In the heart of the Lion City, where the bustling urban landscape meets the lush green oasis of hope, a powerful storm is brewing.
But it’s not the kind of tempest that sends people seeking shelter; it’s a tempest of change, of unity, and of determination. On September 23, 2023, Singapore will bear witness to a seismic shift as a cacophony of voices rise as one, echoing through the city’s gleaming skyscrapers and vibrant streets.
This is not just another day; this is the SG Climate Rally 2023, a beacon of hope, a clarion call for action, and an unshakable testament to the power of collective will. Step into an event where passion meets purpose, where change begins with a single step, and where the future is not a distant promise but a reality we create together. Welcome to the epicentre of change, where a better tomorrow begins on the streets (or Corner) of today.
The big question: WHY?
The core focus of SG Climate Rally‘s mission revolves around the concept of climate justice, which entails recognising that those who bear the least responsibility for the climate crisis often find themselves in the most vulnerable positions. While the government’s adoption of some of their previous recommendations is much appreciated, such as the commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, SG Climate Rally firmly believes that Singapore’s endeavours to combat climate change should be more ambitious and inclusive. This is essential to ensuring a sustainable and habitable future for all of us.
According to their website “We believe that gathering together at Hong Lim Park today in large numbers is a way for us to demonstrate our commitment to climate justice, signal that climate change is a bread-and-butter issue, and that much more needs to be done. Gathering at the Speakers’ Corner is also a way to be a part of a longer history of active citizenship, claiming public space, and making our voices heard. “ Cheers to that!
This year’s call to action
Let’s dive right in! This year, the SG Climate Rally revolves around three distinct calls to action, all intricately linked to their impactful slogan, “Seas Are Rising, So Are We.”
Accelerate the Transition
The initial call urges for increased transparency and the establishment of ambitious objectives within Singapore’s strategy to shift away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources. This entails reinforcing the carbon tax structure, channelling investments into eco-friendly and accessible public transportation systems, and enforcing carbon reduction targets for major corporations.
Protect the Ecosystems
The second aspect advocates for the implementation of stronger and more transparent environmental regulations and protocols to safeguard and rejuvenate Singapore’s invaluable ecosystems. SG Climate Rally maintains that the government should offer increased institutional backing by funding conservation efforts and promoting research and active involvement in biodiversity preservation.
Empower the People
Finally, in this year’s SG Climate Rally, the ultimate call to action underscores the importance of actively involving the wider public, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and workers in declining industries, in the formulation of Singapore’s climate action strategy and initiatives. In addition to enhancing environmental education in schools, it is crucial to acknowledge the narratives of sustainability stemming from indigenous communities.
Where? When? Who? What?
The SG Climate Rally 2023 will be held at the Speakers’ Corner @ Hong Lim Park from 3–7 p.m. on September 23, 2023, which is this coming Saturday, and hopes to “welcome Singaporeans and PRs regardless of age, disability, languages spoken, and more.” Unfortunately, foreigners are not allowed or able to participate.
This year, the SG Climate Rally has a packed schedule ready to educate, entertain, and connect with everyone! From inspiring talks from five trailblazers to multiple activities lined up for everyone, this year’s Rally is going to be one for the books.
Gearing up for the speeches and according to their website, SG Climate Rally 2023 will hear from “5 inspiring residents about their lived experiences of climate change and why and how Singapore must take bolder climate action.” They are:
- Ho Xiang Tian: a youth climate activist who will speak about the need for stronger corporate climate action.
- Nor Syazwan Bin Abdul Majid: a descendant of the Ubin Orang Pulau and he will highlight the importance of indigenous practices as climate action.
- Madhu Ardhanari: a sustainability strategist and researcher who will speak about the importance of regional climate action.
- Marlina Yased: a community worker and mother who will speak about the impacts of climate change on low income families in Singapore.
- Dr. Geh Min: a doctor and former Nominated Member of Parliament who will highlight how the climate crisis impacts both human and planetary health.
Interested in going but have kids and don’t know whether it will be suited to their interests? Well, don’t worry. The SG Climate Rally has gone ahead of you. Childcare is provided through the kids play station, also known as the “Nature Nook,” where children can engage in kid-friendly reading and nature-inspired art activities, making it a welcoming space for families.
In terms of accessibility, if you or someone you know is thinking of attending and is curious to know whether it would be accessible for your wheelchair, again, SG Climate Rally has thought about it because, yes, wheelchair users CAN visit the numerous booths by travelling along the pavements. The booths will also feature a “double-sided” design, allowing booth attendants to interact with visitors from both sides of the booth, accommodating those using mobility devices on the pavement as well as those on the grass.
Singapore, as widely recognised, boasts a diverse population, with volunteers proficient in Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil readily on hand to provide translation services, particularly for calls to action and educational banners. Additionally, for those requiring SgSL interpretation, it will be available near the stage’s forefront, with both the speeches and interpretation simultaneously live-streamed.
From 3 – 5pm, there is a wide range of activities happening:
Postcards to my MP
The main activity for all Rally-goers is to write a Postcard to their Member of Parliament (MP), or any other political representative of their choice (e.g. PM Lee, Minister Grace Fu, President Tharman) You can write or draw anything you want on this Postcard, as long as it communicates to the government that we need to do more to stop the climate crisis.
Your Postcard can include the climate action policy changes you want to see (based on our Calls to Action), or something more personal like why you personally care about climate justice in Singapore.
The thousands of Postcards that we collect today will be mailed to our MPs, and help push for more ambitious climate action policies in Parliament!
Community Booths
Visit the 12 different booths to meet various environmental and civil society groups, and learn about how the climate crisis intersects with the work they do.
Learning Corner
Visit our pull-up banner area to learn more about the climate crisis in Singapore, and why climate justice is so important.
Climate Games
There are two game booths with fun and simple activities, suitable for anyone above the age of 5.
- Soup Toss: Try throwing soup at paintings like climate activists worldwide!
- Giant Jenga: Answer our climate questions and help the tower of collective action stand!
Placard Art Jam
This is a creative art space where you can make a sign if you didn’t bring one, or use face paint to get your message across.
Earth Emotions
This is a social activity where you will get to have casual conversations about the climate crisis, with a focus on the difficult emotions that most of us feel when it comes to climate change. You can have these conversations either with who you came with, or meet new people!
Climate ARcTion
This is a showcase of local art inspired by the climate crisis and environmental justice movement.
Nature Nook: Kids’ Play Station!
This is a family-friendly space for children to learn about climate change through books and art activities.
Between 5 pm and 7 pm, get together in front of the stage for a unique program featuring speeches and performances from Cactus Cactus, RENE, and Woes!
What else can I do?
If you’re not able to attend the Rally, or feel like you want to do more, you can always donate to the SG Climate Rally. Did you know that the rally is entirely funded by the generous contributions of the general public?
All the funds raised have been allocated towards various aspects of event organisation, including the provision of sign-language interpreters, the acquisition of logistical and equipment essentials such as tents and sound systems, and the implementation of safety and security measures such as first aid services and crowd management.
It’s a crucial moment for our nation to come together, voice our concerns, and take a united stand against climate change. Let’s showcase our commitment to a sustainable and green future for Singapore and the world. Your presence and voices matter in this collective effort to combat climate change. Join this historic gathering as we rally for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for Singapore and the generations to come. As cheesy as it sounds, together, we can truly make a difference.
FEATURED IMAGE via PEXELS