. But with the emissions in Singapore being so low, I would not go out of my way to make drastic changes to the way I do things. But I have and will make a conscious effort if it is convenient for me.” 
 
Green advocates, however, want Singaporeans to know that individual actions count much more than they think. 
 
Ms Melissa Tan, 27, founder of Bamboo Straw Girl, a business selling biodegradable straws, stressed that changing everyday habits would encourage people to think about the consequences of their actions. 
 
“When collective change becomes a habit, our values as a community change. This will be reflected in the policies we push for,” she said. 
 
Ultimately, governments and businesses are the real game-changers — but it is individuals who collectively send a message and drive the behaviours of governments and businesses. 
 
Said Mr Ho of Lepak in SG: “People need to think about what kind of future they want to live in, and actively take steps to talk to those in power about what they want to see and how they think those in power could help bring about this vision of what they want to see in the future.” 
 
Worldwide, there is a growing sense that corporations and governments are not pulling their weight on climate action policies, amid various reports and studies sounding the alarm on the pace of global warming. 
 
The perceived lack of urgency has led to climate strikes being held regularly around the world, such as the “Fridays for Future” school strikes launched by Swedish student activist Greta Thunberg. 
 
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg attends a protest next to Sweden's parliament in Stockholm. Photo: Reuters 
 
The activism has also reached Singapore’s shores, with a group of youths organising the Singapore Climate Rally at Hong Lim Park on Sept 21 to push the Government to adopt more stringent climate action policies. 
 
Ms Annika Mock, 20, who is part of the rally’s organising committee, said that youths are living in “a very important moment in history”, with governments’ actions today likely to “echo into the decades” to come. 
 
At a country level, Mr Marc Allen, technical director at energy and climate change consultancy Engeco, said that consumers have the power to lobby for change by demanding low-carbon options and transparency in emission data. 
 
Mr Allen cited the examples of banks and institutional investors relooking the impact of their portfolios on the environment, as a result of public pressure. 
 
The impact of public pressure has not gone unnoticed in Singapore, with a spate of recent moves by companies to adopt more environmentally-friendly alternatives. NTUC FairPrice, for instance, announced on Wednesday (Sept 4) that shoppers will be charged for plastic bags at selected outlets. 
 
NTUC FairPrice shoppers will be charged for plastic bags at selected outlets. Phtoo: Facebook/NTUC Fairprice 
 
While more stringent, sustainable policies entail trade-offs — such as in the form of higher costs of eco-friendly production methods — economic growth and combating climate change do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive, experts stressed. 
 
Moving towards a smaller carbon footprint could also create economic opportunities for governments, especially in the areas of innovative business models and new technology, said Mr Allen. 
 
S’PORE MAY BE SMALL BUT IT ‘CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ 
 
The Singapore Government has been proactive in fighting climate change: Apart from initiatives such as the introduction of carbon tax at the start of this year, it launched the Zero Waste Masterplan last month which aims to reduce the waste sent to the landfill each day by 30 per cent by 2030. 
 
Still, some Singapore government and business leaders have alluded to the fact that even if Singapore were to cut its carbon emissions, it would have little impact on a global scale. 
 
But this does not mean that Singapore’s role does not matter on the international stage, said Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency Member of Parliament Louis Ng. 
 
Ms Melissa Low, a research fellow at NUS’ Energy Studies Institute, stressed that Singapore’s size “should not be an excuse for inaction”. 
 
She noted that while Singapore accounted for a minute percentage of global emissions, some activists had pointed out that industries based here could generate a much larger carbon footprint through their emissions in other countries and measures are needed to mitigate against that. 
 
Mr Ng said that Singapore’s hosting of next month’s meetings by the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that the world looked to Singapore “as a leader”. 
 
“If we do something, the rest will follow. Even (former United States president) Barack Obama has said that Singapore punches above its weight. We do it for economic and other issues, why don’t we do it for climate change as well?” he added. 
 
This article is in partnership with the National Youth Council. How far would you go to reduce your carbon footprint? Share your views and see what others have to say at bit.ly/todayonline-zerowaste.</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3350240257909696689'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3350240257909696689'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/taking-climate-fight-beyond-straws-and.html' title='Taking the climate fight beyond straws and tote bags — individual actions that matter'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-4173252744170138297</id><published>2019-09-09T08:23:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-09T08:33:24.040+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sustainability"/><title type='text'>Wasteful practices of affluence must stop</title><content type='html'>Let’s consider a set of new 3Rs for environmental sustainability – namely, reinvention, recalibration and reward, says Nominated Member of Parliament Professor Lim Sun Sun.
Lim Sun Sun <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/wasteful-practices-of-affluence-repair-cutlery-plastic-bags-11880308">Channel NewsAsia</a> 7 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: One of my favourite Instagram accounts is that of Tabao Girl’s. This environmentally minded young woman meticulously photographs the efforts she makes daily to reduce her use of disposables. 
 
On most days, she succeeds remarkably with her inspiring arsenal of reusable cups, containers, and cutlery, and enjoys her take-away food like the rest of us. 
 
But one day in July this year, she recounted in a post her distressing experience at a bakery, while waiting behind another customer: “…when he was done paying, I was almost going to cry. First the 13 buns, each in 1 plastic bag of its own. Then he wanted 6 buns in 1 bag, and 7 buns in another – and he wanted them double-bagged. Then he asked the cashier to give him 1 large bag to put everything into. In 1 bakery trip for 13 buns, there was a total of 18, EIGHTEEN PLASTIC BAGS used in 1 single transaction.”
 
I share her distress when I witness such scenes in bakeries, hawker centres and supermarkets. 
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It seems that as consumers, we have become so precious that food items must be individually packed for fear that they come into contact with each other. Heaven forbid that we allow our floss buns to defile our chocolate croissants! 
 
Indeed, I often find it difficult to advise service staff that I do not wish to have my breads individually packed, and that I have no need for disposable cutlery. 
 
Many look at me with annoyance, as if I have disrupted their well-established work processes. I do not fault them. 
 
The broader structural factors we all labour under are norms set in place by industries, and consumer expectations which have been shaped as a result. 
 
HAVE THE 3RS BECOME TRITE? 
 
Earlier this week, the Singapore Government passed the new Resource Sustainability Bill. In the face of scorching temperatures, environmental degradation and climate change, an entirely new bill to address these critical issues is a concerted step towards ridding our society of some damaging practices. 
 
We in Singapore have become so well-acquainted with the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle — to the point that they have become somewhat trite and lost valuable traction. 
 
In truth, although many of us try hard to practise these 3Rs, it seems like broader structural factors and norms work against our best efforts. 
 
Companies are keen to win over customers and see offering individual packaging and free bags as good service. Consumers are in turn trained to expect and demand such provisions and this vicious cycle perpetuates itself countless times, every single day. 
 
Over time, such norms and expectations result in mountains of trash and ingrain in our people wasteful habits that generate more rubbish than we can handle. These harmful norms and expectations exist not only in F&B, but in virtually every industry. 
 
NEW 3RS: REINVENT, RECALIBRATE AND REWARD 
 
I therefore propose an alternative set of 3Rs that can take environmental sustainability at institutional and individual levels to a higher plane. In addition to reduce, reuse and recycle therefore, we must strive to reinvent, recalibrate and reward. 
 
The Resource Sustainability Act will be an excellent initiative with regard to reinvention. By requiring that those who profit from the supply of products be responsible for collecting and treating these products when they become waste, companies will be more cognisant of downstream effects of their commercial activity. 
 
This will motivate them to invest more heavily in reinventing their products so that waste generation is minimised. 
 
On the specific issue of e-waste that the bill seeks to address, technology companies have for too long practised planned obsolescence to boost consumer demand. 
 
They design lifespans of products such as smartphones and laptop computers other electrical appliances to be artificially short, so that consumers are forced to ditch functional products and acquire new ones. 
 
Some devices are also designed to be difficult to repair, or with replacement parts that are tightly controlled by the company, thereby making it challenging to extend their lifespan through replacing faulty parts. 
 
Device repair services have also become few and far between such that consumers find it easier to buy a whole new device. 
In contrast, consider the Dutch social enterprise Fairphone which produces smartphones that have significantly less environmental impact. Fairphones are designed to be easy to open, repair and upgrade. 
 
For example, Fairphone owners can unscrew their phones and replace the cameras, thereby enjoying the latest technology without having to buy an entirely new phone. 
 
Their phones are designed to last for at least five years, more than twice the standard 24 month-smartphone replacement cycle. 
 
Examples such as Fairphone show us that resource sustainability is achievable through reinvention, especially if we introduce the right levers. 
 
Governments and consumer advocacy groups worldwide can do more to combat the exploitative practice of planned obsolescence, as well as introduce regulations to strengthen consumers’ rights to repair their electrical and electronic products. 
 
RECALIBRATING 
 
The next R we must act upon is to recalibrate. It is time we recalibrate people’s expectations for what constitutes excellent service and warm hospitality. 
 
Singapore seems to have transformed into a society where events must involve goody bags, bottled water and an oversupply of catered food. Consequently, our homes have been filled with SWAG – stuff we all get – that we later dump into landfills after engaging in Marie Kondo inspired spring cleaning. 
 
Thankfully, these norms need not be cast in stone. Collectively, we can forge fresh norms that help to advance resource sustainability. 
 
Conference organisers should dispense with goody bags, hotels can do away with small toiletries bottles and bakeries must discontinue this practice of wrapping buns in individual bags. 
 
Every industry can identify positive disruptions that can enhance environmental sustainability by maximising resources and minimising waste. Once we create new norms, we recalibrate consumer expectations, and change behaviour for the better. 
 
REWARDING 
 
Finally, the third R is to reward. Beyond punitive measures that clearly have their place in our ecosystem, we must also consider introducing more schemes to reward companies and consumers for their efforts to go green. 
 
As the recent study by the Singapore Environment Council on building a circular food economy revealed, an estimated S$2.54 billion of food loss occurs in Singapore from farm to market annually. This astounding loss must be addressed. 
 
We need to introduce more incentive schemes for companies to invest in technology to extend the shelf-life of food items. 
 
We also have to encourage different players within the food supply chain to collaborate on practical solutions to stemming food waste. 
 
We should also develop Singapore as a centre where we specialise in innovations to transform food waste streams into valuable by-products such as new food items, animal feed or compost. 
 
By rewarding such investments, collaborations and innovations, we can steer companies towards greater resource sustainability. 
 
Similarly, on the consumer level, we can introduce schemes to change consumer behaviour. Those who choose options with smaller carbon footprints can be rewarded with loyalty points that translate into discounts. 
 
Similarly, consumers can be encouraged to reward companies that offer more green alternatives through rating and voting systems. 
 
We are all drowning in the effluents of affluence. The time to act is now. 
 
Lim Sun Sun is Professor of Communication and Technology and Head of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. She is also a Nominated Member of Parliament and Board Director of the Singapore Environment Council. 
 
Source: CNA/sl</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4173252744170138297'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4173252744170138297'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/wasteful-practices-of-affluence-must.html' title='Wasteful practices of affluence must stop'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-3085154696434700454</id><published>2019-09-09T08:21:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-09T08:33:23.574+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="marine-plastic"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="plastic-bags"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Biodegradable plastic alternatives not necessarily better for Singapore, say experts</title><content type='html'>Ang Hwee Min <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/biodegradable-plastic-alternatives-not-necessarily-better-for-11854322">Channel NewsAsia</a> 9 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE: You might think that switching from single use plastics to biodegradable plastic alternatives is good for the environment but in Singapore, there are “no effective differences”, experts said. 
 
They often end up in the same place - the incinerator, said Associate Professor Tong Yen Wah from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). 
 
Biodegradable plastic wastes make a difference to the environment only when they are buried in landfills, he added. 
 
“In these situations, these plastic bags can degrade faster as compared to a regular polyethylene plastic bag and will not affect the environment as much. Overall for Singapore, it might even be more expensive to incinerate biodegradable plastics," said Assoc Prof Tong.He explained that this is because some biodegradable options take more resources to produce, which make them more expensive. 
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The opinion squares with what Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources said in Parliament in August - that a life-cycle assessment of single-use carrier bags and disposables by the National Environment Ministry (NEA) found that substituting plastics with other types of single-use packaging materials is “not necessarily better for the environment”. 
 
"In Singapore, waste is incinerated and not left in landfills to degrade. This means that the resource requirements of oxo-degradable bags are similar to that of plastic bags, and they also have similar environmental impact when incinerated. 
 
"In addition, oxo-degradable bags could interfere with the recycling process when mixed with conventional plastics," said the NEA study. 
 
Oxo-degradable plastics quickly fragment into smaller and smaller pieces, called microplastics, but don’t break down at the molecular or polymer level like biodegradable and compostable plastics. 
 
The resulting microplastics are left in the environment indefinitely until they eventually fully break down. 
 
The European Union (EU) has in fact decided in March to ban items made of oxo-degradable plastic alongside a ban on single-use plastics. 
 
In making the decision, the EU said oxo-degradable plastic "does not properly biodegrade and thus contributes to microplastic pollution in the environment". 
 
The measures will take effect in 2021. 
 
STILL KEEN ON ALTERNATIVES 
 
Although biodegradable alternatives may not make a difference to the environment, several companies here have already made the switch. 
 
A BreadTalk Group spokesman told CNA that 78 per cent of plastic bags used by the group’s bakery division is biodegradable. 
 
The takeaway boxes used at Food Republic outlets and the cups used at Toast Box outlets are also biodegradable, he said. 
 
“As a key player in the F&B business, BreadTalk Group remains highly committed to gradually increase our biodegradable packaging options for consumers. However, we are also conscious of the reality that certain local cuisines will still require plastic lids for easy handling.” 
 
Similarly, caterer Neo Group has implemented biodegradable cornware utensils since 2010. 
 
“The cost of changing our disposable ware to biodegradable cornware was higher, but we believe in doing our part to save the Earth, which is why our founder initiated the move to implement the change nine years ago,” said a Neo Group spokesman. 
 
The spokesman added that Neo Group’s company-wide long-term goal is to go paperless and reduce the use of plastic by 30 per cent in its day-to-day operations. 
 
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC PRODUCTS = LARGER CARBON FOOTPRINT? 
 
Despite the belief that they are better for the environment, experts said a larger carbon footprint could be created in producing them. 
 
"Some biodegradable plastics may require more resources to produce and that would inevitably incur a higher carbon footprint," said Mr Liow Chean Siang, head of environmental certifications at the Singapore Environment Council. 
 
He added: "Consumers may have less guilt in using such bags but ultimately this could have little impact on reducing carbon footprint or greenhouse gas emissions." 
 
Many biodegradable materials can only break down under specific circumstances, many of which cannot be provided by natural environments, said general manager of Zero Waste SG Ms Pek Hai Lin. 
 
