Singapore, US ink MOU to boost environmental and climate protection cooperation

SINGAPORE and the United States will strengthen bilateral cooperation on key environmental and climate matters, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday (Apr 15).

Issues covered include climate monitoring and prediction, coastal science, modelling to support coastal protection and flood resilience efforts, earth observations for environmental monitoring, and heat resilience. Under the MOU, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment will also conduct technical exchanges, information sharing and joint publications and projects with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The MOU was signed in Singapore by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and US Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Richard Spinrad.

Noting that both countries enjoy “longstanding cooperation” on environmental sustainability, Fu said: “This MOU will provide more opportunities for such cooperation, and we look forward to working closely with NOAA to support our efforts in preparing for climate change.”

Dr Spinrad, who is also administrator of NOAA, said: “Globally, we just experienced the hottest year on record, and we need to work collaboratively to address the impacts of our changing climate. We look forward to sharing some of our successes and to learning from each other.”