No plans this weekend? Head down to Tiong Bahru on Sunday (26 April), where the PAP’s Climate Action Group (CAG) will be holding its first-ever Climate Action Day.
Visitors can explore booths featuring textile recycling, local farms, and sustainable pet products.
When it comes to combating climate change, each of us can do our part. As a small tropical island at risk of environmental disasters, Singapore has taken early actions to address climate change.
It’s not easy being green, unless you’re the PAP
As a government known for its long-term strategic planning, the threat of global warming and rising sea levels was never far from the minds of our early leaders.
Often regarded, tongue in cheek, as Singapore’s Chief Gardener, our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, put in place policies for a green island nation.
“A blighted urban jungle of concrete destroys the human spirit,” reminisced Mr Lee about the belief which seeded this action. “We need the greenery of nature to lift up our spirits.”
In fact, Mr Lee’s concern for the environment extended even to the types of trees and plants that dot our Singapore, including unique creeper plants that are now seen everywhere in Singapore today. These include over walls, overhead bridges, flyovers and public works that would otherwise have just been bare concrete.
“If you get the place greened up, if you get all these creepers up, you’ll take away the heat, you’ll have a different city,” said Mr Lee years after they were planted.
Long before talk about climate change became mainstream, the PAP government was already looking at how to protect our coastline. The ambitious Long Island Project, for instance, was conceived in a 1991 concept plan.
In 2019, Singapore became the first country in Southeast Asia to introduce a carbon tax to reduce emissions. Despite concerns that doing so might put a damper on our economy, the government pressed on.
“The Bill is an important step forward – not only in encouraging industry to do their part for the climate, but also in readying our economy to a low-carbon future,” said then- Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli.
Around the same period, urban planning also took on a greener tone. Our PAP town councils launched the Action for Green Towns Programme.
From solar panels to energy-saving lights, as well as cooling features that reduce heat and energy use, the ongoing initiative is how we are remaking our neighbourhoods into a more sustainable and liveable space for all Singaporeans.
Since 2021, PAP MPs have also introduced motions on climate action, marine biodiversity, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A growing green focus and encouraging community action
Across our heartlands, a green revolution is taking place. Recycling drives, food rescue, and upcycling workshops have become common activities, bringing together like-minded Singaporeans. In fact, when an oil spill sparked fears of an ecological disaster, thousands of Singaporeans volunteered to help with clean-up efforts.
To engage more Singaporeans on environmental issues, the PAP established a Climate Action Group in 2024 to help develop new policies.
The group is currently chaired by Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Koh Poh Koon, and Poh Li San, MP for Sembawang West SMC.
Since its inception, the CAG has been partnering with civil society and businesses to exchange ideas on how Singapore can build a green and resilient future. Ahead of Budget 2026, the CAG also worked closely with activists, gathering ideas on how we can build a zero-waste society.
“The CAG is a coordinated and concerted effort to translate political ideology into concrete policy actions and catalyse ground action,” said Dr Koh.
As guardians for Singapore’s climate action, the PAP will continue to rally for bold, collective action to build a climate-resilient Singapore for the next generation.
“While we may be the men in white, we are actually the first green Party in Singapore,” noted Dr Koh.
Keen to play a part in building a more sustainable Singapore? Head down to Eng Hoon Street, Tiong Bahru, this coming Sunday (Apr 26), from 5pm, for the CAG’s first-ever Climate Action Day.
