SINGAPORE: In a groundbreaking announcement, the People's Action Party (PAP) has launched a new climate action body designed to enhance support for companies transitioning to greener practices, as declared by Assistant Secretary-General Desmond Lee on Tuesday, January 21.

The newly formed PAP Climate Action Group was inaugurated at the Singapore Sustainability Academy and aims to introduce a crucial parliamentary motion on climate change later this year, marking the fourth such motion since 2021. Mr. Lee, who also serves as the Minister for National Development, highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Enterprise Sustainability Programme and the Energy Efficiency Grant, which assist businesses in adopting sustainable practices.

Despite these existing initiatives, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to struggle with the transition. Mr. Lee has emphasized that the new motion will advocate for increased support mechanisms to facilitate a just and inclusive transition to a low-carbon society.

A Serious Priority for a Sustainable Future

The climate action group is one of two new entities established by the PAP to confront critical challenges faced by the government, with the other focusing on mental health, which was launched in October 2023. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong first announced these groups in June as part of the "Refresh PAP" initiative.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Koh Poh Koon, will lead the climate action group, supported by MP Louis Ng. The decision to form these groups was made with the understanding that they address significant issues that transcend traditional demographic lines.

Expressing the urgency of climate issues, Mr. Lee stated, “Looking ahead, climate change poses an existential threat to Singapore and will be one of the defining challenges of our time.” He reiterated that environmental sustainability has been pivotal to Singapore's development since its founding, citing historical efforts made by former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the nation’s commitment to global environmental agendas.

Tackling Climate Challenges Head-On

The upcoming parliamentary motion will build on previous efforts, with the first motion introduced in January 2021 aimed at intensifying action against climate change. Mr. Ng, currently leading the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) on sustainability, expressed optimism about tabling the new motion within the year.

Since June of last year, the group has engaged in dialogue sessions with activists, SMEs, and trade associations to gather insights that will inform their approach. Mr. Ng added that this new motion aims to formalize support for SMEs, potentially offering resources such as a comprehensive handbook or a job transformation map that extends beyond traditional sectors like finance.

The climate action body will feature five sub-committees aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, focusing on diverse aspects including urban ecology, energy transition, green economy initiatives, resilience strategies, and sustainable living practices.

As the country prepares for the upcoming General Election, which must take place by November, Dr. Koh highlighted the increasing recognition among both individuals and corporations regarding climate change's impacts. He stated, 'As we approach the election, it’s essential for us as a party to highlight our commitment to environmental issues. While we may wear white, we are, after all, Singapore’s original green party.'

Dr. Koh stressed the need for the PAP to maintain climate action as a cornerstone of its platform, asserting, 'Our future depends on policy actions that genuinely create changes to mitigate the realities of climate change.'

Stay tuned as Singapore stands at the forefront of climate action! Will this new initiative resonate with voters and bring about transformative policy change before the election?