Singapore gov't seeks public views on climate change issues

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Singapore government on Wednesday started public consultations to get feedback on climate change issues that will possibly feed into its national climate change strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean kicked off the process on Wednesday that will eventually lead to the release of the national climate change strategy by the mid-2012.

It will elaborate on Singapore's sustainable development strategy, and how the country intends to meet the target to reduce emissions by 7 percent to 11 percent, below the business-as-usual level in 2020.

Teo said the document, due out next year, will be an important foundation to the long-term strategy.

"Sea levels are expected to rise by 0.59 meter by the end of the century. The studies are ongoing to see whether better predictions can be made. These have implications on us and if we take action today on our reclamation levels, this will enable us to prepare for the future," he said.

Teo said Singapore is studying its vulnerabilities so as to put in place appropriate measures in key areas such as coastal protection, drainage and urban infrastructure to enhance Singapore 's resilience to the long-term physical impacts.

"Singapore's plans to reduce emissions and to prepare ourselves for the impacts of climate change can only be met by concerted and sustained efforts from everyone," he said.

Source: Xinhua