According to Ms Pek, the carbon footprint for cornware is high compared to regular plastic, and based on the NEA study, it is not clear whether it can be recycled. 
 
“Furthermore, cornware is made from corn starch extracted from kernels, which makes one wonder if the same resource could have been used for food instead of convenience,” she added. 
 
Dr Alexander Jackson, a plastic scientist from A*STAR thinks companies are rushing to find alternatives to single-use plastics without fully considering the complete environmental impact. 
 
“The producers themselves would be the best people to ask, do they know how truly environmentally friendly these products are?” 
 
BOLDER STEPS NEEDED 
 
By 2020, businesses will have to report the type and amount of packaging they put into the market to the NEA, and outline their plans for reducing it. This applies to brand owners, manufacturers, importers of packaging and packaged goods, as well as supermarkets with an annual turnover of more than S$10 million. 
 
An extended producer responsibility framework for packaging waste will also be launched by 2025, MEWR announced on Friday (Aug 30). 
 
Assistant Professor Marvin Montefrio who lectures on environmental studies at Yale-NUS believes that there are still merits in the shift towards biodegradable alternatives. 
 
He said: “I imagine Singapore to be a significant market for the plastics industry, just seeing how pervasive single-use plastics are in the retail sector. 
 
“If the demand changes or if there are regulations that control the use of non-biodegradable single-use plastics in Singapore and elsewhere, imagine how this could potentially influence the single-use plastics and packaging sector.” 
 
But it could be challenging to completely eradicate single-use plastics because they are still necessary in some situations, such as in food packaging or for medical purposes. 
 
“We do need to admit though, that in many other cases they are completely unnecessary, as all they do is just make our lives a little more convenient,” said Asst Prof Montefrio. 
 
“So at some point we do need to make bolder steps beyond just making all single-use plastics biodegradable.” 
 
Source: CNA/hw</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3085154696434700454'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3085154696434700454'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/biodegradable-plastic-alternatives-not.html' title='Biodegradable plastic alternatives not necessarily better for Singapore, say experts'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-5833181257560623530</id><published>2019-09-06T05:35:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-06T05:36:09.380+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="best-of-wild-blogs"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Best of our wild blogs: 6 Sep 19</title><content type='html'>
Changi Beach 
<a href="http://ricardo08kuah.blogspot.com/2019/09/changi-beach.html">Offshore Singapore</a></content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/5833181257560623530'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/5833181257560623530'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/best-of-our-wild-blogs-6-sep-19.html' title='Best of our wild blogs: 6 Sep 19'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-4165258190055160374</id><published>2019-09-06T05:34:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-06T05:36:09.101+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sea-turtles"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="shores"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="southern-islands"/><title type='text'>100 hawksbill turtles released into the sea after rare hatching on Sentosa</title><content type='html'>JUSTIN ONG <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/100-hawksbill-turtles-released-sea-after-rare-hatching-sentosa">Today Online</a> 4 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE — One hundred newly-hatched hawksbill turtles were released into the sea from Tanjong Beach in Sentosa on Wednesday morning (Sept 4). 
 
According to a Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) spokesperson, the eggs were hatched on Tuesday at approximately 10pm. SDC carried out measurements and checks on the hatchlings before they were released into the sea at about 7am on Wednesday. 
 
The hawksbill turtle nest was discovered at Tanjong Beach on July 14, said SDC. 
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A protective barrier was erected around the nest within the day of the discovery to “keep the eggs safe from natural predators such as monitor lizards and crabs, as well as other potential disturbances during the incubation period,” said SDC. 
 
SDC also worked with the National Parks Board (NParks) to conduct checks to ensure that the nest was safe. 
 
Hawksbill turtle hatchings are rare; this is only the fifth time since 1996 that eggs of the critically-endangered turtle have hatched on Sentosa. Previous turtle hatchings were recorded in 2010, January 2018 and September 2018 at Tanjong Beach. 
 
SDC said members of public should contact SDC at 1800-SENTOSA (7368672) if they spot a turtle nest on Sentosa. 
 
“Guests are advised to keep their distance and not shine lights on the sighted turtle as this could confuse or scare away the turtle,” SDC said. 
 
More information on what to do during a sighting can be found here. 
Read more at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/100-hawksbill-turtles-released-sea-after-rare-hatching-sentosa</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4165258190055160374'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4165258190055160374'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/100-hawksbill-turtles-released-into-sea.html' title='100 hawksbill turtles released into the sea after rare hatching on Sentosa'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-7112388022647945711</id><published>2019-09-06T05:34:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-06T05:36:09.566+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="human-wildlife-conflict"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="wild-boar"/><title type='text'>Accident with boar, chain collision cause jam in Mandai Road</title><content type='html'>Clement Yong <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/accident-with-boar-chain-collision-jam-mandai-road">Straits Times</a> 5 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE - An accident with a wild boar and a separate chain collision involving four vehicles caused a major jam along Mandai Road on Thursday morning (Sept 5). 
 
The accidents happened one after the other along the same stretch of Mandai Road towards the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) at 6.50am, causing traffic to slow for more than an hour during the peak period. 
 
Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao reported that the wild boar had been killed by an oncoming vehicle, and the motorist left the scene after the accident. 
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Shortly after the accident with the boar, a chain collision occurred involving four vehicles. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said a 20-year-old man was taken conscious to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. 
 
When Lianhe Wanbao arrived at the scene at 8.30am, the dead boar had been moved to the central divider but traffic was still congested. 
 
Officers later removed the body of the animal in a bag.</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/7112388022647945711'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/7112388022647945711'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/accident-with-boar-chain-collision.html' title='Accident with boar, chain collision cause jam in Mandai Road'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-292036999561136022</id><published>2019-09-06T05:32:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-06T05:36:09.008+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="plastic-bags"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>FairPrice to charge for plastic bags, McDonald’s to stop providing plastic straws at some outlets</title><content type='html'>Clement Yong and Melissa Heng <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/shoppers-at-7-fairprice-outlets-to-pay-for-plastic-bags-in-month-long-trial">Straits Times</a> 5 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE - Supermarket giant NTUC FairPrice and fast-food chain McDonald’s have jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon. 
 
Both companies announced on Wednesday (Sept 4) that they will be trialling initiatives to cut down on plastic bags and plastic packaging. 
 
NTUC FairPrice will start charging 10 cents and 20 cents for plastic bags at seven outlets in a month-long trial, starting from Sept 16. 
 
The "No Plastic Bag" trial will encourage shoppers to use their own bags, FairPrice said in a statement on Wednesday. 
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The seven stores are FairPrice Xtra at Hougang One mall, FairPrice Finest at Zhongshan Park mall, FairPrice at 18 Tai Seng mall, FairPrice Xpress in Lorong Chuan and Cheers outlets at Sengkang Community Hospital and in Create Way and Aljunied Road. 
 
Shoppers who want plastic bags will have to pay 20 cents per transaction at FairPrice, FairPrice Finest and FairPrice Xtra stores, and 10 cents per transaction at Cheers and FairPrice Xpress stores. Those who make the payment can use more than one plastic bag only if they buy enough items. FairPrice will donate the collection to the Singapore Children's Society and The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. 
 
Over at McDonald's, 10 outlets have stopped carrying plastic straws and have replaced certain single-use plastic items with more sustainable alternatives. This trial started on Sept 1 and will last for the month. 
 
According to a McDonald's spokesman, the 10 outlets have switched the plastic packaging for their McFlurry cups and saucers to food-grade paper packaging, and are using cutlery and stirrers made from food-grade wood material. 
 
The McDonald's outlets involved in the trial are located at V-Hotel, Potong Pasir, Lot One, Jurong Green Community Club, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Bendemeer, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Toa Payoh Central, Boat Quay and SpringLeaf Tower. 
 
The spokesman said no replacement straws would be offered for now, and that McDonald's would monitor consumer sentiment. 
 
"During this period, we will monitor the sentiments of our valued customers closely and keep track of its feasibility in Singapore before making the decision to implement this change in all our restaurants islandwide," the spokesman said. 
 
The trial is part of the fast-food chain's approach to "drive environmentally sustainable practices in our restaurants, including packaging, energy efficiency, waste management and green restaurant design". 
 
FairPrice will also be conducting a consumer sentiment survey on plastic bag usage alongside its trial. 
 
NTUC FairPrice chief executive officer Seah Kian Peng said: "The insights we gain from this trial and the consumer sentiment study will help in developing a well-informed, measured and sustainable actionable plan to reduce plastic bag use." 
 
FairPrice also announced on Wednesday that it is inviting Singaporeans to submit proposals to reduce plastic and food waste in Singapore. It will be launching a new $1 million FairPrice Sustainability Fund to sponsor accepted projects. 
 
FairPrice said that these environmental initiatives will get it closer to its target of saving 30 million plastic bags each year by 2030. 
 
Shoppers that ST spoke to said they would not mind paying for plastic bags. 
 
Manager Esther Tor, 61, said she uses the plastic bags from her supermarket shopping trips to line her trash bin at home. 
 
"Since I need them for rubbish, I don't mind paying. The charge will also help me to remember to bring my own bag if I don't need any more plastic bags," she said. 
 
Editor Sheri Goh, 43, said it is about time that supermarkets charge for bags. 
 
"We should pay for them if we want them. Many other countries like Australia and Holland have been charging for plastic bags for years already," she said, adding that free plastic bags have always been a privilege but not a right. 
 
These initiatives come on the back of earlier efforts by various supermarket chains to encourage more environmentally-friendly habits among customers, especially with greater awareness of the impact of human actions on our surroundings. 
 
In July this year, eight supermarket outlets – two of each from Cold Storage, FairPrice, Prime Supermarket and Sheng Siong – placed donation bins in their vincinities to collect unused reusable bags from patrons. After ensuring they were in good condition, these outlets redistributed the bags collected for shoppers’ use. 
 
Last December, four supermaket operators – FairPrice, Dairy Farm Group, Prime Group and Sheng Siong – also held a series of roadshows to encourage consumers to use reusable bags in the One Less Plastic campaign. 
 
Besides supermarkets, other businesses have also attempted to tackle excessive plastic waste by charging customers for plastic bags. 
 
Notably, fashion giant H&M announced in July it would start charging customers for each plastic or paper bag used. 
 
These efforts are in line with Singapore's Year Towards Zero Waste this year, which aims to raise awareness of the need to reduce wastage. 
 
FairPrice to charge for plastic bags at selected outlets in month-long trial 
<a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ntuc-fairprice-no-plastic-bag-trial-selected-outlets-11870942">Channel NewsAsia</a> 4 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: From Sep 16, shoppers will be charged for plastic bags at seven NTUC FairPrice-owned outlets in a month-long trial, the retailer said on Wednesday (Sep 4). 
 
The seven stores taking part in the No Plastic Bag trial are: 
 
FairPrice Xtra @ Hougang One 
FairPrice Finest @ Zhongshan Park 
FairPrice @ Tai Seng 
Cheers at 1 Create Way 
Cheers at 1 Anchorvale Street 
Cheers at 611 Aljunied Road 
FairPrice Xpress at 384 Lorong Chuan 
 
Plastic bags remain available for use at S$0.10 per transaction at the selected Cheers and FairPrice Xpress stores, and at S$0.20 per transaction at the other participating FairPrice stores. 
 
The proceeds will go to the Singapore Children's Society and the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, FairPrice said in the media release. 
 
Alongside the trial, a consumer sentiment survey will also be conducted "to better understand consumer behaviour and gather public feedback on efforts to encourage the community to 'bring-your-own-bag' (BYOB)". 
 
Mr Seah Kian Peng, CEO of FairPrice, said: "The insights we gain from this trial and the consumer sentiment study will help in developing a well-informed, measured and sustainable actionable plan to reduce plastic bag use." 
 
S$1M SUSTAINABILITY FUND 
 
FairPrice also launched on Wednesday a S$1 million FairPrice Sustainability Fund to sponsor projects on reducing waste in Singapore, such as in product packaging, plastic bag use and food, especially within the consumer-retail sector. 
 
Proposal submissions are open to organisations, including civil societies, tertiary and research institutions, charities and start-ups. More information can be found on FairPrice Foundation's website. 
 
Acknowledging that climate change was a key focus in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally speech this year, Mr Seah said that concerted efforts from industry players, Government agencies and the community were required to address issues of sustainability and the environment. 
 
"We hope that this fund can contribute to a greater collective impact in protecting our environment, especially for our future generation," he said. 
 
READ: Commentary - We are on the cusp of a plastic recycling revolution 
The No Plastic Bag trial, consumer sentiment survey and FairPrice Sustainability Fund are extensions of the FairPrice Plastic Bag Management Programme launched last year, which targets to save 30 million plastic bags a year by 2030, FairPrice said in the release. 
 
Source: CNA/jt(rw) 
 
McDonald’s removing straws and replacing some single-use plastics at 10 outlets 
JUSTIN ONG <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mcdonalds-removing-straws-and-replacing-single-use-plastics-10-outlets-september">Today Online</a> 4 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE — Fast-food chain McDonald’s is trialling a reduction in single-use plastic at 10 of its restaurants in September. 
 
In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 4), McDonald’s said it would be removing straws and replacing various other items — plastic bags, cutlery, saucers and the McFlurry cup — with more sustainable alternatives. 
 
According to a McDonald’s spokesperson, it will be switching the plastic packaging for their McFlurry cups and saucers to food-grade paper packaging, and replacing plastic cutlery and stirrers with food-grade wood material. 
 
The spokesperson said no replacement straws would be offered for now, and that McDonald's would monitor consumer sentiment. 
 
The participating restaurants are: V-Hotel, Potong Pasir, Choa Chu Kang Lot 1, Jurong Green CC, Raffles City, Bendemeer, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Toa Payoh Central, Boat Quay and SpringLeaf Tower. 
 
“During this period, we will monitor the sentiments of our valued customers closely and keep track of its feasibility in Singapore before making the decision to implement this change in all our restaurants islandwide,” the spokesperson said. 
 
The spokesperson added that the trial is part of “a multi-pronged approach to drive environmentally sustainable practices in our restaurants, including packaging, energy efficiency, waste management and green restaurant design” 
</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/292036999561136022'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/292036999561136022'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/fairprice-to-charge-for-plastic-bags.html' title='FairPrice to charge for plastic bags, McDonald’s to stop providing plastic straws at some outlets'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-2123265443639053089</id><published>2019-09-06T05:28:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-06T05:36:08.636+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="plastic-bags"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sustainability"/><title type='text'>MPs question Government’s stand on single-use plastics as Parliament passes new sustainability Bill</title><content type='html'>Ang Hwee Min and Aqil Haziq Mahmud <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-single-use-plastics-resource-sustainability-bill-11872642">Channel NewsAsia</a> 4 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE: The issue of single-use plastics was discussed in Parliament on Wednesday (Sep 4), with some Members of Parliament (MP) reiterating a call for plastic bag charges. 
 
