Latest news with #GreenPulse
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
'Things are bad. But don't lose hope' - A Singapore climate scientist's view of the world
Many nations and businesses are still investing in climate action, with green energy seen as smart economics. ST PHOTO: HADYU RAHIM Hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in the ST podcast studio. ST PHOTO: HADYU RAHIM Green Pulse Podcast 'Things are bad. But don't lose hope' - A Singapore climate scientist's view of the world Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. The world is in a very dangerous place, says Singapore climate scientist Professor Winston Chow. Right when nations need to be united in fighting climate change, we seem more divided than ever, more focused on what are perceived to be more pressing issues, from cost of living to hot wars and trade wars. But climate change is exacting an ever greater toll and is a today problem, not the 'tomorrow problem' that many policymakers believe, Prof Chow tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty Scorching heat, increasingly costly climate-linked disasters, melting ice caps and rising sea levels – these are threats that need much greater attention from policymakers, including in SE Asia. The good news is that many nations and businesses remain committed to investing in climate adaptation and cutting emissions, such as green energy investments. And sustainability isn't dead – it's just good economics to factor in the cost-benefits of greener investing, he says. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:27 What is your feeling right now given the dark clouds on the climate and policy fronts? 8:41 What is the one thing that has alarmed you? 13:37 Does the average person really understand how serious things are? 18:24 How worried should we be in SE Asia? 20:55 But there is reason for optimism, too, isn't there? 25:59 What's your message for those in the climate space? 'Don't lose hope.' Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: Read her articles: Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: Read his articles: Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@ & David Fogarty (dfogarty@ Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcast website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: --- Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid?
A long-discussed regional power grid could help Southeast Asia meet rising energy demands while curbing carbon emissions driving climate change. ST PHOTO: HADYU RAHIM Green Pulse Podcast Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments in the region. A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon emissions that are heating up the planet. The regional grid could shift power around the region, helping move green electricity to countries less able to produce it. And the grid is becoming a reality, with Singapore's demand for low-carbon electricity imports helping drive investment. But wiring up the whole region will be expensive and large hurdles remain, including stronger policy support from regional governments, guaranteed power purchase agreements and lack of regional power trading networks. Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions in this episode. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:52 The ASEAN power grid was first floated as an idea in 1997 but languished for years. 3:16 What are the key turning points that are helping make the grid a reality? 6:26 Lower air pollution, cheaper power are just some of the potential benefits 9:54 But high upfront costs of wiring up the region is a key challenge 14:48 What are some of the other challenges? 21:41 Blended finance and other funding sources are needed to come together to lure investors Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: Read her articles: Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: Read his articles: Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@ & David Fogarty (dfogarty@ Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcast website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: --- Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
