MSE Clarifies SYCA’s Statement on Singapore’s Role in Loss and Damage Fund as Inaccurate

SINGAPORE — On March 13, SG Youth for Climate Action (SYCA) issued a statement expressing their surprise at remarks made by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, suggesting that Singapore could be a “potential claimant” to the Loss and Damage fund. This fund, established at COP27, aims to support vulnerable nations affected by climate-related disasters.

In response to inquiries, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) clarified that the SYCA’s statement did not accurately represent Fu’s comments made during the Feb. 24 parliamentary session. The ministry emphasized that discussions surrounding the fund are still ongoing, and it is premature to conclude which countries will be donors or recipients.

SYCA, however, expressed concern over Singapore’s potential classification as a claimant. They noted that while Singapore faces energy limitations, it does not suffer the same severity of natural disasters as some neighboring countries, such as Bangladesh or the Philippines, which have faced devastating droughts and typhoons. SYCA added that Singapore has the resources to manage its own climate adaptation and mitigation, arguing that taking funds could reduce support for more vulnerable nations.

MSE responded by reiterating that Singapore is classified as a developing country under the Paris Agreement, which obligates developed nations to assist developing ones in addressing climate-related damages. The ministry also highlighted Singapore’s contributions toward disaster risk financing in Southeast Asia.

During the parliamentary debate on Feb. 24, Fu noted that Singapore is part of the Alliance of Small Island States, which has advocated for the establishment of a loss and damage fund. She pointed out that, like other small island nations, Singapore is vulnerable to sea-level rise, but emphasized that discussions on the specifics of the fund have yet to take place, with a Transitional Committee (TC) tasked with reviewing the details.

While SYCA called for further clarification on whether Singapore intends to claim from the fund, MSE assured that Singapore would engage constructively with the TC while continuing to support regional disaster risk financing efforts. The ministry also affirmed that Singapore does not intend to be a member of the TC.