This came as MPs debated the Resource Sustainability Bill, which was passed on Wednesday. 
 
The Bill introduces regulations to reduce food, packaging and electronic waste, as Singapore’s only landfill at Pulau Semakau is expected to run out of space by 2035. 
 
It will be mandatory for large food waste generators to segregate and treat their food waste by 2021. 
 
Producers of regulated electrical and electronic products will be responsible for collecting and recycling e-waste like mobile phones, computers and large appliances through an extended "producer responsibility" framework that will be launched by 2021. 
 
A similar framework for packaging waste will also be introduced. Companies that use packaging, like importers and supermarkets, will be required to submit an annual report on the amount of packaging in their products and their packaging waste reduction plans from 2021. 
 
MPs lauded the Bill as a step in the right direction, but some felt that more could be done to tackle the excessive use of single-use plastics. 
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CALLS FOR PLASTIC BAG CHARGE 
 
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah reiterated the call for a plastic bag charge, pointing out that while the regulations mainly target businesses, individual actions would also make a difference. 
 
“The impact may be insignificant, but I strongly believe that such gestures will make people more conscious of what they do, how many plastic bags they need and such consciousness will have knock-on effects on their daily life and consumption patterns,” she said. 
 
“Certainly, we must stop consuming more than what we need.” 
 
Workers’ Party Non-Constituency MP Daniel Goh agreed that charging for single-use plastics could change mindsets on reducing waste. 
 
For instance, he pointed to how some cities have made it mandatory for households to buy and only use government-certified garbage bags to dispose of trash, nudging people to think less of convenience and more of its cost, leading to overall reduction in the use of plastic bags. 
 
“It has tremendous educational value that will nudge Singaporeans to change their whole approach to consumption and disposal of waste,” he said, describing single-use plastics as the “epitome of convenience”. 
 
“When we tackle single-use plastics, we are not just tackling the plastic. We are challenging the idea of convenience and undermining its importance.” 
 
Associate Professor Goh added that a “true circular economy” cannot have convenience guiding behaviour. 
 
“This is why I think the Government is mistaken in its reluctance to tackle single-use plastics as such, despite the strong public calls to do it,” he stated. “We don’t have to ban plastic bags to (challenge convenience). We need to nudge smartly.” 
 
Another reason why single-use plastics are popular is because it is cheaper than other packaging alternatives, Nominated MP Walter Theseira said, causing manufacturers and businesses to favour them. 
 
“Members of this House will remember when soft drinks were sold in glass bottles. When you finish your drink, the stall owner would collect back the glass bottle and it would be washed and refilled at the factory," he said. 
 
"This practice has ceased because the costs of reuse became too high, compared to the cost of providing single-use plastic or even glass bottles. 
 
“It is really a problem of prices. The goods that we consume, from consumer appliances to bottled drinks to food, have no price attached to reflect the problems their disposal will create.” 
 
MAJORITY PREFER EDUCATIONAL APPROACH 
 
A recent survey by government feedback unit REACH showed that just 9 per cent of Singaporeans wanted a ban on disposable plastic bags, while another 21 per cent opted for a charge. 
 
The remainder preferred public education to reduce usage, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor said in her round-up speech of the debate. 
 
Dr Khor said that Singapore’s approach to single-use plastics should account for “our unique, urbanised, high-rise living context”. 
 
“Most of the plastic bags that Singaporeans bring home from the shops and supermarkets are not ‘single-use’. We reuse them for other purposes, such as carrying wet items, before eventually using them to bag waste for disposal,” she reiterated. 
 
“This has become a way of life for Singaporeans and ensured that our waste disposal is clean and hygienic.” 
 
Nevertheless, Dr Khor said a citizen’s workgroup will be set up to tackle excessive consumption of single-use plastics in Singapore, even as she applauded a move by NTUC FairPrice to charge for plastic bags at seven outlets in a month-long trial starting Sep 16. 
 
Dr Khor urged people to support the trial and encouraged major supermarket companies like Dairy Farm - which runs Cold Storage supermarkets - Sheng Siong and Prime “to do their part”, as the insights could inform recommendations made by the workgroup. 
 
A "SINGLE STAND" ON PLASTIC BAG CHARGES 
 
But raising a clarification to Dr Khor’s speech, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng asked the Government for a “single stand” on whether it supports a plastic bag charge. 
 
“We just said that we support NTUC FairPrice for introducing the plastic bag charge, but at the same time we keep giving reasons why it is not going to work,” he said. 
 
Mr Ng raised the example of the United Kingdom, which saw an 80 per cent decline in the use of plastic bags after it introduced a plastic bag charge. 
 
“They also use plastic bags to bag their trash, so it’s similar to Singapore,” he added. “I don’t think we can keep using that argument.” 
 
Dr Khor responded that Singaporeans have differing views on the issue of single-use plastics and whether to charge for plastic bags. 
 
“I have also given you in detail the various reasons why our context is unique. So, it is not an excuse that you don’t want to charge for plastic bags because people are using it. These are views from the ground,” she stressed. 
 
“We are equally concerned, so we want to form this workgroup, bringing people from diverse backgrounds and views together. Let us work together and come to an inclusive solution on the way forward.” 
 
Source: CNA/hw(gs) 
 
Consumers unlikely to bear cost of new sustainability measures: Amy Khor 
TESSA OH <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/consumers-unlikely-bear-cost-new-sustainability-measures-amy-khor">Today Online</a> 4 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE — A new law that compels companies to adopt more stringent measures to cut waste is unlikely to result in consumers having to pay higher prices, said Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor on Wednesday (Sept 4). 
 
She was responding to concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) Joan Pereira and Anthea Ong during the debate on the Resource Sustainability Bill, which outlines measures aimed at minimising Singapore’s food, packaging and electrical and electronic waste. 
 
The new law sets several targets. For instance, from 2021, producers of electronic waste will have to be responsible for the end-of-life treatment of their products. This means that they will have to collect and ensure that the products are recycled by licensed companies. 
 
Dr Khor said that a European Union study on a scheme to tackle waste electrical and electronic equipment had seen an increase of about 2 per cent in the prices of products which is only a “small fraction” of the costs. 
 
“Producers are unlikely to raise the retail prices of their products significantly, as this will affect their price competitiveness,” she said, adding that there is potential for costs to be brought down when the waste streams are converted into valuable materials. 
 
The Bill, which was passed in Parliament, is part of MEWR’s Zero Waste Masterplan, the details of which were unveiled last on Aug 30. 
 
CALLS FOR FOOD WASTE REDUCTION TARGETS 
 
While MPs expressed support for the Bill, some questioned whether it goes far enough to encourage Singaporeans to reduce their food waste. 
 
Mr Louis Ng said that while the Bill addresses the root of the problem for packaging and e-waste, it appears to only address the “symptoms” of the problem for food waste. 
 
“The focus of the Bill here is processing the food waste rather than preventing or at least reducing it,” said Mr Ng, who is the MP for Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC). 
 
Agreeing, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Liang Eng Hwa expressed his hope that the Government will work closely with industry and community stakeholders to introduce more “game-changing policy measures” to reduce food waste in Singapore. 
 
Addressing these concerns, Dr Khor said the National Environment Agency has been actively promoting the reduction of food waste generation through campaigns and by engaging local communities. 
 
The agency has also created a series of guidebooks on how to minimise food waste for food retail establishments, supermarkets and manufacturers, she said, adding that the guide has been shared with public agencies.</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2123265443639053089'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2123265443639053089'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/mps-question-governments-stand-on.html' title='MPs question Government’s stand on single-use plastics as Parliament passes new sustainability Bill'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-1561709588789347951</id><published>2019-09-06T05:25:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-06T05:36:08.427+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="green-buildings"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>BCA's green building innovation grant gets S$20 million top-up</title><content type='html'>Kelly Wong <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bca-s-green-building-innovation-grant-gets-s-20-million-top-up-11873016">Channel NewsAsia</a> 4 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE: The built environment sector received a S$20 million boost to go green on Wednesday (Sep 4). 
 
This was announced by National Development Minister Lawrence Wong at the opening of the inaugural International Built Environment Week (IBEW), organised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). 
 
Mr Wong said that the top-up of the funds will encourage more collaboration between the built environment industry and the research community. This is to support BCA’s drive toward Super Low Energy (SLE) buildings, which BCA has said will be the “next generation of green buildings". 
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The additional grant provided by the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) can be used by companies in the Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC) set up by BCA in 2014 and that had an initial grant of S$52 million, also from NRF. 
 
The aim of this cluster is to experiment with, exhibit and exchange knowledge of energy-efficiency solutions with stakeholders. 
 
Kaer, an air conditioning system supplier in Singapore is part of GBIC, utilised their portion of the grant to realise their green innovations faster. 
 
“Our R&D programme has been in operation for the last five to six years. If it wasn't for the GBIC grants that were available, it would have been slower. 
 
"It has allowed us to accelerate, and to deploy more manpower and resources (to) bring those energy efficiencies to the market sooner," said Kaer’s Customer Success Manager, Mr Dave Mackerness. 
 
Over the past five years, GBIC has supported a total of 32 projects including a six-storey, Super Low Energy building housing an operations centre at the upcoming Tuas Terminal mega port that is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of next year. 
 
Besides going green, the construction industry is also going digital. 
 
Mr Wong highlighted that the construction industry is still “a laggard in productivity and technology adoption". 
 
To support the digitalisation of the industry, Mr Wong revealed the first recipient of a S$4 million grant that was announced last year by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) and BCA. 
 
Delphi is a joint venture between construction company Woh Hup and local start-up tech firm Hubble. The Hubble online platform will help streamline project planning and coordination among industry players and is expected to roll out in phases from the end of next year. 
 
However, they will not be the only ones to benefit from the digitalisation. 
 
Founder and CEO of Hubble Lin Shijing said that customers will stand to benefit from more efficient construction processes. 
 
“If in construction we can build faster, we can build better, build safer and most importantly for all consumers, build cheaper. I think eventually all the home prices can feel the downstream impact of this," said Mr Lin. 
 
Since the launch of the BCA Green Mark Scheme in 2005, BCA has greened about 40 per cent of buildings in Singapore. They are on track to meeting their target of 80 per cent green buildings by 2030. 
 
Despite the industry’s progress in creating a sustainable landscape, BCA chief executive officer Hugh Lim said there are still areas for improvement but remains optimistic of the future. 
 
"There's a lot of work to be done. But I think based on the experience and knowledge that have been built up as well as the commitment of the industry and the public, we are quite optimistic to see that multiply in the years ahead," said Mr Lim. 
 
The regional event will continue until Friday with a showcase of innovative technologies across the sector. 
 
Source: CNA/ic(hs)</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/1561709588789347951'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/1561709588789347951'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/bcas-green-building-innovation-grant.html' title='BCA's green building innovation grant gets S$20 million top-up'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-4425650418990343416</id><published>2019-09-04T07:03:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-04T07:03:53.141+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="best-of-wild-blogs"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Best of our wild blogs: 4 Sep 19</title><content type='html'>
 
LTA releases CRL EIA Phase II report 
<a href="https://lovemacritchie.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/lta-releases-crl-eia-phase-ii-report/">Love our MacRitchie Forest</a> 
 
Terumbu Raya is amazing 
<a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2019/09/terumbu-raya-is-amazing.html">wild shores of singapore</a></content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4425650418990343416'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4425650418990343416'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/best-of-our-wild-blogs-4-sep-19.html' title='Best of our wild blogs: 4 Sep 19'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-6572930877632628633</id><published>2019-09-04T06:51:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-04T07:03:53.518+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="cross-island-line"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="forests"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singaporeans-and-nature"/><title type='text'>Through nature reserve or around? Residents, nature groups stick to guns on Cross Island Line paths</title><content type='html'>KENNETH CHENG <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/through-nature-reserve-or-around-residents-nature-groups-stick-guns-cross-island-line">Today Online</a> 4 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE — Residents who may have to live with construction work at their doorstep are not letting up in opposing the proposal for the future Cross Island Line to skirt the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. 
 
Nature enthusiasts, for their part, are also sticking to their guns, repeating their objections to the MRT line passing underneath the nature reserve, saying that this could damage fragile ecosystems and harm wildlife. 
 
These entrenched positions remain despite assurances this week that both alignment options being explored for Singapore’s eighth MRT line were feasible. 
 
The latest assessment report found that the environmental impact of either tunnelling through the nature reserve or going around it could be “adequately managed” with comprehensive mitigating measures and monitoring plans. 
 
On Monday (Sept 2), the authorities gazetted for public inspection and feedback the second stage of a report assessing the environmental impact of building the line. The Government has not decided on which option to take. 
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‘PERPETUAL WORKSITE’ FOR LAKEVIEW RESIDENTS 
 
Skirting around the reserve would be S$2 billion costlier, based on a government estimate in 2016. The 9km route — instead of 4km if it runs underneath the reserve — would see three worksites being constructed. 
 
One would be in front of Lakeview Estate, a four-decade-old private-housing development along Upper Thomson Road. 
 
Most of the seven residents interviewed by TODAY on Tuesday were against a worksite situated in front of their homes. Others said that they would have to live with the inconvenience if it was for the good of everyone. 
 
On Monday, it was revealed that, despite mitigating measures, such as visually compatible noise barriers, residents in high-rise apartments would be able to see the worksite during the estimated five-and-a-half years of construction. 
 
Retired banker NC Raghava, 67, a resident since 1992, said that the area would resemble “a perpetual worksite”, since residents have already been living with noise and dust from construction of the Upper Thomson station nearby for the last five or so years. The station, on the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line, is set to open next year. 
 
When TODAY visited Lakeview Estate on Tuesday morning, the otherwise serene atmosphere was punctuated by the sounds of persistent drilling. 
 
“Anything like that coming up will definitely be a bit noisy and… not very pleasant,” Mr Raghava said, adding that measures such as sound barriers would help. 
 
Mr Tay Ah Poon, 83, a retired programme producer and resident since the 1970s, said that it will be “noisy and dirty”, though he acknowledged that the authorities were experienced in minimising dust and noise. 
 
Retired finance manager David Chan, 67, a resident since the early 1990s, made his preference clear: “I would rather they disturb the animals.” 
 
He was also concerned about how tunnelling could affect the foundation of buildings. 
 
Indeed, an international panel of advisers on tunnelling and underground construction cautioned that the risk of incidents such as damage and cracks to buildings is higher for this option. But measures such as using suitable tunnel-boring machines would mean that the tunnels could be built to an “acceptable level of risk”, it said. 
 
Others residents were more accommodative. Ms Catherine Chan, 68, said that while she dislikes dust, noise and congestion, she would be able to live with these if there is a real need for the line. 
 
