Public views on climate change sought by govt

The government of Singapore started public consultations on climate change issues to determine its national climate change strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean kicked off the process, eleborating on Singapore's sustainable development strategy, and on reducing emissions by 7 percent to 11 percent, below the business-as-usual level in 2020.

Teo said the document, due out next year, will be an important foundation to the long-term strategy.

"Sea levels are expected to rise by 0.59 meter by the end of the century. The studies are ongoing to see whether better predictions can be made. These have implications on us and if we take action today on our reclamation levels, this will enable us to prepare for the future," he said.

Teo said Singapore is studying its vulnerabilities so as to put in place appropriate measures in key areas such as coastal protection, drainage and urban infrastructure to enhance Singapore 's resilience to the long-term physical impacts.

The full story is available at Xinhua News.