Newly-appointed Environment and Water Resources Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, said it cannot be “business as usual” both at home and internationally when dealing with climate change.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a Community Chest event Sunday, he said Singaporeans will have to understand the costs and trade-offs in dealing with this challenge.
And he intends to make the process as open and transparent as possible.
This approach also applies to situations like flooding.
“We musn’t lose sight of the bigger picture, which is to make sure that we have taken into account all the different variables, especially when the weather and climate are changing; (We need to) review our plans…operationalise the plan and make sure everything works according to plan,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
“But you know, we are dealing with weather and there is always going to be a large element of uncertainty and that’s something we will have to factor and communicate openly and honestly to Singaporeans.
“What can be done will be done, the parts which obviously cannot be done or which are beyond our control, we would have to humbly and honestly communicate and explain that to Singaporeans.”