Mr Chong Kee Hiong, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, said that he had previously raised the residents’ concerns with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). 
 
Even with measures such as noise barriers, Mr Chong said that it would still be “pretty unsightly” and dusty. Not only would residents of Lakeview Estate be affected, the business of merchants nearby would be hit as well. 
 
But Mr Chong, a Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency MP, said: “We will work with LTA to develop further mitigating measures in the event that the skirting alignment is chosen.” 
 
THREAT TO RAINFOREST, ENDANGERED ANIMALS 
 
On the other side of the fence, nature groups continue to argue passionately for the authorities to leave the nature reserve alone. 
 
Mr Andrew Tay, executive-committee member at Cicada Tree Eco-Place, a non-governmental organisation that promotes conservation and natural heritage, said: “We are totally not for the Cross Island Line to go through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. 
 
“It is a remnant fragment of an ancient rainforest with its incredible biodiversity. That’s something so priceless and invaluable that you can’t put a price on it.” 
 
The option of direct tunnelling means that the 4km route would cut beneath the nature reserve, Singapore Island Country Club’s Island Golf Course and the Pan Island Expressway. Of this, 2km would be under the reserve. 
 
Mr Tay, a self-employed nature educator, noted that the latest assessment found that the option of going around the reserve was feasible. “You cannot just introduce millions of species back into the ecosystem… MRT lines can be built anytime, anywhere, but these natural phenomena are irreplaceable.” 
 
While one mitigating measure outlined in the report was to replant part of the forested land cleared for construction, Mr Tay said that a return to a functional habitat is not guaranteed. 
 
“These things take millions of years to evolve — all the species that come with it, the biodiversity.” 
 
Dr Andie Ang, who studies non-human primates, said that the direct-alignment option would set a precedent of cutting into a protected nature reserve. 
 
Dr Ang, who chairs the Raffles’ banded langur working group funded by Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s conservation fund, also said that there is typically little follow-up done on the impact after construction. 
 
The habitat of the Raffles’ banded langur — a critically endangered monkey numbering just 60 here — could be broken up if the line runs through the reserve. 
 
Based on the latest assessment report, clearance and construction work could have a “major” impact in breaking up habitats at the first worksite along Island Club Road, and a moderate impact at the other site to the west of the reserve. 
 
Measures including artificial crossing aids such as poles and rope bridges designed for creatures that live among trees — the langurs included — would help lower the impact to moderate levels, the report said. 
 
To reduce the threats from vehicular traffic, measures such as the enforcement of speed limits along Island Club Road would be in place. 
 
Still, Dr Ang noted that rope bridges are artificial and it would take time before the animals use them, so the animals may be pushed onto the roads, increasing the risk of roadkill. 
 
“Why can’t we look at not having that impact, rather than trying to come up with measures to minimise it?” she asked. 
 
The Love Our MacRitchie Forest group — set up in 2013 when news of the Cross Island Line's possible alignment first came up — fears the loss of forest cover at the Island Club Road worksite could remove unique habitats of native forest species, or “specialists”, such as the langurs and the lesser mousedeer. 
 
“This issue will probably not apply to the skirting alignment, since the worksites are not located where such forest specialists live,” Mr Liang Lei, a representative of the group, said. 
 
The assessment report concluded that, with mitigating measures, the impact across all factors for the direct-alignment option would be lowered to “minor or moderate”, from “moderate to critical” levels. 
 
However, Mr N Sivasothi, a senior lecturer at the National University of Singapore’s department of biological sciences, is concerned about the impact of multiple projects at and near the reserve. “Impact should be considered holistically, and a series of minor or moderate impacts will add up.” 
 
Ultimately, transport specialist Terence Fan of the Singapore Management University said that the Government has a difficult decision on its hands. 
 
“Not every party will be pleased in any outcome. So there is some give-and-take and mitigating measures that need to be in place,” he said.</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/6572930877632628633'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/6572930877632628633'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/through-nature-reserve-or-around.html' title='Through nature reserve or around? Residents, nature groups stick to guns on Cross Island Line paths'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-2860769134048315073</id><published>2019-09-04T06:50:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-04T07:03:52.950+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="ClimateActionSG"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="marine"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="shores"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="urban-development"/><title type='text'>Land reclamation projects to combat climate change can be funded from past reserves: Lawrence Wong</title><content type='html'>NG JUN SEN <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/land-reclamation-projects-combat-climate-change-can-be-funded-past-reserves-lawrence-wong">Today Online</a> 3 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE — To finance the fight against climate change, smaller-scale infrastructure such as flood barriers can be funded from the Government’s Budget each year, while “long-lived major” infrastructure — including sea walls — could involve borrowing, said Second Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament on Tuesday (Sept 3). 
 
When land reclamation is involved, the costs will come from Singapore’s past reserves and the value of the reclaimed land after it is sold in the future will be fully returned to the reserves, said Mr Wong, who is also the National Development Minister. 
 
“The reclamation of land is in essence a conversion of past reserves — from financial assets to state land. This use is not a draw on past reserves,” said Mr Wong, adding that this arrangement is part of the Reserves Protection Framework agreed between the Government and the President, whose constitutional role is to safeguard the national reserves. 
 
Mr Wong was answering a parliamentary question by Associate Professor Walter Theseira, who had asked about the extent to which this policy to fund land reclamation will be applied to the S$100 billion climate change costs announced in this year’s National Day Rally by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. 
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The Nominated MP asked in a supplementary question: “Is the commitment then… that the cost of land reclamation will be coming from past reserves, without drawing down or (having) requirement on raising taxes, or is it going to be flexible based on the Finance Minister at the time?” 
 
Mr Wong said the framework already allows the Government to use the past reserves for all land reclamation projects. 
 
“That is already the case today and that is the way in which we operate currently,” he said. 
 
Last month, a Mediacorp poll found that young people were evenly split in their views on whether climate change mitigation measures — which would benefit future generations when the works are completed — should be funded by current taxes (41 per cent) or national reserves (42 per cent). A minority (18 per cent) wants it to come from taxes on future generations. 
 
“MOF will continue to study equitable and sustainable ways to finance the full suite of climate adaptation measures we need to protect our island,” said Mr Wong. 
 
S$100b for climate change measures could come from borrowing, reserves and ministry budgets 
Aqil Haziq Mahmud <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/100billion-climate-change-borrowing-reserves-budget-parliament-11867642">Channel NewsAsia</a> 3 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: The Government could fund the S$100 billion cost of climate change protection measures using a combination of borrowing, reserves and ministry budgets, Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong told Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 3). 
 
This comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced in his National Day Rally speech on Aug 18 that Singapore would probably need to spend S$100 billion over 100 years to tackle climate change and rising sea levels. 
 
Measures include building an additional pump house at Marina Barrage, creating polders and reclaiming offshore islands on the eastern coast of Singapore. 
 
"We will need a combination of funding methods to finance the various climate change adaptation measures," Mr Wong said. 
 
"Smaller-scale infrastructure such as localised flood barriers for public assets, such as hospitals and bus depots, can be funded from the budgets of ministries. 
 
"For long-lived major infrastructure such as sea walls, the Government will look to the option of borrowing to spread the cost across the generations which will benefit. 
 
"Where the measures include land reclamation, the land reclamation costs can already be met from past reserves." 
 
Mr Wong, who is also National Development Minister, was responding to a question by Nominated Member of Parliament Walter Theseira on how much of the reserves will be used to fund the measures. 
 
The minister explained that the use of past reserves to fund reclamation costs is in accordance with the Reserves Protection Framework, which is agreed between the President and Government. 
 
"The land created through reclamation will be protected as part of past reserves, and when such land is subsequently sold, the proceeds accrue fully to past reserves," he said. 
 
"So the reclamation of land is in essence a conversion of past reserves – from financial assets to state land, and the use is not a draw on past reserves." 
 
Under the Supply Bill that Parliament debates and approves each year, Mr Wong said the Government will seek approval for development expenditure, which includes land reclamation costs. 
 
The Government also provides the President with a statement on land-related expenditures annually, he said. 
 
"The Ministry of Finance will continue to study equitable and sustainable ways to finance the full suite of climate adaptation measures we need to protect our island," he added. 
 
Associate Professor Theseira then asked if it was the commitment that "in all such cases the cost of land reclamation will be coming from past reserves without the draw down or requirement to raise taxes currently" or if it will be flexible, based on the finance minister at that time. 
 
"As I've said just now, the Reserves Protection Framework already allows the Government to use the past reserves for all land reclamation projects," Mr Wong replied. 
 
"That is already the case today, and that is the basis for which we operate currently." 
 
Source: CNA/hz(mi)</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2860769134048315073'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2860769134048315073'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/land-reclamation-projects-to-combat.html' title='Land reclamation projects to combat climate change can be funded from past reserves: Lawrence Wong'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-4724707618606185263</id><published>2019-09-04T06:45:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-04T07:03:53.330+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reduce-reuse-recycle"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Trash Talk: A toxic trash pile grows when gadgets become waste — in a year or less</title><content type='html'>CYNTHIA CHOO <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/features/trash-talk-gadgets-designed-become-waste-year-or-less-toxic-trash-pile-grows">Today Online</a> 4 Sep 19;
 
With Singapore having declared 2019 as the Year Towards Zero Waste, TODAY’s new four-part Trash Talk series examines the issue of waste management and how Singaporeans can do our part to reduce waste. In the third instalment, we look at the often underestimated problem of electronic waste, and how consumerist lifestyles are adding to the toxic pile. Click to read the first and second instalment of the series. 
 
SINGAPORE — The next time you are about to throw out your handphone to get a new model, perhaps ask yourself first: How many gorillas died for this? 
 
What is the link, you might ask? Well, the critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla has lost 77 per cent of its population in the last 20 years, partly due to the mining of minerals used in mobile phones. 
 
The main mineral mined is coltan, a type of ore used in mobile phones and other electronic devices such as laptops, digital cameras and tablets. 
 
And despite the hard labour (often in slave-like conditions) involved in mining this mineral, and the devastating impact that this has on the natural habitats of various wild creatures, we throw aside our devices each time a new version comes along. 
 
Experts cautioned that the rollout of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks could also spell the demise of 4G gadgets, and see them ending up on the trash heap. 
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Tech gadgets are being produced in greater quantities and varieties everyday. And in the consumerist race for the shiniest, newest models, older devices are often simply chucked down the rubbish chute. 
 
Environmental experts have for some years warned about the perils of electronic waste, or e-waste, which not only takes up space in landfills but can be toxic too. But our pile of e-waste is only set to grow. 
 
SINGAPORE IS ALREADY A MAJOR CULPRIT OF E-WASTE 
 
Given how much we love our gadgets, it may not come as a surprise that Singapore, alongside Hong Kong, is the top producer of e-waste in Asia. 
 
A 2016 study by global think tank United Nations University (UNU), put Singapore’s e-waste at 137,000 tonnes in 2015. 
 
A study commissioned by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) between April 2016 and October 2017, meanwhile, found that Singapore generates about 60,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year. 
 
More detailed figures will be available after the implementation of a regulated e-waste management system in 2021, said NEA in response to TODAY's queries. 
 
Currently, only about 6 per cent of the e-waste we generate each year is recycled, while about 25 per cent is thrown out with food and other general waste. 
 
Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said in August last year that people have underestimated the issue of e-waste for years and it has become a more pressing problem than plastic waste. 
 
He added: “E-waste is very toxic, people underestimate the toxicity of the e-waste that we dispose of and for the longest time we weren't processing it.” 
 
When not discarded properly or mixed with general waste, toxic materials in e-waste — such as heavy metals and mercury — contaminate the incinerated ash when general waste is burned and landfilled. 
 
These toxins not only enter the soil, but also seep into the water, polluting it. 
 
THE CHASE FOR THE LATEST TECH IS KILLING THOSE GORILLAS 
 
Rising affluence, consumerism and electronics that are “designed to fail” have resulted in an increasing rate of e-waste disposal in recent years, said Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, the chair of the Circular Economy Taskforce at the National University of Singapore. 
 
Products that are “designed to fail” refer to the concept of “planned obsolescence,'' where manufacturers design new tech products with limited useful lifespans, so that they become obsolete — either unfashionable or no longer functional — after a certain period of time. 
 
This compels consumers to fork out more money on even newer products. 
 
This has become embedded into our consumption habits that today, and consumers have become more likely to interpret working electronics as insufficient or unusable, Prof Ramakrishna said. 
 
No surprise then, that e-waste has become “the world’s fastest growing waste stream”, according to a report by the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), a group of private and public sector leaders with the goal of driving organisations to adopt circular economy strategies. 
 
Consumers TODAY spoke to said they do try to use their electronics for as long as possible. Still, engineer Alvin Koh said it can be difficult not to buy into new trends, as tech products are increasingly seen as status symbols. 
 
The 29-year-old said: “It’s part of the materialistic and consumerist mindset. It's seen less as a tech product and more like a fashion trend to have a new phone, for example.” 
 
But some are starting to opt out of this consumerist culture. Mr Chiang Ling Yi, 28, a senior data analyst, said: “I used to be quite passionate about the latest technology but I’ve begun to ask myself what I really need, because I feel like I don’t have time to use so many devices.” 
 
“I might not even use it enough before it becomes obsolete,” he added, citing an example of how the makers of electronic running accessories constantly release new versions. 
 
“I upgraded from a basic to a more advanced Garmin device within the span of a year, and now they have already released a newer model with new functions — solar power features — again,” he said. 
 
THE SPECTRE OF 5G 
 
The current stream of e-waste could turn into a flood, as people are expected to start dumping smartphones, modems and other gadgets incompatible with 5G networks, once these go live. 
 
“The immediate effect will be an increased number of older devices that will be discarded and substituted with 5G compatible-equipment,” said Mr Paolo Facco, a project manager and solid waste management engineer at GA Circular, a consultancy specialising in food and packaging waste. 
 
While devices will not “suddenly turn obsolete”, they will be unable to support the 5G technology, causing a “gradual but tangible impact” on waste. Given consumer trends and preferences, one can expect a net increase in the amount of devices sold per year and in the long term, said Mr Facco. 
 
WHAT IS SINGAPORE DOING? 
 
In March, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) made it mandatory for manufacturers of large household appliances — including refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines — to collect at least 60 per cent (in weight) of the appliances they supply to the market each year for recycling. 
 
The collection target is 20 per cent for smaller consumer electronics such as lamps, portable batteries, and info-communication technology (ICT) equipment (printers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and routers). 
 
Some companies have also formed partnerships with recycling facilities to make it easier for their consumers to recycle their old products, such as the one between telco M1 and recycling firm Virogreen to set up e-waste collection bins in malls. 
 
