Environment
Marina Bay Sands and WWF to embark on sustainability partnership
Leading integrated resort (IR) Marina Bay Sands today announced a landmark partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature in Singapore (WWF) to raise sustainability standards within Asia’s hospitality industry, starting with ocean conservation.
Through the partnership, Marina Bay Sands and WWF have jointly developed measurable and achievable goals to improve responsible procurement within the IR and transform its supply chain. Under the programme, Marina Bay Sands is also supporting four aquaculture farms in Malaysia in their journeys towards sustainable farming – a first such collaboration for WWF-Singapore.
The partnership kicks off with a primary focus on seafood and ocean conservation, with Marina Bay Sands aiming to have 50 per cent of its total seafood by volume responsibly sourced by 2020.
Asia consumes two-thirds of the global fish catch, with Singapore’s per capita seafood consumption of 22 kilograms exceeding the global average of 20 kilograms. Overfishing to meet such demands is now the single biggest threat to oceans. In Singapore, three out of four common seafood species are unsustainable[1].
“Marina Bay Sands procures seafood in the millions of kilograms each year. Given its sheer volume, the move to sustainability has the potential to benefit marine ecosystems and local communities in this region. Its investment in current and future supply chains through sustainable aquaculture raises the bar for how other large-scale businesses should be sourcing,” said Elaine Tan, Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Singapore.
The WWF collaboration adds another layer to Marina Bay Sands’ global sustainability strategy – Sands ECO360°, which drives the stewardship of responsible business in the areas of green buildings, environmentally responsible operations, green meetings and sustainability education and outreach.
“Marina Bay Sands is committed to sustainability across every aspect of our operations, along the entire supply chain. As an IR home to Singapore’s largest hotel, a 1.3 million sq. ft. convention centre, a luxury shopping mall and more, we recognise the significance and impact of our sustainability actions within Asia’s hospitality industry, and down the supply chain. In partnership with WWF, we have the opportunity to make great strides towards ensuring all the seafood served on our property comes from sustainable stock and is sourced responsibly. We hope to elevate sustainability standards, raise awareness among our guests and inspire other industry players to follow suit,” said Ian Wilson, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Marina Bay Sands.
The goals announced today are centred on the responsible sourcing of seafood across the IR’s supply chain and its support for sustainable fishing practices through 2020. Subsequent campaigns will encourage Marina Bay Sands’ guests to embrace its sustainability initiatives. The goals of the partnership cover key areas like Responsible Seafood, Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs) and Enhanced Green Meeting Packages.
Responsible Seafood
Marina Bay Sands is progressively increasing the responsible sourcing of its seafood by volume from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified sources[2]. By 2018, the IR aims to have 70 per cent of its Top 10 priority seafood species procured from MSC- and ASC-certified sources: a target that it hopes to increase to 100 percent by 2020. In the same year, it aims to have 50 per cent of all seafood by volume sourced responsibly, amounting to an estimated 2 million kilograms of responsible seafood.
Today, Marina Bay Sands does not offer any seafood from the AVOID list of WWF’s Seafood Guide across its own F&B operations. As part of this, the IR has taken the significant decision to remove the culturally popular red garoupa (a.k.a. coral trout) and blue fin tuna dishes from all menus. Marina Bay Sands currently procures 100 per cent of its salmon, tilapia, prawns, mussels, lobsters and oysters from sustainable sources. It will continue working with WWF to update its menus and review demand for resource-intensive seafood products to further improve responsible sourcing.
Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs)
Under the AIP programme, Marina Bay Sands is supporting four aquaculture farms with WWF as they strive to become among the first in the world to be certified sustainable for popular species such as snapper, grouper and sea bass. As part of this process, these farms will also improve their aquaculture practices, which will support marine environments and provide secure livelihoods for communities across Langkawi, Penang, Perak and Selangor. At least three out of four farms will be ready to enter full assessment for ASC certification by 2020.
Enhanced Green Meeting Packages
Building on its status as an ISO 20121 certified venue, Marina Bay Sands is working with WWF to further strengthen its existing Sands ECO360⁰ meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) programme over the next year. As a first step, the IR today launched an updated version of its “It’s Easy Meeting Green” package – where Marina Bay Sands will donate S$1 per delegate to support the aquaculture farms in Malaysia[3]. In 2018, Marina Bay Sands will also launch a new Responsible Harvest Menu serving sustainable seafood options, made in collaboration with WWF. By 2020, the IR aims to host at least 300 green events that adopt sustainable packages and offerings supported by WWF.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.theonlinecitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/marinabaysands-2-650x468.jpg?resize=640%2C461&ssl=1)
Image: WWF-Singapore
To further engage and educate its guests and clients on sustainability, Marina Bay Sands is collaborating with WWF to design and execute tactical initiatives and campaigns around responsible seafood and environmental conservation. On average, the IR sees a hotel occupancy rate of over-90 per cent and hosts more than 3,000 MICE events at Sands Expo and Convention Centre each year, amounting to a visitation of 45 million across the property last year.
Marina Bay Sands’ commitment to responsible seafood first began in 2014 when it removed and stopped serving shark fin at all restaurants owned and operated by the IR, as well as at MICE events hosted at Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
Marina Bay Sands is also a member of the Responsible Seafood Group by WWF, an industry initiative to increase the adoption of sustainable seafood in Singapore. With 85 per cent of global fishing grounds fished up to or above their limits, WWF ensures resilient oceans and protects seafood stocks through sustainable seafood consumption and setting industry standards for sourcing practices.
[1] Data from FAO (2014) The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture and WWF report (2016) on sustainable seafood in Singapore[2] Seafood that is sustainable comes from well-managed stocks that are not considered to be overexploited. The MSC and ASC certifications set international standards for fished and farmed seafood. These are voluntary, independent certification schemes that reward sustainable fishing practices and set environmental and social standards, providing traceability and transparency of sourcing.
[3] For events held between 26 October 2017 and 31 July 2018.
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Environment
Japanese scientists find microplastics are present in clouds
In Japan, researchers confirm microplastics in clouds, impacting climate. Airborne microplastics, 7.1 to 94.6 micrometers in size, found in cloud water, potentially affecting rapid cloud formation and climate systems.
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Researchers in Japan have confirmed microplastics are present in clouds, where they are likely affecting the climate in ways that aren’t yet fully understood.
In a study published in Environmental Chemistry Letters, scientists climbed Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama in order to collect water from the mists that shroud their peaks, then applied advanced imaging techniques to the samples to determine their physical and chemical properties.
The team identified nine different types of polymers and one type of rubber in the airborne microplastics — ranging in size from 7.1 to 94.6 micrometers.
Each liter of cloud water contained between 6.7 to 13.9 pieces of the plastics.
What’s more, “hydrophilic” or water-loving polymers were abundant, suggesting the particles play a significant role in rapid cloud formation and thus climate systems.
“If the issue of ‘plastic air pollution’ is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future,” lead author Hiroshi Okochi of Waseda University warned in a statement Wednesday.
When microplastics reach the upper atmosphere and are exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, they degrade, contributing to greenhouse gasses, added Okochi.
Microplastics — defined as plastic particles under 5 millimeters — come from industrial effluent, textiles, synthetic car tires, personal care products and much more.
These tiny fragments have been discovered inside fish in the deepest recesses of the ocean peppering Arctic sea ice and blanketing the snows on the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain.
But the mechanisms of their transport have remained unclear, with research on airborne microplastic transport in particular limited.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on airborne microplastics in cloud water,” the authors wrote in their paper.
Emerging evidence has linked microplastics to a range of impacts on heart and lung health, as well as cancers, in addition to widespread environmental harm.
— AFP
Community
SG Climate Rally draws over 1,400 attendees at Hong Lim Park with focus on inclusiveness and pervasive nature of climate change
The SG Climate Rally, held at Hong Lim Park on Sep 23, brought together over 1,400 people to raise awareness about climate change’s impact on marginalized communities, showcasing diverse speakers and activities, promoting inclusivity and engagement.
Local political figures and bipartisan support highlighted the importance of climate action.
Despite its success, a survey revealed that Singaporeans lag behind in climate advocacy. Organizers aim to make climate awareness more mainstream and inclusive.
SINGAPORE – The SG Climate Rally, held at Hong Lim Park on Saturday (23 Sep), brought together an impressive gathering of over 1,400 people to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on marginalized communities.
This year’s rally was marked by a central theme of inclusiveness, highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by lower-income residents in the face of climate change.
This youth-led movement invited several speakers to emphasize the importance of giving voice to these marginalized individuals when crafting climate-related policies.
One of the remarkable moments of the event was the heartfelt speech by Ms Marlina Yased, a mother of five residing in a two-room rental flat for 13 years.
Her impassioned words resonated with the audience, underlining the idea that individual voices can be powerful tools for delivering a meaningful message.
Ms Marlina stated, “As the climate crisis worsens, we must not give up.
“We must understand that we, the people also have the power to make change.”
Rally speakers reinforcing rally’s theme of inclusivity
The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including former Nominated Member of Parliament Geh Min, sustainability strategist Madhu Ardhanari, co-founder of LepakInSG Ho Xiang Tian, and Nor Syazwan Abdul Majid, who founded Wan’s Ubin Journal.
These speakers reinforced the rally’s theme of inclusivity and the unequal distribution of climate impacts.
Ho Xiang Tian, Co-founder of LepakinSG, expressed his concerns over Singapore’s carbon tax policies.
In 2017, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources proposed a carbon tax of S$10 a tonne. However, after industry consultations, this figure was unexpectedly halved to S$5 a tonne.
While seemingly small, this reduction translates to a staggering shortfall of S$200 million annually in tax revenue. Cumulatively, the deficit amounts to S$1 billion over four years. As the need to gather funds for coastal defense looms, taxpayers are shouldering the burden, while industries gain from reduced carbon tax rates.
Ho Xiang Tian also shed light on the minimal tax contributions of major petrochemical corporations in Singapore.
Despite a 17% headline corporate tax rate, companies like Shell and British Petroleum paid effective tax rates of just 2% and 6%, respectively, in 2019. He noted that the exact figures for ExxonMobil remain undisclosed.
Generous tax incentives from the EDB and MTI are primarily responsible for this trend, said Ho, emphasizing that these corporations must pay their fair share, highlighting the urgency of environmental responsibility.
For Ms Marlina, the tangible effects of climate change are evident in her daily life, where the rising heat in her apartment has made air conditioning, even portable units, an unaffordable luxury for her family.
She added that the heat not only increases her work-related stress but also brings about financial burdens due to rising water usage, heightened risks of skin ailments, and more frequent medical appointments.
Mr Syazwan, who runs the social platform Wan’s Ubin Journal, highlighted the importance of incorporating indigenous voices and history into climate policy and education.
He emphasized the sustainable practices of the Orang Pulau and their understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
“The Orang Pulau were champions of sustainability. They understood what nature provided for them and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Kristian-Marc James Paul, the rally organizer, stressed that climate justice is inherently linked to broader societal issues.
Event activities promoting inclusivity and engagement
Besides speeches, various environmental and civil society groups had also set up booths at the event to raise awareness about their causes and provided opportunities for participants to engage with their local representatives through postcards.
Specifically, environmental organizations like Students for a Fossil-Free Future and People’s Movement to Stop Haze (PM.Haze), along with civil society groups such as Migrant Mutual Aid and Workers Make Possible, had set up their individual community booths.
In addition to distributing postcards to MPs, their Facebook post mentioned a variety of other activities like Climate Games, Placard Art Jam, Learning Corner, Earth Emotions, Climate A(r)ction, and something referred to as Nature Nook: Kids’ Play Station.
These activities are clearly designed to be inclusive and cater to individuals of all ages, aligning with the rally’s central theme of inclusivity.
Political figures in attendance at climate rally
In attendance were political figures, including Members of Parliament.
People’s Action Party MP Wan Rizal, who said that he looked forward to receiving postcards from his Jalan Besar residents as they would “know the environment best.”
Furthermore, he mentioned that he had also written a postcard to his own MP regarding the preservation of green areas in his Pasir Ris community.
MPs from Workers’ Party, including He Ting Ru, Dennis Tan, Louis Chua, Gerald Giam, and Jamus Lim, were also present at the event, demonstrating bipartisan support for climate action.
Additionally, Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai from the Progress Singapore Party and Ravi Philemon, secretary-general of Red Dot United, were also in attendance.
Singaporeans’ limited urgency in addressing climate change
Despite the rally’s success, the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey Report 2023 which was published by the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, revealed that Singaporeans’ engagement with climate advocacy lags behind their regional counterparts.
The survey showed a decline in the percentage of Singaporeans viewing climate change as a serious and immediate threat.
Only 43.7 per cent of Singaporeans polled believe that climate change “is a serious and immediate threat to the well-being of the country,” a significant drop from 66.4 per cent in 2021, but a slight increase from 40.5 per cent in 2022.
It showed that fewer Singaporeans took steps to sign climate change related petitions (17.6 per cent) and attend protests (3.2 per cent) compared to Asean’s average of 18.2 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively.
Mr Paul explained that discussing climate change isn’t a common practice among Singaporeans.
Therefore, he hope to shift the narrative by making climate awareness a more mainstream and inclusive discussion.
He emphasizes that the rally aims to serve as a platform to initiate conversations about climate change and its unequal impacts on society.
Hoping that climate awareness would become less of a “niche” issue, Ms Ardhanari said that while a small group of Singaporeans may have a “high level of awareness”, the broader awareness in Singapore has not yet aligned with the magnitude and nature of climate change’s impact.
She added that Singaporeans could no longer afford to remain in “echo chambers” around climate change.
“This is something that affects all of us, but it seems like the people who want to talk about is a very small group of people, and are often disconnected with people who are facing the most of who are most vulnerable to impact.”
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