News: The Business Times -  18 December 2009


S'pore backs legally binding climate change accord
Even if there's an agreement, ultimate test is in carrying it out, says PM Lee
By CHUANG PECK MING
IN COPENHAGEN


SINGAPORE yesterday pledged its support for a legally binding global agreement on climate change - but made clear it wants rich nations to undertake deep cuts in emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.
 
Making Singapore's national statement as almost 120 world leaders kicked off two-day talks at the United Nations climate conference, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also said rich nations must help poor countries become more environmentally friendly - but not at the expense of the economic growth of the poor.

'Without growth they will not have the resources needed to undertake measures to combat climate change,' he said. So rich countries must not only take the lead to 'substantially reduce their emissions both in the short and long term'.

'They must also ensure adequate means to help developing countries implement urgently needed adaptation measures without compromising sustainable economic growth.'

Still, poor countries should also do their part to curb global warming because it is a serious issue that affects the rich as well as the poor, Mr Lee said.

It calls for urgent global response, commitment and involvement from everyone, he said. But poor nations should cut their emissions only in accordance with their capabilities, national circumstances and developmental priorities.

'This is why the (UN) Convention calls for climate change to be addressed in line with the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities',' Mr Lee said. 'What we have in 'common' is the goal and responsibility to mitigate carbon emissions. How each of us does that must remain 'differentiated' because in reality, our respective capabilities and individual circumstances differ.'

Mr Lee said Singapore has always taken the environment seriously and took steps from the start of the country's independence 44 years ago to ease emissions. The result: Singapore's carbon intensity by 2006 was about 30 per cent below 1990 levels.

Despite a lack of alternative energy options, Mr Lee said Singapore is making an undertaking to slash its emissions growth 16 per cent below business-as-usual level by 2020 - on condition a legally binding agreement is reached in Copenhagen.

'Given our constraints, and the fact that all our actions will be voluntary and domestically funded, this is a substantial commitment that will entail significant economic and social costs,' he said.

He noted that several developing countries have made similar offers, all hoping they will contribute to a strong climate change agreement.

'The developed countries must respond in the same spirit with significant cuts in emissions that take account of their historical responsibility and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,' he said.

But even if there is an agreement, Mr Lee said the ultimate test is carrying it out. 'All countries must implement their commitments and actions in good faith and deliver on their targets and goals,' he said. 'This will require careful planning, strong leadership and political resolve to carry through the necessary mitigation measures.'

- end of BT article