Some of the awareness-raising and corporate initiatives are bearing fruit. E-waste recycling firm Virogreen said the number of electronic devices it collected in Singapore jumped from about 86 tonnes in 2016 to about 360 tonnes in 2017. 
 
One of the companies that sends its e-waste to Virogreen is DBS Bank. 
 
“Before any of our e-waste is recycled, all of the logs and the configuration are deleted from the machines. We also remove the hard drives and delete any information that's on there before recycling,” said DBS’ chief procurement officer Donna Trowbridge. 
 
DBS also encourages employees to reuse devices such as corporate handphones internally within the organisation. If a corporate phone is still reusable, the set is kept as a spare phone, or given to an employee who loses or breaks his, said Ms Trowbridge. 
 
CHALLENGES REMAIN 
 
Still, there are challenges in the way of a proper e-waste recycling infrastructure here. 
 
The informal sector of scrap traders and rag-and-bone men, for example, creates disorganisation in collecting e-waste, said Mr Sharul Annuar, Marketing Manager for Virogreen Singapore. 
 
Rag-and-bone men do not necessarily recycle the e-waste they receive, Mr Annuar noted. 
 
He added: “Singaporeans have this ingrained mindset that you can actually sell e-waste to the karung guni men, so it's a challenge for us to convince them that there is a fee to recycling and it’s not free." 
 
Some consumers TODAY spoke to said e-waste recycling could be made more convenient. Ms Van Koh, an Singapore Institute of Management student in her 20s, said, for example, that more e-waste bins could be set up in housing estates. 
 
She added: “Seeing that a lot of e-waste comes from households, it would be easier if there were collection points in the void decks or housing estates. I’ve found it quite challenging because I don’t know where to send my gadgets for recycling… those that need to be thrown out usually cannot be resold, and so the most convenient way is to sell them to karung guni men or throw them away.” 
 
WHAT’S NEXT? 
 
Singapore can develop its “local capacity” for repair, reusing and recycling by integrating the numerous, easily accessible and often inexpensive electronics repair and resale shops islandwide, said Ms Amita Baecker, a project manager and business development manager at GA Circular. 
 
Such a move would formalise the existing repair and reuse industry towards safer and more environmentally friendly practices, she noted. “(If) purely profit-driven, these business ́are not encouraged to handle the less valuable components found in e-waste, (so) larger volumes will bring economy of scales to them," she said. 
 
And there is profit to be made in the e-waste business. Mr Facco noted that the potential value of e-waste in Singapore is an estimated S$234 million. 
 
“Developing cutting-edge competence in the field of e-waste recycling technologies will also allow local businesses to lead the Asian e-waste industry, which accounts for 40 per cent of global e-waste generation,” he said. 
 
Regulation should not only push manufacturers to collect and recycle e-waste, but also nudge them to think about how to reuse or turn materials into new products, experts said. 
 
“Recycling is a fallacy if not complemented by robust systems to recover and reuse materials,” said Ms Maggie Lee, a market transformation manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature (Singapore). 
 
The Trash Talk series is in partnership with DBS Bank. If you have a business idea that can help solve Singapore’s waste management issues, visit https://go.dbs.com/2NpVhbi to learn about the DBS Foundation Social Impact Prize at the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition.</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4724707618606185263'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/4724707618606185263'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/trash-talk-toxic-trash-pile-grows-when.html' title='Trash Talk: A toxic trash pile grows when gadgets become waste — in a year or less'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-3525466529126931870</id><published>2019-09-04T06:44:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-04T07:03:53.045+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="exotics"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="pets"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="wildlife-trade"/><title type='text'>Man tries to smuggle 2 hedgehogs through Woodlands Checkpoint</title><content type='html'><a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/hedgehogs-hidden-in-car-woodlands-checkpoint-ica-11869738">Channel NewsAsia</a> 3 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE: Two live hedgehogs were found hidden in a Singapore-registered car at the Woodlands Checkpoint by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers on Saturday (Aug 31). 
 
The animals were wrapped in camouflage netting and hidden in the spare tyre compartment of the vehicle. 
 
ICA said a 42-year-old Singaporean man was referred to the National Parks Board (NParks) for further investigation and that the hedgehogs are now under the care of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. 
 
“Animals like hedgehogs are not suitable as pets as they may transmit zoonotic diseases to humans and can be a public safety risk if mishandled or if they escape. 
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"These non-native animals may also pose a threat to local biodiversity if released into the environment,” ICA said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. 
 
Several attempts to smuggle animals into Singapore via the land checkpoints have been made in recent months. 
 
On Aug 10, ICA officers thwarted an attempt to smuggle 815 birds through Woodlands Checkpoint. 
 
The birds were found in 15 containers hidden in modified compartments above the rear tyres of a Malaysia-registered bus. Only about 600 of the birds survived and are being cared for and quarantined at NParks' facilities. 
 
Later that month, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint found three sedated kittens hidden under the carpet of a Singapore-registered car. 
 
In January, four live kittens were found hidden in a Singaporean man’s pants by ICA officers at Tuas Checkpoint. 
 
The officers were prompted to conduct further checks when they heard “meowing” coming from a bulge in the 45-year-old’s pants. 
 
Those found guilty of smuggling animals face a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or up to one year in jail. 
 
If found guilty of cruelty to animals, they may be fined up to S$15,000, jailed up to 18 months, or both. 
 
Source: CNA/zl(hm)</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3525466529126931870'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3525466529126931870'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/man-tries-to-smuggle-2-hedgehogs.html' title='Man tries to smuggle 2 hedgehogs through Woodlands Checkpoint'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-2159386853834431706</id><published>2019-09-03T07:14:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-03T07:14:40.202+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="best-of-wild-blogs"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Best of our wild blogs: 3 Sep 19</title><content type='html'>
 
Seeking Singaporean Youth Voices on Biodiversity! 
<a href="http://psychedelic-nature.blogspot.com/2019/09/seeking-singaporean-youth-voices-on.html">Psychedelic Nature</a> 
 
Ridge Walk – five Friday evening briskwalks along the Southern Ridges (Sep – Nov 2019) 
<a href="https://toddycats.wordpress.com/2019/09/01/ridge-walk-five-friday-evening-briskwalks-along-the-southern-ridges-sep-nov-2019/">Toddycats!</a> 
 
Labrador shore still alive 
<a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2019/09/labrador-shore-still-alive.html">wild shores of singapore</a> 
 
The Fruit Feeders 
<a href="http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-fruit-feeders.html">Butterflies of Singapore</a></content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2159386853834431706'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2159386853834431706'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/best-of-our-wild-blogs-3-sep-19.html' title='Best of our wild blogs: 3 Sep 19'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-2844107139594078029</id><published>2019-09-03T07:11:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-03T07:18:56.172+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="cross-island-line"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="forests"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singaporeans-and-nature"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="urban-development"/><title type='text'>Explainer: How 2 proposed tunnelling routes for Cross Island Line will affect wildlife, housing areas</title><content type='html'>KENNETH CHENG <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-how-2-proposed-tunnelling-routes-cross-island-line-will-affect-wildlife-housing">Today Online</a> 2 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE — The authorities are inviting public feedback on two proposed construction choices for the future Cross Island Line. 
 
This is after the second stage of a report assessing the environmental impact of building Singapore’s eighth MRT line was gazetted on Monday (Sept 2). Gazetting allows public inspection of the report and feedback on its findings. 
 
The Cross Island Line — which is set to run from Changi to Jurong and is expected to be opened in 2029 with 12 stations first — can either run directly under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve or go around it. It would take a longer route and be more costly to build if it skirts around the reserve. 
 
However, both are feasible options when done with comprehensive mitigating measures and monitoring plans, the latest environmental-impact assessment found. 
 
How will it affect the nature reserve or residents living around the train line? Here is a rundown of the key points to note. 
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OPTION 1: CUTTING BENEATH THE NATURE RESERVE 
 
This option of direct tunnelling will mean that 4km of the route will run beneath the Singapore Island Country Club’s Island Golf Course, Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Pan Island Expressway. Of this, 2km will be under the reserve. 
 
The tunnel will be built about 70m below average ground level, or around the height of a 25-storey public housing block. This will be the deepest MRT tunnel in Singapore. 
 
On average, underground MRT tunnels are built at less than half that depth, at about 30m. 
 
With this option, trips from Bright Hill Station in Sin Ming to the next yet-unnamed stop in the second operational phase of the Cross Island Line will take about five minutes. 
 
Two above-ground work sites will have to be built away from the nature reserve, along Island Club Road and to the west of the reserve. 
 
What are some of the ecological effects from this option? 
 
Loss of habitat: The report found that, before mitigating measures are taken, the impact on species at both worksites would be major owing to the loss of vegetation and habitat resources. This is because 1.5ha of forested land would have to be cleared, with 1.2ha to be replanted after construction. 
 
Mitigating measures will include surveys to identify flora species that can be conserved or salvaged for relocation, and wildlife shepherding. 
 
These will reduce the residual impact to “moderate”, meaning the effects are “around the existing conditions” or accepted standards, or both. 
 
Breaking up habitats: Clearance and construction activities were also assessed to have a potentially major impact in breaking up habitats at the Island Club Road worksite and a moderate impact at the site to the west of the reserve. 
 
Mitigating measures will include setting up artificial crossing aids such as poles and rope bridges designed for creatures that live among trees such as the Malayan colugo, a gliding mammal, and the Raffles’ banded langur, a monkey, to help lower the impact to moderate levels. 
 
Threats from vehicular traffic: Wildlife facing the risk of increased injury or death from being struck by vehicles was also assessed to be major. 
 
Enforcing speed limits along Island Club Road and designing hoardings that take into account the context of the site will reduce these effects to moderate. 
 
In summary: Aside from the ecological impact, other effects include those that relate to the environment such as ambient noise and air quality. In all, with mitigating measures, the impact across all factors will be lowered to moderate or minor, from moderate to critical levels. 
 
OPTION 2: SKIRTING AROUND THE NATURE RESERVE 
 
This option to build tunnels skirting the reserve would create a 9km route. These would be built at around 45m below average ground level. 
 
A government estimate in 2016 showed that it would cost about S$2 billion more to go with this choice. 
 
With this option, commuters will take a longer travelling time of 11 minutes from Bright Hill to the next station in the second operational phase of the Cross Island Line. 
 
Three above-ground worksites will have to be built. The first worksite will be near Lakeview estate and the other two are along Lornie Road as well as between Adam Drive and the Pan Island Expressway. 
 
An international panel of advisers on tunnelling and underground construction cautioned that the risk of incidents — tunnelling works could cause damage and cracks to buildings, for example — is higher for this option than for the first option, because of the “concentration of facilities including infrastructure and occupied buildings”. 
 
With measures in place though, the panel said that the tunnels can be built to an “acceptable level of risk” — meaning there will be no adverse impact on buildings. These include using tunnel-boring machines suitable for specific ground conditions, and closely monitoring the machines' sensors and adjusting operational parameters. 
 
What are some of the environmental effects of this option? 
 
Ambient noise: Before mitigating measures, the noise impact on nearby residences was assessed to be moderate at the site along Lornie Road during night-time construction activities. 
 
However, the impact is major for activities done at night at the worksites near Lakeview estate and between Adam Drive and the Pan Island Expressway. After rolling out measures, such as building noise barriers, minimising vehicular movement and the number of equipment running at night, the impact drops to moderate. 
 
Views from homes: Despite mitigating measures, such as noise barriers designed to be as visually compatible to the surroundings, residents at three high-rise blocks in Lakeview estate along Upper Thomson Road are expected to be beset by major “visual disamenity” resulting from the worksite there. This means residents would see the worksite during the estimated five-and-a-half years of construction. 
 
Air quality: The impact of elevated dust from earthworks at the worksites on nearby residences would be major. But measures including promptly cleaning up earth spillage on haulage routes and continuous monitoring of dust levels will bring this down to moderate. 
 
Impact in other areas, including disturbance to wildlife and loss of habitat, is expected to be moderate or minor. 
 
WHAT’S NEXT? 
 
The public has a month to provide its views on the report, which is on the LTA website. Members of the public may, for instance, suggest other measures to reduce the negative impact of the two options. These will be considered before a decision is made by the authorities. 
 
Advanced engineering studies for both alignments will likely begin next year. That is also when construction starts on the first stage of the MRT line, comprising 12 stops from Aviation Park in Changi to Bright Hill in Sin Ming. 
 
The Cross Island Line, which will have about 30 stops, will be built in stages. When fully completed by about 2030, it will be Singapore’s longest underground train line at 50km to 60km long. 
 
It is expected to carry more than 600,000 commuters daily in its initial years, with the number eventually hitting more than one million. 
 
Cross Island Line: Environmental impact can be ‘adequately managed’ for both alignment options being considered, study finds 
KENNETH CHENG <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/cross-island-line-environmental-impact-can-be-adequately-managed-both-alignment-options">Today Online</a> 2 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE — The environmental impact of the two underground alignment options for the Cross Island Line (CRL) can be “adequately managed” with comprehensive mitigating measures and monitoring plans. 
 
This was the conclusion of the second phase of an environmental-impact assessment on the potential effects from building and running the MRT line for both alignment options. 
 
The Government had earlier said it is deciding between two alignment options for the CRL — one that runs beneath the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, and another slightly longer route that skirts around the nature reserve, which would cost S$2 billion more (based on a government estimate in 2016) and increase travel time by six minutes. 
 
On Monday (Sept 2), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) gazetted the report on the assessment and the public has a month to give its feedback. 
 
LTA has said that it will decide on the alignment based on factors such as connectivity, travel times, costs, and the impact on homeowners and the environment. 
 
While the latest environmental-impact assessment will support decision-making on the alignment, LTA stressed that it has not reached a decision yet. 
 
Advanced engineering studies for both alignment options are likely to begin next year, even as construction starts on the first stage of the line from Aviation Park in Changi to Bright Hill. This first phase is expected to be completed by 2029. 
 
The CRL, which will be Singapore’s eighth MRT line, is due to be completed by about 2030. 
 
ABOUT THE STUDY 
 
Environment consultancy Environmental Resource Management (ERM) carried out the second phase of the assessment. It concluded that mitigating measures were expected to reduce the potential impact of construction work. 
 
It ranked the impact assessment based on a matrix comprising a range of indicators: Negligible, minor, moderate, major and critical. 
 
Major impact, for example, means effects of a large magnitude will occur to highly valued or sensitive subjects, including people and flora and fauna. Moderate impact means the effects are “around the existing conditions” or accepted standards, or both. Minor refers to a “noticeable effect”. 
 
OPTION 1: PASSING UNDER THE NATURE RESERVE 
 
On the 4km alignment option that runs beneath the nature reserve, ERM assessed that with mitigating measures, the impact will generally be lowered to moderate or minor, from moderate to critical levels. 
 
