Tackling climate change may not necessarily mean giving up life’s conveniences - rather, it could involve using energy and resources more efficiently, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday.
Noting the availability of energy-efficient appliances - such as light bulbs, refrigerators and air-conditioners - in the market, Mr Teo said consumers stand to benefit from lower energy bills, even though they may have to change them within “a relatively short period of time”.
Speaking to reporters at yesterday’s Singapore G1 2012 event organised by the Singapore Environment Council, Mr Teo, who chairs an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, said tackling climate change “requires a whole-of-nation effort”, with businesses, households and the Government all playing a part.
One of the challenges combating climate change, he noted, is that many regard it as “distant” and therefore has no immediate impact on them. Some also question the significance of their individual contribution, Mr Teo added.
The effects of climate change, however, are “not far away”, Mr Teo said.
“Climate scientists believe that the world’s climate and weather is changing with more frequent occurrences with extreme events. It’s immediate, it’s affecting us,” he added.
To encourage more to do their part for the environment, Mr Teo launched a climate change exhibition, Our Green Home, put together by the National Climate Change Secretariat.
The exhibition, which aims to highlight the importance of individual and community actions to address climate change, will travel to selected libraries, community clubs and shopping malls in the heartlands till January.
