ACTivism, climate cases and money to beat the heat!

Dear friend,

What does it mean to be an activist? If you look up the word on Google images, you will see people holding signs, marching in groups, calling for change. However, this image does not describe Singapore’s public space. A survey found that four in ten Singaporeans never talk politics with friends. Even bringing up awareness of climate change can be a struggle. Globally, climate activists have blocked roads, interrupted speeches and thrown paint onto art pieces, all to bring attention to the issue. Many times, we can feel stressed or disheartened by our efforts, as government decision-making can sometimes seem like a black box. But sometimes, change does happen, and it starts with the small things. 

This month we look at all kinds of climate action. From the release of political prisoners, to a court ruling in favour of climate action, to greater government support for families struggling with heat, change comes unsteadily in small steps, but it does come. 

For a better world,
SG Climate Rally

💪This month, we are back at putting activity into activism. In an update on the Rempang Eco-City project, almost all of the 34 political protesters arrested in September 2023 have now been released. While we celebrate the release of the prisoners, the fight for the right of the residents of Rempang to have a just transition is still not over. To continue supporting Rempang, we would like to raise $10,000 in total, going into operational costs, supporting the political prisoners and solidarity stations in the Rempang kampungs. If you have some funding to spare, do check out the Instagram post to see how you can contribute!

🌏The theme for this year’s Earth Day is on the impact of plastics, especially microplastics which can be responsible for causing many health issues from Alzheimers to falling fertility rates. If at times you feel like climate change is too overwhelming a challenge to face, fear not, for others have thought the same. Professor Morton calls climate change a “hyperobject”, an object that occupies a position so large in time and space that we find it difficult to conceive in our limited experience. And with challenges of such magnitude, an equivalently large community steps up, one individual at a time. With the new 3 Rs, we would like to help bring you into the activism fold. 

The 3Rs are reading up, reaching out and (w)riting in. Reading up starts from your curiosity and interest - climate change is multifaceted, but some topics could spark your interest. Luckily, ipcc.ch and nccs.gov.sg can help you to get started on the topic. Secondly, reaching out helps to share with the community what you’ve learned. Sharing with others what you have learned and engaging with climate justice posts on social media spreads the importance of climate change to your community. More awareness means more capacity for action. Finally, (w)riting in brings that awareness to the government, a show of public opinion for stronger measures to be taken on climate issues. Grasping climate change as a whole is tough, but by small chunks we can achieve great things. Many thanks to the NUS CNM students whom we collaborated with on this post for their module!

Global News

❗A recent report by InfluenceMap found that 80% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions since 2016 can be traced to just 57 fossil fuel and cement producers. These entities include nation-states, state-owned firms, and investor-owned companies such as Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, and Coal India. The report highlights that many of these companies have expanded fossil fuel production since the 2015 Paris Agreement, leading to increased emissions. The report aims to provide transparency about the significant role these companies play in contributing to climate change​​.

😁Climate cases brought to courts around the world show progress as the European Court of Human Rights recently ruled that Switzerland failed to comply with its duties regarding climate change. The ruling found critical gaps in the country’s policies to address climate change, such as failing to quantify reductions in greenhouse gases and taking efforts to meet the 1.5 degree target. The case was brought forth by Senior Women for Climate Protection, claiming that older women suffer health attacks during heatwaves and are unable to leave their homes. This landmark victory in climate litigation shows the involvement of courts in climate legal obligations, and the ruling carries binding effects that can filter down to its 46 member states. 

😁At the other end of the generation scale, South Korean parents and expectant mothers sued their government at South Korea’s constitutional court, arguing that by not addressing climate change properly, the government is violating the human rights of its citizens. This case is the first in Asia to have a public hearing and to have a court’s verdict. The plaintiff noted that climate change has made it difficult for her parents to farm, and the summer heat prevents children from growing up healthily. While the court has yet to make a decision, cases like this help to put pressure on governments to keep their commitment to reduce emissions and bring about a just transition. 

💰In our own region, Southeast Asia is found to be “off track” on green investments to reduce emissions. Even as energy consumption is expected to grow by about 40% this decade, green investment is lagging behind the US$1.5 trillion required, with clean energy accounting for 10% of total supplies, while fossil fuel subsidies are 5x higher than renewable investments. At this current trend, 10 countries in the region could go over their 2030 pledges, and to avoid this, there need to be focused policies to promote green investments. The region’s green economy could be worth $300 billion annually by 2030 but addressing the region’s fossil fuel dependence, lack of regional grid connections and limited public-private partnerships could incentivize putting more resources into the green economy. 

Local News

⚛️In Singapore’s ongoing study of nuclear energy, it aims to develop around 100 nuclear energy experts, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) providing 30 scholarships for nuclear-related postgraduate studies. The fanfare around recent developments in nuclear fusion has sparked an interest in the government, alongside the analysis of thermal reactors. But future sightings of local superheroes (bitten by radiated mosquitos) are still up in the air, as the government noted that they still have not taken a stance on deploying nuclear energy. 

🛖Climate vouchers could not have come at a better time, as the National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and Singapore’s National Water Agency (PUB) are enhancing the Climate Friendly Households Programme. In this programme, all HDB households will receive S$300 of climate vouchers to be used to purchase more efficient household appliances, such as fans, air-conditioners and refrigerators. Buyers can claim their vouchers at go.gov.sg/cv-claim and present the vouchers with proof of address at the participating retail outlets. The cooling products are much welcomed as high temperatures in Southeast Asia continue from March into April. We highlighted the issue of warm nights in March, and advocated for the government to expand the programme in our 2023 Rally Calls to Action, so we are pleased to see this policy being adopted. 

📝If you own a local business, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) recently launched a registry to help you report carbon emissions. The Emissions Factors Registry is designed to help companies report scope 3 emissions, referring to indirect emissions such as business travel, commuting, waste disposal and water consumption. Given the public outcry against the flying habits of celebrities, more transparent reporting on scope 3 emissions is much needed to hold wasteful behaviors accountable. 

🥵Asia has been baking under a heatwave in the past few weeks. Why is extreme heat dangerous, and what can we do to adapt and mitigate the causes of this heat? This interview by CNA with Professor Kathryn Bowen of the University of Melbourne is a succinct explainer:

🌱Singapore Terrestrial Conservation Plan 

A gathering of academics, subject matter experts and civil society representatives have come together recently to publish a plan to protect Singapore’s environment and biodiversity. Spanning 6 chapters of wildlife documentation, legal protections and engaging stakeholders, the plan looks to protect the forests you hike at, the islands you visit, and the plants and animals you see. We invite you to read (share, and write in!) your thoughts with us on this matter.

🟢Are policies aimed at reducing single-use plastic shifting the needle on plastic waste, or is it just greenwashing? This Big Read from TODAY explores this topic, finding that convenience and laziness are often cited as barriers to adopting sustainable practices like bringing reusable containers and bags, while businesses and consumers say eco-conscious habits are still the exception rather than the norm. It remains a work in progress, but as we mentioned at the start of this newsletter, change happens, albeit slowly.