These measures, which apply to both alignments, include a 30m buffer for worksites in areas connected to natural streams, wildlife shepherding, and replanting native species after construction works are completed. 
 
There will also be measures specific to the option that tunnels through the nature reserve at about 70m below average ground level, the deepest for an MRT tunnel. 
 
These include monthly water sampling of the stream in Windsor Nature Park, which is linked to the nature reserve, and monitoring vibration at selected locations on the surface before tunnel boring. 
 
The impact is expected to be confined largely to parts of the tunnel alignment and the construction worksites. The direct-alignment option has two worksites away from the nature reserve along Island Club Road and to the west of the reserve. 
 
For example, the residual impact of the direct alignment is expected to be moderate in areas such as: 
 
Loss of vegetation and habitat resources. 
 
Fragmentation of habitats. 
 
Disturbance to wildlife. 
 
Injury or death of wildlife due to more vehicle movements at the worksites. 
 
OPTION 2: SKIRTING AROUND THE NATURE RESERVE 
 
The other alignment option will be 5km longer, given that it skirts around the nature reserve, with three worksites near Lakeview estate, along Lornie Road, and between Adam Drive and the Pan Island Expressway. 
 
Tunnel works will be about 45m below average ground level along the 9km alignment. 
 
Skirting around the nature reserve would also mean commutes between Bright Hill Station in Bishan and the next stop, which has not been disclosed, will take 11 minutes, instead of five if the line were to pass under the nature reserve. 
 
An extra mitigating measure for this alignment option is to document historical and genealogical information of all graves within the worksites and tunnels’ footprint, and within a 15m buffer of its tunnel and one of three worksites. 
 
ERM concluded that there would be “major” residual impact on “visual amenity” for high-rise residents at the worksite near Lakeview estate. This means residents of three high-rise blocks there can see the worksite during the estimated five-and-a-half years of construction. 
 
Impact in other areas, however, is estimated to be moderate or minor. 
 
Those of moderate impact include: 
 
Disturbance due to noise at all above-ground worksites. 
 
Disturbance or health effects from dust generated by earthworks or the movement of construction equipment at the worksites. 
 
Fragmentation of habitats. 
 
Injury or death of wildlife. 
 
NATURE SOCIETY: BOTH OPTIONS ‘FEASIBLE’ 
 
The 50 to 60km CRL — which will run fully underground from Jurong to Changi — has been intensely debated since plans for the line were announced in 2013. 
 
Nature enthusiasts, who were first approached by the LTA for discussions in June 2013, were against the rail line cutting under the nature reserve, owing to potential damage to its fragile ecosystems and extensive wildlife. 
 
But Dr Shawn Lum, president of Nature Society (Singapore), a non-profit, told TODAY that based on the latest environmental-assessment report, both options appear feasible and would present minimal impact to biodiversity. 
 
Yet he noted that both alignments would have some immediate impact on the surrounding habitats, where rare species including the Sunda pangolin have been spotted. 
 
The question was how comparable the impact from the two alignments would be, and this was important for those who will eventually decide on the alignment. 
 
“How do we make these environmental-impact-assessment findings as comprehensible to a non-specialist as possible?” asked Dr Lum, who is also a senior lecturer at the Nanyang Technological University’s Asian School of the Environment. 
 
For instance, will the impact on a certain animal species be the same at two worksites, or be greater because of higher sensitivity at one or more of the worksites, he asked. 
 
The key, Dr Lum said, was to present a fair representation of the potential impact, so that the decision-makers will have a “full, holistic” picture of both alignments, while balancing these with other considerations. 
 
Cross Island Line environmental impact on nature reserve can be 'adequately managed': LTA study 
Aqil Haziq Mahmud <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cross-island-line-environmental-impact-central-nature-reserve-11864492">Channel NewsAsia</a> 2 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: The environmental impact of both proposed routes for the Cross Island Line (CRL) near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) can be “adequately managed” with “comprehensive” mitigation and monitoring plans, a study commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has found. 
 
The direct route involves building a 2km tunnel about 70m deep under the CCNR, worrying green groups who want Singapore’s wildlife and nature preserved. 
 
The other route is a 9km stretch going around the reserve and under homes and businesses, increasing end-to-end travel time by about four minutes. This option adds an estimated S$2 billion in costs, and the Government said it may also need to acquire land. 
 
Both routes will not involve surface works in the nature reserve. The direct route will have two worksites outside the CCNR, while the skirting route will have three worksites outside the CCNR, one of which will be located next to a residential estate on Upper Thomson Road. The worksites will be converted to permanent facility buildings for the CRL. 
 
LTA said in a statement on Monday (Sep 2) that the expected environmental impact of both routes is “largely confined” to parts of the tunnel and construction worksites outside the CCNR, adding that this can be managed by “robust” mitigation measures, citing the study. 
 
“This can be achieved through locating the worksites as far as possible from the CCNR and the implementation of a comprehensive Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) to protect flora and fauna,” it stated. 
 
“This EMMP will also help to mitigate any disamenities to nearby residents.” 
 
An independent panel of international advisers, comprising industry experts in tunnelling and underground construction, has also reviewed engineering schemes for both routes and concluded that tunnelling along both options is safe with control measures in place. 
 
These findings are part of the second phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the underground stretch of the CRL near the CCNR. The first phase, completed in February 2016, had evaluated the environmental impact of site investigation works in the CCNR. 
 
However, LTA has not made a decision on the final route of the CRL. 
 
“In addition to the EIA findings, the Government will consider other factors, such as transport connectivity, travel times, costs and impact on home owners and commuters, when deciding on the final route of the CRL,” it added. 
 
LTA has not set a timeline on when it will make a decision on the final route. The public can give feedback on the report for one month, before LTA starts advanced engineering studies on one or both routes next year, a process that can take two years. 
 
“LTA will mitigate the environmental impact of the chosen alignment, and put in place a robust EMMP as laid out in the EIA report,” the agency said. “The EMMP will also be further assessed and strengthened as the project progresses. 
 
The CRL, a roughly 50km fully underground MRT line with about 30 stations spanning Jurong to Changi, is expected to open in 2030. Commuters are expected to make at least 600,000 trips daily on the CRL, more than the existing North-East Line. 
 
It will also connect existing radial MRT lines with almost half of its stations being interchange stations, and is part of a plan to almost double Singapore's rail network by 2030 and put eight out of 10 households within a 10-minute walk of a train station. 
 
IMPACT OF DIRECT ALIGNMENT 
 
For the direct route, the impact to people during the construction phase includes an impact on nearby water resources and noise pollution to Windsor Park residents due to construction activities, the study found. 
 
The study noted that this impact can be reduced to “negligible to minor” significance with mitigation measures like the diversion of water discharge points from the worksites to drains that are not connected to nearby streams, and the installation of visually compatible noise barriers. 
 
The impact on plants and animals during the construction phase include the clearing of forest habitats and impact on a stream system within Windsor Nature Park due to sedimentation during construction, the study found. 
 
The study noted that this impact can be reduced to “moderate” significance with mitigation measures like shepherding wildlife and erecting barriers during worksite clearance, and artificial crossing aids to reduce the impact of habitat separation. 
 
The study added that the residual impact of vibration at the surface of the CCNR during tunelling works can be reduced to negligible through the monitoring, assessing and reviewing of vibration in advance of the works. This will allow the implementation of further mitigation measures to reduce vibration levels to below background levels. 
 
The impact during the operation phase include an impact on surface water bodies due to an increase in surface runoff from the permanent facility buildings, and the potential risk of wildlife changing their behaviour and getting trapped in the buildings, the study found. 
 
The study noted that this impact can be reduced to “moderate” significance with mitigating measures like the “sensitive design and location” of the buildings and proper removal of roosts found within their premises. 
 
According to the study, a “moderate” significance indicates “small effects” that are comparable to existing conditions and/or accepted standards. 
 
IMPACT OF SKIRTING ROUTE 
 
For the skirting route, the impact on people during the construction phase will include increased dust around the worksites and increased noise levels during night-time works, the study found. High-rise residents near Upper Thomson Road will also have a view of the construction work. 
 
The study noted that this impact can be reduced to “moderate” significance with mitigation measures like the installation of visually compatible noise barriers and advanced notification of tunnelling operations to affected residents. 
 
However, the study pointed out that the residual impact will remain of “major” significance for high-rise residents in three blocks overlooking one of the worksites. 
 
The impact on plants and animals during the construction phase will include worksite clearance and construction works, the study found, adding that the ecological impact at one worksite is negligible due to its highly urbanised location. 
 
It noted that this impact can be reduced to “moderate” significance with mitigation measures like shepherding wildlife and erecting barriers during worksite clearance and the enforcement of speed limits along access roads. 
 
The impact during the operation phase would be similar to that in the direct route option, the study found, adding that the impact can be reduced to “moderate” significance with similar mitigation measures. 
 
NATURE GROUP “HAPPY” LTA COMMITTED TO MITIGATION MEASURES 
 
Nature Society Singapore president Shawn Lum said he is “happy” that LTA is committed to implementing the proposed mitigation measures, adding that the agency had met members of the nature community over several “deep dive” sessions since June 2013. 
 
“We sought to highlight potential environmental impacts as accurately and objectively as possible, with everyone committed to ensuring that the diversity and ecological integrity of CCNR is not impaired,” he stated. 
 
“Finding a way to carry out vital infrastructure work without diminishing our precious natural heritage remains important common ground to all of us.” 
 
Source: CNA/hz 
 
Feasible for Cross Island MRT Line to run under Central Catchment or skirt around it: LTA impact study 
Toh Ting Wei <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/feasible-for-cross-island-line-to-run-through-central-catchment-or-skirt-around">Straits Times</a> 2 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE - The future Cross Island MRT line that will run from Tuas to Changi can either run under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve or go around it. 
 
Both options are feasible with adequate mitigation measures, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which has completed a major study of the potential impact of construction works on the environment and residents. Skirting the reserve would make for a longer route and is also the more expensive option. 
 
If the final decision - expected some time next year - is to build through the reserve, tunnelling will be done 70m underground. 
 
The LTA's latest findings were announced in the Environment Impact Assessment (Phase 2) report. 
 
The report was commissioned by the LTA, with the research conducted by consultancy Environmental Resource Management (ERM). 
 
LTA said: "Based on the report, both underground alignments are feasible, and the residual impacts are largely (negligible to) moderate. 
 
"LTA is committed to undertake all necessary mitigation measures to minimise the potential environmental impact." 
 
It said that no decision has been made on the alignment. 
 
But an independent panel of advisers engaged by the LTA said the skirting alignment would result in greater risk of safety-related incidents as compared to the direct alignment. 
 
The Cross Island Line (CRL), Singapore's eighth MRT line, is projected to have an initial daily ridership of 600,000. The number is expected to eventually grow to one million. 
 
The first phase of the line is expected to be completed by 2029 and will span 12 stations from Changi to Sin Ming. 
 
Nature groups have said that any plan to build part of the second phase of the line through the Central Catchment would damage the nature reserve and affect the biodiversity there. 
 
But residents, such as those in the Thomson area, say the alternative option to skirt around the nature reserve would affect their lives and their homes. 
 
The Government has also said the skirting option could cost an additional $2 billion. 
 
LTA's report on Monday stated that the option to build a direct alignment option would create a 4km route with 2km under the reserve. This would be built 70m below average ground level - roughly the height of a 25-storey Housing Board block. 
 
It would also require the construction of two work sites and proposed facility buildings outside of the nature reserve. 
 
This route would allow trips between the last station of the second phase of CRL and Bright Hill station, the first station from the first phase of the line, to be completed in five minutes. 
 
The implementation of mitigation measures would reduce the impact of construction on the ecology and biodiversity in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve to negligible levels, said LTA. 
 
At the work sites, which are located outside the nature reserve, the impact on the two factors would range from negligible to moderate. 
 
Meanwhile, the option to build a skirting tunnel would create a 9km route. This would be built at 45m below average ground level, a safe level for existing buildings based on current construction standards. 
 
It would require the construction of three work sites and facility buildings in open spaces away from residential areas. 
 
The skirting route would result in a longer travelling time of 11 minutes from Bright Hill to the same next station. The LTA said based on the planned route for the skirting, it would not be feasible to build an additional station along this 11-minute stretch. 
 
The construction in this case would cause residents issues such as groundborne vibration, poorer air quality and ambient noise. But the impact of these issues can also be mitigated from negligible to moderate levels, said LTA. 
 
Some residents near Lakeview Estate and Upper Thomson Road, where a work site would be set up in case the option is chosen, might however have the view of their surroundings affected. 
 
Nature Society Singapore president Shawn Lum said engagement with LTA on the issue is ongoing. 
 
He added: "Finding a way to carry out vital infrastructure work without diminishing our precious natural heritage remains important common ground to all of us. 
 
"I am happy that the LTA is committed to implement the proposed mitigation measures proposed." 
 
The public will be able to read the report at LTA's website. 
 
The report will be open to public feedback for a month, and all relevant feedback will be considered by the LTA before a decision is made on the issue. 
 
Mitigation measures can cut wildlife impact of running Cross Island MRT line under nature reserve: LTA 
Audrey Tan <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/running-mrt-line-through-central-catchment-nature-reserve-may-endanger">Straits Times</a> 2 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE - Tunnelling under Singapore's largest nature reserve to build the Cross Island MRT line would call for 3ha of forests next to the reserve - the size of four football fields - to be cleared, which could mean loss of habitat for critically endangered wildlife. 
 
But if mitigation measures are carried out - such as if trees are re-planted in the affected areas, or security fences made "wildlife-friendly" - the impact of the upcoming train line on the Central Catchment Nature Reserve could be reduced, the Land Transport Authority said. 
 
This was a key finding of a lengthy environmental impact assessment report for the Cross Island Line which the LTA released on Monday (Sept 2). 
 
The LTA-commissioned report had looked at how the construction and operation of the upcoming Cross Island Line could affect the reserve, and the plants and animals which call it home. 
 
Even though the line may go 70m under the reserve, two structures at ground level are needed for ventilation, if the authorities opt for the MRT line to run under the reserve, rather than skirting it. 
 
These plots are outside reserve boundaries, but levelling them would result in the loss of habitat for critically endangered wildlife such as the Sunda pangolin and Raffles' banded langur, and increase the likelihood of these animals being disturbed or injured by traffic during construction, said the report. 
 
Despite the "major" impacts that the construction and operation of the Cross Island Line could have on the ecology and biodiversity of the reserve, these could be reduced to "moderate" or even "negligible" depending on the worksite, provided that mitigation measures to reduce impact are carried out. 
 
The report, which is almost 1,000 pages long and done by consultancy Environmental Resources Management, detailed a few such strategies. 
 
It suggested that to reduce the impact of construction works on wildlife, re-planting could reduce habitat loss, while installing rope bridges and poles could help canopy-dwelling species get from one forest patch to another. 
 
