Economic Transition to Decarbonisation
Budget 2020 Committee of Supply Debates, MTI, 2 March 2020
Mr Chairma, climate challenge is an economic structural challenge for Singapore, noted Minister Chan Chun Sing who further added that (I quote) “If we cannot manage that, we can’t even attract the industries to create the jobs for the next generation.”
IMF recently opined that price on carbon should rise to US$75/ton by 2030 in large emitting countries placing constraints on fossil fuel-based industries. Yet new energy technologies are currently available.
Would the Ministry consider:
- Conducting and publishing stress test exercises specific to the petrochemical industry, to understand growth risks under different scenarios of global carbon policy?
- Evaluating the potential for job creation, cost of living and environmental impact around carbon capture and storage, solar PV, nuclear, importing renewable energy, increasing industrial energy efficiency?
- Developing a clear plan of economic transition to reduce our reliance on high-carbon risk sectors, including actively involving our oil and gas industry before 2030?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anthea Ong is a Nominated Member of Parliament. (A Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) is a Member of the Parliament of Singapore who is appointed by the President. They are not affiliated to any political party and do not represent any constituency. There are currently nine NMPs in Parliament.)
The multi-sector perspective that comes from her ground immersion of 12 years in different capacities helps her translate single-sector issues and ideas across boundaries without alienating any particular community/group. As an entrepreneur and with many years in business leadership, it is innate in her to discuss social issues with the intent of finding solutions, or at least of exploring possibilities. She champions mental health, diversity and inclusion — and climate change in Parliament.
She is also an impact entrepreneur/investor and a passionate mental health advocate, especially in workplace wellbeing. She started WorkWell Leaders Workgroup in May 2018 to bring together top leaders (CXOs, Heads of HR/CSR/D&I) of top employers in Singapore (both public and private) to share, discuss and co-create inclusive practices to promote workplace wellbeing. Anthea is also the founder of Hush TeaBar, Singapore’s 1st silent teabar and a social movement that aims to bring silence, self care and social inclusion into every workplace, every community — with a cup of tea. The Hush Experience is completely led by lovingly-trained Deaf facilitators, supported by a team of Persons with Mental Health Issues (PMHIs).
Follow Anthea Ong on her public page at www.facebook.com/antheaonglaytheng