WITH RISING sea levels around our little island, and with increasing temperatures worldwide, climate change is the great battle of our time. The PAP government continued taking vital climate action in 2025, preserving Singapore’s existence for today, and for future generations.
Climate action is a Budget priority
At Budget 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced large-scale changes for a greener transport sector and a climate-resilient future.
These included introducing a Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme which will subsidise up to $40,000 of a new fully electric heavy vehicle (EHV) and up to $30,000 for an EHV charger. The grant and schemes are part of Singapore’s journey towards net zero emissions by 2050.
For a more sustainable future, PM Wong announced that the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund would be topped up by $5 billion. The top-up increases funding for coastal flood measures like sea walls, tidal gates and land reclamation.
“If the world continues on a fossil fuel-based development trajectory over the coming years, global temperatures will keep rising, and that means we can expect a mean sea level rise of over one metre by 2100,” explained PM Wong (18 Feb). “Around one-third of Singapore will be vulnerable to coastal flooding.”
“We will build a better and greener future for all,” added PM Wong. “We will ensure that our island nation thrives even as the oceans rise.”
Working with partners to educate the public
One big highlight for the PAP Climate Action Group (CAG) in 2025 was hosting a free workshop on permaculture by world-renowned sustainability expert (and viral social media sensation) Andrew Millson.
Permaculture involves humans developing land in eco-friendly ways, so that people and the ecosystem both benefit.
“When we have …small community projects, we bring the spirit and mindset of permaculture to our communities, to work with nature,” said MP Foo Cexiang (Tanjong Pagar GRC), who attended the event at the Edible Garden City Queenstown farm alongside a group of passionate local climate activists.
“There is good reason to foster a lot of small-scale permaculture projects all over our island,” added MP Foo.
MP Foo is co-chair of the CAG’s Green Economy pillar, alongside MP Lee Hui Ying (Nee Soon GRC). The pillar equips Singaporeans to capitalise on sustainability-focused economic opportunities.
As for the other pillars in the CAG, MP Nadia Samdin (Ang Mo Kio GRC) chairs the built environment-focused City in Nature and MPs Poh Li San (Sembawang West SMC) and Valerie Lee (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) co-chair Energy Reset for greener fuel.
MP Valerie Lee also co-chairs the Resilient Future pillar alongside MP Ng Shi Xuan (Sembawang GRC). Their focus includes corporate sustainability and climate education.
MPs Hany Soh (Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC) and David Hoe (Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC) co-chair the Sustainable Living pillar which focuses on building tripartite government-private-community partnerships for greener living.
Find out more about the CAG here.
Building climate-resilient cities, strengthening Singapore’s green economy
This year, Singaporeans had a $100 Climate Voucher top-up to buy new green household appliances. The PAP Government also extended the Climate Voucher Programme to all Singaporeans living in private housing.
The vouchers complement the Government’s long-term plans for the climate. The Ministry of National Development (MND) is building a Singapore city which will endure a climate shift.
“MND will mitigate the impact of climate change on Singaporeans through measures such as climate-sensitive urban planning and building design, and the use of cool paints to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures,” detailed Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat (18 Sept).
Concurrently, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) announced the National Adaptation Plan against rising seas and soaring heat.
“We will press on with research efforts to develop new coastal protection technologies and solutions while learning from the best-in-class internationally,” said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu (18 Sept).
She added that the MSE is partnering with businesses, academia and the public to manage the effects of heat on Singaporeans.
Minister Fu represented Singapore at the COP30 international climate summit, pledging Singapore’s support to the cutting-edge Beat the Heat international initiative.
She signed a Memorandum of Understanding with her counterpart from Malawi, paving the way for Singapore and Malawi to collaborate on carbon credits.