Diverting discharge outlets away from rare freshwater streams could also help to reduce pollution of the aquatic habitats. 
 
In terms of reducing the impact of the tunnel operations, the report said that other than wildlife-friendly fences, roosts and nests identified during inspections could be removed with the aid of the National Parks Board. 
 
DETERMINING IMPACT 
 
Whether a development could have "major", "moderate", "minor" or "negligible" impacts on the surrounding environments depends on two key factors. 
 
The first is the sensitivity of the habitat. 
 
To determine this, consultants look at factors such as if the habitat falls within a designated nature area, or if it is important for endangered wildlife species. 
 
In this case, both work sites were considered by consultants to comprise highly sensitive habitats, as the globally threatened Sunda pangolin has been found in them, even though the work sites fall outside the boundaries of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. 
 
The second factor looked at is the magnitude of the impact. 
 
Again, whether this is large, medium, small or negligible depends on a few factors, including the proportion of the area affected, or the extent of impact on a species population. 
 
For example, large impact magnitudes are classified as such if the works are deemed to affect the entire habitat or a significant proportion of it, or if the works could cause a substantial decline in abundance. 
 
Both factors - sensitivity of area affected and impact magnitude - are considered in the evaluation of the final impact magnitude. 
 
For both work sites, habitat loss was considered to have medium impact magnitude. Taking into account that the area is highly sensitive, the overall impact significance was deemed major. 
 
However, the report said that mitigation measures can reduce the impact magnitude to small, bringing down the overall impact significance to moderate. 
 
Examples of mitigation measures that could aid in this reduction include wildlife shepherding, re-planting of trees, and the translocation of plant species of conservation interest. 
 
National University of Singapore biology lecturer N. Sivasothi said that even with the mitigation measures, it was a "big jump" to say that reduction in impact would be reduced from "major" to "moderate". 
 
"The scale makes the impact sound benign. This is a big problem which the community and the Government needs to review," he said. 
 
The Cross Island Line would link Changi and Jurong by 2030, and span at least 50km. 
 
It was first announced in early 2013, and preliminary plans showed it running under primary and secondary forests in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve near MacRitchie Reservoir. 
 
But nature groups, alarmed by the environmental harm which the construction and operation of an underground MRT line right across the heart of the reserve could cause, suggested that the line be built along Lornie Road. 
 
This alternate route goes around the reserve. 
 
The decision on whether to build under or around the reserve is still being mulled over, and an environmental impact assessment of the line for both alignments was done. 
 
The latest study had found that for the skirting alignment, there would be “major” residual impact for residents due to “visual” elements – such as activities at above-ground worksites and the presence of workers. 
 
The alternate route would also involve above-ground works in wildlife-rich areas in the vicinity of Lornie Road and Bukit Brown, said the report. 
 
However, it noted that the impact could be reduced to “moderate” with mitigation strategies similar to those on the direct alignment. 
 
Wildlife consultant Subaraj Rajathurai, whom LTA had consulted for the project, noted that these areas on the skirting alignment were home to wildlife such as the Sunda pangolin and common palm civet. 
 
However, these animals are more widespread compared to “forest specialists” – animals that live only in good forests, such as the Raffles’ banded langur and the lesser mousedeer – which can be found in the forested plot east of the nature reserve which would have to be cleared if the line is built there. 
 
“The eastern node of the direct alignment is the area with threatened forest specialists, and impact there should be higher than moderate,” said Mr Subaraj, who has been studying Singapore’s forests for decades. 
 
“The skirting node at Bukit Brown has animals such as the colugo and pangolin, but these animals, while threatened, are more widespread and should not be compared to the node in the direct alignment,” he said. 
 
The LTA had earlier said that the alternative alignment could add about $2 billion to the rail project. This 9km-long skirting alignment will require longer tunnels and extra ventilation facilities, it said, compared with the 4km direct route, of which 2km will run under Singapore's largest nature reserve. 
 
No figure was available for the total cost of adopting mitigation measures should the direct alignment be chosen. 
 
Related links 
<a href="https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/projects/cross-island-line.html">Give feedback to LTA</a> plus links to the EIA. 
</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2844107139594078029'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/2844107139594078029'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/explainer-how-2-proposed-tunnelling.html' title='Explainer: How 2 proposed tunnelling routes for Cross Island Line will affect wildlife, housing areas'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-9145866806920365439</id><published>2019-09-03T07:05:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-03T07:14:40.951+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="extreme-nature"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="human-wildlife-conflict"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="insects"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Pandan Reservoir midge outbreak: Residents liken it to a 'horror movie', says Member of Parliament</title><content type='html'>TESSA OH <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pandan-reservoir-midge-outbreak-living-horror-movie-residents">Today Online</a> 2 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE — Residents living around the Pandan Reservoir said that the recent outbreak of midges in the area is like being “in a horror movie”, Member of Parliament (MP) Foo Mee Har said on Monday (Sept 2). 
 
Describing it as the “most severe” outbreak that residents have witnessed, Ms Foo, MP for the West Coast Group Representative Constituency (GRC), added that the midges stick to clothes and hair, and residents have found swarms of them in corridors, lifts, bus stops and in their homes. 
 
Responding to questions from three MPs, including Ms Foo, Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli said that the sudden spike in midge activity can be attributed to the recent spell of unusually hot weather, which has hastened the growth process of the midges. 
 
“With climate change, we will experience more extreme weather, which will have a corresponding response from nature,” he said. 
<a name='more'></a> 
Mr Masagos noted that the midges do not bite or spread disease. Outbreaks since the late 1970s had lasted for as little as two weeks, or as long as five months. 
 
He added that national water agency PUB has implemented several measures to mitigate the impact of midges on the residents living around the reservoir since the outbreak began in the middle of July. 
 
For instance, PUB has increased the frequency and dosage of the application of biological liquid larvicide in the reservoirs to help eliminate midge larvae. It has also increased the frequency of fogging and misting around the reservoir dyke and surrounding vegetation to kill adult midges. 
 
These methods have been proven to be effective at killing midges at the relevant stages of their life cycle, Mr Masagos said. 
 
PUB has also installed bright spotlights at the Pandan Reservoir's pumping station and switched them on at night to attract adult midges towards the reservoir and away from residents’ homes. 
 
The agency will continue to monitor for midge emergence at reservoirs and conduct frequent checks for larvae in samples of reservoir sediments or for adult midges trapped around the reservoir vicinity, he said. 
 
The dominant midge in the present outbreak is a rare one, unlike an outbreak at the reservoir in 2016, he said. This species hides in drains and culverts in the day and swarms above the drains in the evening. 
 
To tackle this, PUB has rolled out more measures to alleviate the issue, such as greasing the drain walls to trap the midges when they land, he said. 
 
SCREENS AND NETS 
 
In a supplementary question, Ms Foo asked if the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) would consider working with other agencies to help the affected families to protect themselves against the midge outbreak by providing them with screens and placing nets in prominent areas such as bus stops. 
 
She also asked MEWR to consider planting more trees and shrubs around the reservoir so that the midges can congregate around the vegetation rather than go into residents’ homes. 
 
Similarly, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, asked in a supplementary question whether MEWR will consider looking into ways to change the microclimate around the banks of the reservoirs, citing studies that have shown that this can have an impact on midge outbreaks. 
 
Mr Masagos said that the ministry will consider the proposed suggestions and will work with the relevant agencies to ascertain if such measures can help to alleviate the problem. 
 
“We don’t want to create new problems such as people having different kinds of pests (in their homes) because of the kinds of trees that we have planted near their homes or around the reservoirs,” he explained. 
 
MIDGES ARE HERE TO STAY 
 
However, Mr Masagos cautioned that to expect that the midges can be completely eradicated is unrealistic, given that they are part of Singapore’s natural aquatic ecosystems and are food for fish and birds. 
 
“At the end of the day, we have to recognise that man cannot control nature. We can only do our best to suppress (the problem) and we have to (learn) to live with nature. In fact, we are the ones intruding into their living spaces,” he said. 
 
Mr Masagos also noted that efforts to combat the problem must find a delicate balance as relying too much on larvicide and fogging will compromise the health and safety of Singaporeans. 
 
“There is a tradeoff between killing enough or killing so much that in the end, we kill ourselves. There is a limit to which these measures can mitigate the issues that residents are facing,” he said. 
 
 
PUB stepping up measures to tackle emergence of rare dominant midge species at Pandan Reservoir: Masagos 
Ang Hwee Min <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pub-midges-pandan-reservoir-environment-masagos-11864284">Channel NewsAsia</a> 2 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: The current dominant midge species that has recently emerged at Pandan Reservoir is a rare one that has not been studied in great detail, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli in Parliament on Monday (Sep 2). 
 
“The species exhibits different behaviours from other species. For example, they hide in drains and culverts in the day and swarm above the drains in the evening,” he added. 
 
The minister was replying to parliamentary questions from MPs about the rise in the midge population at Pandan Reservoir and the measures being taken to address it. 
 
Providing details, he said PUB has greased drain walls to trap midges when they land to rest, and have targeted these areas for fogging. 
 
PUB has also explored the use of free-moving oily paper within drains to increase the capture rates of adult midges, he added. 
 
The netting on the reservoir dyke has also been extended by 1km, said Mr Masagos, acting as a barrier to trap adult midges and reduces the number of adult midges that would otherwise be blown to residential estates. 
 
“Midges cannot be eradicated as they are part of the natural aquatic ecosystem, and will emerge to breed, especially when aided by favourable environmental conditions. Climate change will further complicate our efforts,” he added. 
 
PUB said in a Facebook post on Aug 1 that it has stepped up measures to control the rising midge population around Pandan Reservoir. 
 
These include increasing the frequency and dosage of biological liquid larvicide within the reservoir, increasing the frequency of fogging and misting around the reservoir dyke and surrounding vegetation, as well as the installation of bright spotlights at the Pandan Reservoir pumping station to attract adult midges when they emerge at night, said Mr Masagos. 
 
According to PUB, the bright lights deter them from flying into residential estates. Midge egg masses attached to floating structures and rocks along the edges of the reservoir have also been removed. 
 
Speaking in Parliament, MP for West Coast GRC Foo Mee Har said residents who live near Pandan Reservoir have “suffered greatly” from the mass emergence of midges since July this year. 
 
“Their homes have been invaded by the midges. Corridors, lifts and bus stops have been swarmed. And the midges stick to your clothes, your hair, fly around your eyes, get into your nose, get into your food, and they’re everywhere. 
 
“This year’s outbreak is the most severe we have witnessed yet and also persisted for the longest time, impacting the daily lives of our residents. Some have likened it to being in a horror movie. If you visited it's really scary.” 
 
Ms Foo raised concerns about the health risks of exposure to chemicals from sustained fogging, and whether residents could be supported with insect screens for their homes as such installations can be costly. 
 
Mr Masagos said the pesticide used by PUB has been certified safe and suitable for use by the World Health Organization, and is also diluted before use. 
 
As for the installation of insect screens, Mr Masagos noted that the residents can also protect themselves and their property. 
 
“This situation doesn’t come all the time, not every year. And to put in something that will become a permanent feature, this may also affect the image of the reservoir or the places around the reservoir,” he added. 
 
Mr Masagos also explained that the larvicide used in the reservoirs is a safe, biological larvicide. 
 
“It is actually a naturally occurring soil bacteria, which produces spores that are toxic specifically to the digestive system of midge larvae.” 
 
Underscoring the importance of maintaining water quality, he added: “There is a trade off between killing enough midges, or killing so much or everything that we kill ourselves. We can’t do that either. There is a limit to which these measures can mitigate the issues that residents are facing. 
 
“This problem is really man versus nature, the kind of war man has never been known to win. We can only suppress it and do our best but we have to live with nature. In fact, we are the ones who are intruding into their living spaces. 
 
"Our reservoirs supply drinking water to the population and we have to be careful to ensure that PUB’s mitigation measures, both short- and long-term, do not end up compromising water quality." 
 
Source: CNA/hw(mn)</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/9145866806920365439'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/9145866806920365439'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/pandan-reservoir-midge-outbreak.html' title='Pandan Reservoir midge outbreak: Residents liken it to a 'horror movie', says Member of Parliament'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-6863327990655577934</id><published>2019-09-03T07:03:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-03T07:14:40.670+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="ClimateActionSG"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Commentary: Climate action is our generation’s 1965</title><content type='html'>Winning our climate war is a moral and economic imperative. The green lining is that the new climate economy being birthed creates good jobs while saving our world, says CEO of PhilanthropyWorks Vivian Claire Liew.
Vivian Claire Liew <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/climate-change-action-is-singapore-generation-1965-challenge-11857018">Channel NewsAsia</a> 1 Sep 19; 
 
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong this National Day Rally publicly acknowledged climate change as an existential threat to Singapore – and aced it. 
 
He unflinchingly positioned the threat dead-centre in the Singaporean psyche – and mentioned housing price risks in the East Coast and waterfront areas. Yet, he also managed to sound upbeat and forward-looking. 
 
This marks the defining moment for Singapore’s climate war. It is a clarion call for us to understand the climate impact reverberating through our society, economy and geopolitics. Singapore’s Total Defence strategy surely welcomes its missing seventh pillar. 
 
WHY WE MUST 
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At “just” 1.1 degrees Celsius increase in warming, climate change will cost millions of lives and homes, lead to acidic oceans challenging sealife, droughts, floods, heatwaves ravaging crop yields, as well as mosquitoes reproducing faster and propagating Zika, dengue and other pandemics. 
 
Our Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) climate analysis last year, recommended 4 degrees Celsius warming as the baseline planning parameter going forward, different from the 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius future discussed then. 
 
It was a tough call that endangered our credibility, but the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) vindicated our prediction months later, leveraging 200 scientists over two years. 
 
Singapore’s economy has a carbon bent. We emitted 50.9 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2014, 27th highest among 142 countries. 
 
Studies have shown if everyone lived like Singaporeans, the amount of resources the Earth produces in 2018 would have been used up by Apr 2018. 
 
The paradigm shift required to save our homeland and the world, offers exciting opportunities in green growth. Global heating will transform the destinies of most countries and companies, on par with Artificial Intelligence. 
 
YES WE CAN 
 
PM Lee declared that everything must “bend at the knee” to protect our homeland, and that we do not want our descendants ashamed of us. 
 
Our implemented mitigation measures already ensure that we overachieve our promised Nationally Determined Contributions of reducing emissions intensity by 36 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. Kudos to our civil servants. 
 
With PM Lee affirming that “Singapore must do its part”, will we raise our ambition? Forty-nine countries, representing 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, have capped emissions, while 10 countries will reach net zero by 2050. 
 
