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'Things are bad. But don't lose hope' - A Singapore climate scientist's view of the world

'Things are bad. But don't lose hope' - A Singapore climate scientist's view of the world

Straits Times17-06-2025
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: https://str.sg/848W
Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2
Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy
Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu
Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg)
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: https://str.sg/JWaf
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
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Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
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