Singapore and Sustainability

By: Christine Leung

Click here for the Mandarin version

This Q&A was conducted with Kate Yeo, an activist from Singapore. Kate has been very active in her projects and is passionate about combating climate change. Geo is the confounder of Re-Earth Initiative, which has a huge influence (they’ve managed to amass 10k followers on Instagram!) This organization advocates for climate action digitally and is composed of activists from all over the world. Kate also created an organization called BYO Bottle Singapore, an initiative “on a mission to reduce the wastage of single-use plastics in Singapore.” In terms of her personal life, Kate makes sure to implement changes in her daily life to make a difference. She often strives to eat vegan food, and use reusable bottles.

What is your name, age, and country?

Kate, 19, Singapore

How is the climate crisis affecting your country?

Thankfully Singapore doesn’t experience extreme disasters like earthquakes or tropical cyclones. But the climate crisis has been evident through our rising temperatures (it’s already summer all year round here but now it’s getting EVEN hotter), as well as more frequent and intense droughts and floods. Water and food security are key concerns especially since Singapore lacks its own natural resources. As a low-lying island, we’re also vulnerable to (rising sea-levels.) sea-level rise. All this has a profound impact on public health as well as the cost of living.

How is the government handling it? / How can your country/government improve their efforts?

The Singapore government has not yet declared a national Climate Emergency, but in 2019 our Prime Minister acknowledged it is “one of the gravest challenges facing humankind”. Much of the climate action implemented by the government here is focused on adaptation measures. For example, building coastal defences, improving our drainage systems, and investing in local food production. In terms of mitigation, Singapore has progressively switched from oil to natural gas, implemented a carbon tax (albeit only S$5/tonne of CO2e), and is ramping up our solar power capacity. There is also a growing focus on encouraging public transport, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and reducing waste generation.

That said, the government has been criticised by green groups for continuing to support and invest in pollutive industries. Singapore is amongst the world’s top three oil trading and refining hubs. Our oil and gas industries remain major recipients of government subsidies, an estimated USD7.85 billion in 2015.

Deforestation/land clearance is also a persistent problem, with urban development often taking precedence over biodiversity conservation.

What climate groups are active in your country?

There’s quite a significant number of active environmental groups in Singapore!

These groups have a particular focus on climate:

SG Climate Rally

Green Lobang

Singapore Youth for Climate Action

350 Singapore

Waste:

Zero Waste SG

BYO Bottle SG

Project Become

General sustainability:

Lepak In SG

Climate Conversations

Full list of green groups in Singapore: https://singapores-green-lobang.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Organizations

What are the goals for the youth climate movement?

I can’t speak for the entire movement since different groups have varied goals/perspectives. But in general, I believe there is a consensus that we want to see a stronger focus on mitigation measures — in particular, an equitable transition to a low-carbon future. Beyond climate change, many also want to see a cultural change away from disposables, in favour of a circular economy.

What is the state of the youth climate movement in your country?

It’s definitely building a growing presence in our nation. However, I would say that it may sometimes be limited to an echo chamber. There’s still a need to reach out to even more everyday Singaporeans who do not share our same concern for the climate crisis. Many youth green groups were quite recently established (only in the past 3 or so years) and are still finding our way around. All in all, though, it’s been heartening seeing more and more youth advocate for climate action in their own capacities. I’m really just constantly inspired by my peers! And I’m so excited to see the movement grow even more moving forward.

From her interview it is clear Kate is very knowledgeable about the environmental situation/the effects of the climate crisis and the climate movement in Singapore. I’m sure she will continue with her incredible projects in the future. She will further her studies at Dartmouth in Environmental Studies and I’m sure she will go on to do incredible things. To gain deeper insight into her projects, you can visit her organization’s website at byobottlesg.com, or check out her Instagram (see below).

Christine Leung is a member of the Earth Uprising International Communications Team.

• Email: christine@earthuprising.org
• Instagram: cchristineleung

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Activist Featured: Kate Yeo

• Instagram: byobottlesg
• BYOBS: https://byobottlesg.com/

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Editor: Selin Özdemir

Earth Uprising is a global, youth-led non-profit organization focused on climate education, climate advocacy, and youth mobilization. Through its strong network of activists from all around the world, partnerships with groups, and local, national, and international campaigns and actions, it aims to bring attention to and spur action based on the latest science regarding the climate crisis. Earth Uprising provides the tools, resources, and connections young people need in order to take direct action in their own communities. Learn more at earthuprising.org and instagram.com/earth_uprising

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