Optimal mitigation requires the Government, corporates and all individuals doing our utmost. Collaborating with the global community to constrain emissions while protecting carbon-rich rainforests is crucial. 
 
A circular economy can almost halve global industry emissions by 2050. Sustainable finance will mushroom, from SWFs and other smart investors divesting fossil fuels and others with carbon exposure, to protect financial returns. 
 
Singapore as a global financial hub should accelerate efforts to leverage and support the essential global transition to a clean, decarbonised economy. Investors and companies that protect the planet, while catering to lives worth living, will be rewarded. 
 
An Asian SWF sustainability executive told me they plan to become carbon-neutral next year, and recommended each corporate devise a carbon-neutral strategy. Climate literacy will support boards in understanding the new climate economy, as fundamental to fiduciary duty. 
 
The carbon intensity of industries, and the carbon differential within sectors, will shape the competitive landscape and economy. 
 
The top 10 per cent of households in rich countries such as the US, consumed four to five times more carbon on average compared to the bottom half, in Oxfam’s analysis. That bears consideration in our tax policy. 
 
I have six suggestions on how to re-engineer Singapore for that greener future. 
 
1. HOW ABOUT CHEAPER COES TO DRIVE ELECTRIC MOBILITY? 
 
A car is our largest carbon purchase, if one flies less than one Singapore-London return trip annually. Cheaper Electric Vehicles (EVs), with well-distributed and bookable charging infrastructure, can equalise the playing field. Though EVs here burn fossil fuels and are not zero emission, they remain a cleaner alternative. 
 
READ: Commentary: Where are all the electric vehicle charging points? 
Property developers that support our national imperative, could incorporate charging spots in their buildings. We can reciprocate with more Greenmark points. 
 
2. HOW ABOUT CHEAPER, MORE RELIBALE PUBLIC TRANSPORT? 
 
The wider the differential between holistic public transportation costs and private car ownership, the more people would lower their carbon footprint. Our Smart Nation prowess can support by improving the accuracy of bus arrival predictions and journey duration. 
 
Design thinking, with better traffic light algorithms, could rebalance the time cost, heat stress and inconvenience borne by pedestrians and public transit users. 
 
3. LET’S STOP WASTING FOOD 
 
We can all do this, by buying the right portions and storing it well. Supermarkets should sell perishables in small portions so that consumers do not overpurchase. 
 
The Government can consider policies such as France’s law banning supermarkets from dumping food, a Good Samaritan Law shielding F&B donors from liability, and research into cold chain management best-practices. 
 
4. MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS 
 
Construction is one of the biggest emitters. Architects and property developers are hence key partners in Singapore’s climate war. 
 
Given the gap between Singapore’s carbon tax and IPCC’s recommendation, judicious boards and management may choose to future-proof their business models amid different global carbon tax scenarios, but it’s worth reviewing our carbon tax rate. 
 
A key test of Singapore’s climate conviction, is frigid office temperatures in our tropical country. 
 
Does our involuntary chill stem from cheap, poorly-functioning air-conditioners that cannot circulate cold air around the entire floor properly? So they blast frigid air to ensure it remains cold when it reaches the furthest person? Whatever it is, our failure to have sane temperatures strains the credibility of our climate change fight. 
 
Solar panel windows can help address our lack of surface area for installations, while reducing the buildings’ net carbon footprint. Otherwise, we should use at least insulated windows to minimise cooling needed. 
 
The future of energy is decarbonised, distributed and digital. Locating power generators closer to users reduces the significant 30 per cent energy transmission loss. With solar power offering deployment at various capacities, is this not viable for Singapore? 
 
5. EMBRACE RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION 
 
Production and shipping to Singapore incur carbon costs, every step of the way. Those who shop as if there is no tomorrow will indeed lead us to having no tomorrow. 
 
Consuming fewer, quality and durable products would reduce the strain on our Earth. Singapore’s average per capita emission was about double that of small, rich nations such as Denmark and Switzerland. 
 
Wildfires are ravaging our world. While we are not the ones burning the Amazon, or abetting farmers, our clamour for Brazilian pork, beef and soy effectively endorses the burning. Platform giants could help with filters for the relative carbon intensity of each product type. 
 
6. CHOOSE FUEL-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES 
 
These often help you save money over its lifecycle. The National Environment Agency's app has a great fuel-efficiency function for key energy sinks. Corporates could support by sourcing quality, energy-efficient appliances. 
 
CALL TO ACTION 
 
Concerned for us? Discuss global heating with your friends. Discover your carbon footprint, and support our future at the SG Climate Rally in September. 
 
Global heating strikes at humanity’s Achilles’ heel. The top risk to our planet for this generation carries implications that make it painful to understand and address, turbocharged by the tragedy of the commons. 
 
Yet, this is our watch. Whether the scales fell from our eyes at or before NDR, we must act now to constrain carbon emissions. How can we sell our next generation into carbon debt? 
 
So run a carbon-neutral company, fly less, and eat less (meat)? The choice is yours, and your action matters. On that, hangs the fate of Singapore and our world. 
 
Vivian Claire Liew is a global sustainability expert and CEO of PhilanthropyWorks, which advises leading investors and corporates on the new climate economy. 
 
Source: CNA/sl</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/6863327990655577934'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/6863327990655577934'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/commentary-climate-action-is-our.html' title='Commentary: Climate action is our generation’s 1965'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-3547501029636286025</id><published>2019-09-03T07:01:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2019-09-03T07:14:40.390+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="extreme-nature"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="haze"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>56% increase in vegetation fires in first half of 2019: Shanmugam</title><content type='html'><a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/555-vegetation-fires-first-half-2019-shanmugam-11866180">Today Online</a> 2 Sep 19;
 
SINGAPORE: There were 555 vegetation fires in Singapore in the first half of this year, a 56 per cent increase from the 356 cases in the same period last year, said Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam on Monday (Sep 2). 
 
Mr Shanmugam was responding to a question submitted in Parliament by Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leon Perera, who had asked what measures were being taken to ensure the early detection of vegetation fires and the efficient deployment of resources to handle them. 
 
In his written reply, Mr Shanmugam noted that the number of vegetation fires has risen in recent years due to factors such as drier and hotter weather. 
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The inter-agency Wildfire Task Force Committee, which is led by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), is tasked with coordinating measures to minimise the risk of vegetation fires, he said. 
 
“During the dry season, members will step up patrols of hotspots to enable early detection, as well as adopt preventive measures such as removing dead leaves more regularly,” said Mr Shanmugam. 
 
“For example, NParks has increased patrols and inspections of nature reserves, parks and other vegetated areas to look out for possible fire hazards such as dry leaf litter and signs of incipient fire.” 
 
He said NParks is also exploring the use of drones and video analytics, and has constructed fire breaks to hinder the spread of fires in the nature reserves. 
 
FIRMER ACTION AGAINST LITTERING 
 
Mr Shanmugam, who is also Minister for Law, added that under an amended Penal Code, those who illegally discard cigarette butts can be charged not only for littering, but also for negligent conduct should there be a major fire thereafter. 
 
The amended Penal code, which will take effect in 2020, will "empower the police and SCDF" to take firmer action against litterbugs by introducing a new offence of causing or contributing to the risk of a dangerous fire. 
 
READ: Vegetation fire the size of 2 football fields breaks out near East Coast Park 
READ: SCDF puts out fire near Lim Chu Kang cemetery after battling for nearly a day 
“In future, should a fire happen within 60 minutes at the place where someone had illegally disposed of a cigarette butt, the person would be presumed to be culpable for the fire and duly charged,” said Mr Shanmugam. 
 
“This makes it harder for offenders to escape justice.” 
 
Apart from those measures, Mr Shanmugam said SCDF is also educating members of the public on steps to prevent and counter vegetation fires. 
 
These include extinguishing embers of controlled fires properly and not discarding refractive materials like broken glass into vegetation where they could focus sunlight and start a fire. 
 
Source: CNA/ec(hs)</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3547501029636286025'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/3547501029636286025'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/09/56-increase-in-vegetation-fires-in.html' title='56% increase in vegetation fires in first half of 2019: Shanmugam'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-597155463569682987</id><published>2019-08-31T15:12:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2019-08-31T15:12:41.261+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="best-of-wild-blogs"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Best of our wild blogs: 31 Aug 19</title><content type='html'>
Amazing living reefs of Kusu Island 
<a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazing-living-reefs-of-kusu-island.html">wild shores of singapore</a> 
 
East Coast Park is alive! 
<a href="http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2019/08/east-coast-park-is-alive.html">wild shores of singapore</a> 
 
Singapore Bird Report – July 2019 
<a href="https://singaporebirdgroup.wordpress.com/2019/08/31/singapore-bird-report-july-2019/">Singapore Bird Group</a> 
 
15 September (Sun): R.U.M. Mangrove Cleanup (Internaional Coastal Cleanup edition) 
<a href="https://rum-initiative.blogspot.com/2019/08/15-september-sun-rum-mangrove-cleanup.html">Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative</a> 
 
Channel 8 newsclip about mangrove restoration as mitigation action against sea level rise 
<a href="https://rum-initiative.blogspot.com/2019/08/channel-8-newsclip-about-mangrove.html">Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative</a> 
 
Ubin Day 2019 – bringing focus to marine biodiversity and the threat of marine trash! 
<a href="https://toddycats.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/ubin-day-2019-bringing-focus-to-marine-biodiversity-and-the-threat-of-marine-trash/">Toddycats!</a> 
 
A new painting: Thunderstorm at Chek Jawa 
<a href="http://flyingfishfriends.blogspot.com/2019/08/a-new-painting-thunderstorm-at-chek-jawa.html">Flying Fish Friends</a></content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/597155463569682987'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/597155463569682987'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/08/best-of-our-wild-blogs-31-aug-19.html' title='Best of our wild blogs: 31 Aug 19'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322865532175731446.post-5548085549944264244</id><published>2019-08-31T15:07:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2019-08-31T15:12:41.168+08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="marine"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sharks-fins"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="shores"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singapore"/><title type='text'>Shovelnose rays, served as ‘shark head’ in Singapore eateries, now critically endangered</title><content type='html'>NABILAH AWANG <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/shovelnose-rays-often-served-shark-head-spore-eateries-critically-endangered-cites">Today Online</a> 30 Aug 19;
 
SINGAPORE — Food lovers who enjoy a delicacy called “shark head” in Singapore restaurants may want to think again as the animal has just been classified as critically endangered. 
 
“Shark head” is the sea creature known locally as the shovelnose ray — also known as the white-spotted wedgefish — and is usually promoted as a dish rich in collagen, which is meant to promote skin elasticity. 
 
The creature was added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Cites meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, ended on Wednesday (Aug 28). 
 
The rays can be found in the waters of South-east Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, and the Northern coast of Australia, said Ms Sue Ye, founder of marine conservation group Marine Stewards — whose mission is to protect marine resources by promoting sustainable fishing practices. 
 
Local fishermen occasionally catch them, she said, adding that they were urged to release them back into the ocean if they did. 
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Ms Ye also pointed out that the rays are sold in supermarkets chains here at about S$13 per kg and that Singaporeans should be aware of the importance of taking steps to ensure they are not made extinct. 
 
Aside from the shovelnose rays — also known as the bottlenose wedgefish, with the technical name Rhynchobatus australiae — 17 other shark and ray species are classified under Appendix II of Cites as critically endangered. 
 
Appendix II-listed species can be traded commercially only after traders have obtained relevant Cites permits, according to the National Parks Board (NParks) website. 
 
Dr Neil Hutchinson, a shark and ray expert from James Cook University’s Singapore campus, explained that the population of shovelnose rays has suffered a 95 per cent decline in the last 20 years. 
 
He added that the primary causes of this decline are overfishing and habitat loss. 
 
“Both rays and sharks live in shallow sandbanks and these places are where most coastal fishing take place,” said Dr Hutchinson. 
 
MANY UNAWARE SHOVELNOSE RAYS COULD BE CLOSE TO EXTINCTION 
 
Ms Ye said that it is important to spread awareness on shovelnose rays as not many Singaporeans are aware that the species may be getting close to extinction. 
 
“By spreading the message, hopefully anglers will release the fish when caught, restaurants stop buying them and consumers stop ordering them for dinner," she said. 
 
When TODAY sought comment from supermarket chains, Giant said that it does not carry the item. Sheng Siong and NTUC FairPrice have not responded. 
 
As Singapore is a signatory to Cites, NParks is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Cites. 
 
It works closely with the Singapore Food Authority (SFA), border control agencies as well as international and Singapore partners to tackle illegal trade of Cites-listed species. 
 
In a joint statement, NParks and SFA said that imports and exports of these species are monitored closely and several considerations are taken into account before issuing licences, including the listing of the species on Cites, the purpose of the transaction and verification of export permits with the exporting country. 
 
“When SFA receives applications to import such food products, SFA checks that the applications are accompanied by NParks’ Cites permits,” said the agencies. 
 
NParks’ director of the coastal and marine division Karenne Tun said that fishing is banned in areas such as Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve rocky shore, Chek Jawa Wetlands and the waters around Coney Island Park. 
 
“These areas are managed as sanctuaries for the mangrove and marine habitats to flourish and the fish population to grow to maturity,” said Dr Tun. 
 
She added that recent marine surveys show that the shovelnose ray has not been spotted in these sanctuaries but has been reportedly been caught by recreational fishermen in waters outside of these areas. 
 
“Through our Friends of Marine Park Community, we have engaged recreational fishermen to practise responsible and sustainable fishing to protect our freshwater and marine habitats and biodiversity for our future generations to enjoy. 
 
“We will be happy to work with fishing groups, like Marine Stewards, who are concerned about the fishing of endangered species like the shovelnose ray, to educate the public on responsible and sustainable fishing practices,” Dr Tun said. 
 
Offenders can be fined up to S$5,000 for fishing in ‘No Fishing’ areas in NParks-managed parks, and up to S$50,000 for fishing in nature reserves. 
 
Heavy penalties are also put in place for those illegally importing or exporting Cites-listed species. 
 
Under the Endangered Species Act, the maximum penalty for the illegal import, export and re-export of any Cites-listed species is a fine of up to S$500,000, or two years’ imprisonment, or both.</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/5548085549944264244'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4322865532175731446/posts/default/5548085549944264244'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2019/08/shovelnose-rays-served-as-shark-head-in.html' title='Shovelnose rays, served as ‘shark head’ in Singapore eateries, now critically endangered'/><author><name>Ria Tan</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/09770926654830427210</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='31' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiiWjmxuACQhACMytytupw7dSG5Xq7Okf_KmetgEL6FricUkyjLENRiH4QDyt1ADv87695XJopE4QpyEeK-mZ-Lcbr8P0gNjkLTO08O4fw8qa8bPUyo3wtZqtvM2tJQ/s117/wildsing.jpg'/></author></entry></feed>

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