S'pore rejects emission cuts

**Voodoo Vince** · 30-10-2009, 03:19 AM

S'pore rejects emission cuts
By Amresh Gunasingham

Minister for the Environment & Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim said: 'We are not obligated to set targets or reduce emissions, but...we will do our part.' -- ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

SINGAPORE sent a strong signal on Thursday that it will not be prepared to accept any emissions cuts as part of a global agreement to tackle climate change at an international summit in Copenhagen later this year.

Speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines of the 11th Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment on Thursday, Minister for the Environment & Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim said: 'We are not obligated to set targets or reduce emissions, but...we will do our part.'

'Whatever we do, we cannot compromise our ability to grow. So how we find a balance will be a continuous process.'

He added that the Government is continually reviewing its targets across all sectors of the economy and assessing how they can be improved.

Singapore's stance comes despite pressure from countries like Japan and Australia, which have said the Republic should be subjected to firm targets because of high per capita emissions from industries here.

The other Asean countries - with the exception of Indonesia, which announced reduced emissions targets earlier this month - have adopted a similar position.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking...ry_448079.html

uglybutadorable · 30-10-2009, 03:25 AM

Sry. What is emission cut? Please enlighten.

**Voodoo Vince** · 30-10-2009, 03:32 AM

Emission cut such as gas such as carbon dioxide, and many other waste.

**faith14** · 30-10-2009, 03:42 AM

Hmm. Growth is more important than protecting the Earth from getting further damage. Purely you-die-or-I die kind of mindset- all because we are a red dot island, without any beneficial resources, thus we have to work harder in other aspects, even if it risk in harming the Earth in some way.

Good or bad? Based on your perspective.

uglybutadorable · 30-10-2009, 03:46 AM

Growth is one temporary substance to keep Singapore, however short term.

The day when Singapore is too hot to stay, how can you anymore expect financial power?

**workingtoohard** · 30-10-2009, 03:52 AM

they'll just install stronger air conditioners. when a person chooses to not die, he/she is already choosing themselves over the interest of the Earth. all this stuff about recycling, cutting down emissions only delay the inevitable destruction. a feel good feeling to think our actions actually make a difference. as long as we are here, she ain't going to be much better off.

**faith14** · 30-10-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uglybutadorable

Growth is one temporary substance to keep Singapore, however short term.

The day when Singapore is too hot to stay, how can you anymore expect financial power?

No no, don't get me wrong. The statement that I made in previous post is my own interpretation of the quote of the minister. Not my stance. =)

uglybutadorable · 30-10-2009, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faith14

No no, don't get me wrong. The statement that I made in previous post is my own interpretation of the quote of the minister. Not my stance. =)

Chill.. Don't get me wrong too. Not pointing to anyone, just stating my own view. =)

uglybutadorable added 3 Minutes and 15 Seconds later...

Quote:

Originally Posted by workingtoohard

they'll just install stronger air conditioners. when a person chooses to not die, he/she is already choosing themselves over the interest of the Earth. all this stuff about recycling, cutting down emissions only delay the inevitable destruction. a feel good feeling to think our actions actually make a difference. as long as we are here, she ain't going to be much better off.

Feel like flocking to Japan or Holland this moment.

**faith14** · 30-10-2009, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uglybutadorable

Chill.. Don't get me wrong too. Not pointing to anyone, just stating my own view. =)

uglybutadorable added 3 Minutes and 15 Seconds later...

Feel like flocking to Japan or Holland this moment.

haha. Chilling. =)

They think money will make the world turn? Or maybe they've strong faith that Earth won't die? haha.

I will like to go to Rome.. =X

**workingtoohard** · 30-10-2009, 04:10 AM

im guessing its more of whether the world can turn without money

**faith14** · 30-10-2009, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workingtoohard

im guessing its more of whether the world can turn without money

=) Yea. If only they quit being a part-time motivational speaker and face the reality.

shypineapple · 30-10-2009, 04:17 AM

this is sad.

I know one day mother earth is gonna vanish sooner or later. maybe in like another 1000000 years. lolx
still, everyone living on this planet should try their upmost to protect earth & prolong her life.

-1 for our government.
GO GREEN IS THE ONLY WAY. lol

**workingtoohard** · 30-10-2009, 04:23 AM

dont boo the government thou. they did it for your interest, at least in this aspect (just so others dont start with the political satire). forcing emission limits on manufacturing firms in Singapore will only further burden the firms on top of the not-so-cheap labor of Singaporeans. this will only drive them away to pursue cheaper sources of labor and watch the country degrade from there on as thousands become unemployed.

**graysg** · 30-10-2009, 04:24 AM

Either China or US cutting down their emission by 1% is better than Singapore's 100%, and we probably can live for a few more yr for that mere %. Unfortunately our big brothers have not set a good example for us yet. Anyway it won make much of a difference even if we do cut all emission.

**opuktun** · 30-10-2009, 04:28 AM

It's a delicate balance between economy and ecofriendliness.

But looking at the weather/climate these days, I think it's about time to start worrying.

So hot!

uglybutadorable · 30-10-2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opuktun

It's a delicate balance between economy and ecofriendliness.

But looking at the weather/climate these days, I think it's about time to start worrying.

So hot!

That is why. Singapore will become a desert probably in 10 to 20 years' time if we still continue to waste.

Animals staying in the North Pole would start to suffer and sea level would rise to the extent where 1/10 of Singapore would be sunk. =(

shypineapple · 30-10-2009, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graysg

Either China or US cutting down their emission by 1% is better than Singapore's 100%, and we probably can live for a few more yr for that mere %. Unfortunately our big brothers have not set a good example for us yet. Anyway it won make much of a difference even if we do cut all emission.

and that is why with people like you, with this kind of mentality.
Singapore might most probably go under the water in 10 years time. AMEN. -.-

**opuktun** · 30-10-2009, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uglybutadorable

That is why. Singapore will become a desert probably in 10 to 20 years' time if we still continue to waste.

Animals staying in the North Pole would start to suffer and sea level would rise to the extent where 1/10 of Singapore would be sunk. =(

Desertification is unlikely for Singapore... But sinking is likely. Other than the increasing sea level, there's the increased population density. We should throw some people out of our land. LoL!

shypineapple · 30-10-2009, 04:45 AM

I don't wanna sink under the sea.

Pineapple under the sea. =x

**opuktun** · 31-10-2009, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shypineapple

I don't wanna sink under the sea.

Pineapple under the sea. =x

pineapples will float for sure. haven't seen one sinking yet.

haha.