Singapore and the European Union have both reaffirmed their commitment and partnership to combat climate change.
Only July 8, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu met European Commission Executive Vice-President (EVP) Frans Timmermans.
Teo is also the chairman of the inter-ministerial committee on climate change.
Timmermans is on a visit to Singapore to discuss issues related to climate change and biodiversity before the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) on Nov 1 to 12.
The COP 26 was initially scheduled to take place from Nov 9 to 19, 2020.
During their meetings, the ministers and EVP touched on opportunities for collaboration in green finance; the circular economy; as well as research, development and deployment for low-carbon solutions such as hydrogen.
“The EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement is a high-standard and comprehensive agreement that provides a solid framework to advance our joint sustainability and development agenda,” reads the statement on July 8 by the EU, the National Climate Change Secretariat Singapore (NCCS) and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
“Singapore and the EU are committed to close cooperation in areas ranging from low-carbon energy technologies to carbon services and solutions,” it adds.
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On the meetings, Timmermans says, “I am here to discuss climate change and biodiversity in the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties – COP26, as the EU and Singapore are similarly committed to investing in and speeding up the urgent global green transition. The EU welcomes Singapore’s role as co-facilitator for the informal Ministerial consultations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and as a promotor of climate action, circular economy and the protection of biodiversity in Asean”.
“I also believe that during Covid-19 we have demanded a high degree of solidarity from our young generation, both through the restrictions as well as for (loan-) financing the economic stimuli. This should remind us that, likewise, we owe it our children and grandchildren to leave them decent living conditions on our planet. We must take decisive climate action and preserve biodiversity – and the environment more generally,” he adds.
“As a small country with limited renewable energy options, international collaboration is key to our decarbonisation plans as set out in the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and our Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy. Thus, we actively seek synergies with like-minded countries, to pursue opportunities in carbon abatement, and in the green economy.” says Teo.
“Tackling climate change requires concerted international effort, and countries must work together to address this existential challenge. I had a good discussion with Mr Frans Timmermans, European Commission Executive Vice-President, on ways we can work together to advance global climate action, and strengthen Singapore-EU bilateral cooperation, notably in low-carbon energy solutions, carbon trading and services, waste management and resource circularity, and food production and safety,” adds Fu.
Photo: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore
