The Singapore government is taking a whole-of-government approach in addressing climate change and this week has committed to publish its long-term plans to increase the country’s resilience to climate change by 2016.

The efforts will be coordinated by the Resilience Working Group (RWG), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) told FutureGov.

The RWG is an inter-agency led by the MERW and the Ministry of National Development. It is responsible for assessing Singapore’s physical vulnerabilities to climate change.

Speaking at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Regional Outreach Event this week, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, highlighted the importance of adaptation, because “it is likely that the world will not do enough to stop the progression of climate change”.

For example, he said that around 20% of Singapore’s land has been reclaimed and will need to grow from 1.25 metres to 2.25 metres above the highest recorded tide level to prepare for sea levels rising.

Climate change adaptation and risk assessment were added to Singapore’s resilience framework in May, which is used to guide RWG’s work.

Local media reported that every government ministry and statutory board will be involved in the country’s effort to deal with climate change.