Latest news with #GreenPulse
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
MSMEs make strong sustainability gains, but governance still not on the radar: SIDBI - D & B SPeX
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 1: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, along with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has released the Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), for January-March 2025 period. The SPeX, (also known as the 'Green Pulse Indicator') evaluates perception of sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across three dimensions: willingness, awareness, and implementation. The SPeX rose by 14.7% quarter-on-quarter to reach 69 in Q1 2025, marking its highest level in the past 10 quarters. All three dimensions--Awareness (+20%), Willingness (+17%), and Implementation (+2%) increased from Q4 2024, each reaching their highest levels in the last 10 quarters. Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, "MSMEs have made remarkable strides in their sustainability journey, with awareness, willingness and implementation reaching record highs in Q1 2025 since we started tracking in Q4 2022. From reducing emissions and energy use, to adopting sustainable packaging, these achievements underscore a growing commitment to environmental responsibility. However, our survey shows that compliance with social and governance standards has consistently remained a low priority for MSMEs through 2024 and into Q1 2025, with limited adoption of formal governance frameworks. As MSMEs express the intent to expand their governance efforts, this presents a timely opportunity to strengthen these initiatives. Measures such as simplified certification processes and improved access to technical expertise will be essential to support this shift. Strengthening these enablers is critical to unlocking the next phase of sustainable growth--resilient, future-ready, and aligned with global standards." Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, Green Climate Finance Vertical, SIDBI, stated, "Over past 10 quarters, SPeX has endeavored to capture the pulse of MSMEs' orientation and preparedness to go for sustainable investments. This helps in looking within and aligning green processes, products, and design to meet the expectations of the value chain. SIDBI - D & B Sustainability Perception Index Survey (which we term as 'Green Pulse') for the Quarter January - March 2025, has indicated significant enhancement in the SPeX score (from 60 in the QE December 2024 to 69 for the QE March 2025). This rise from 46 (1st edition) to the score of 69 now indicates that enterprises are becoming responsive and are aiming to adopt clean, green, environmentally friendly technologies while also becoming conscious of Environment & Social (E & S) factors. Continuous capacity building and embedded instruments are key to enabling MSMEs' transition to green practices. SIDBI has mainstreamed Climate Financing and is actively providing long-term financial solutions that enable MSMEs to adopt greener technologies. Each green loan passes through the filters of E & S, Green transitional framework, and green tech stack such that energy saving and/or GHG emissions reductions are tracked." Highlights of the SPeX Report: * In Q1 2025, the awareness dimension saw the most significant improvement across all areas--rising 24% from the previous quarter to reach 68, the highest level in the past ten quarters. This reflects the growing understanding of sustainability amongst MSMEs and its relevance to business, as evidenced by several encouraging trends: * MSMEs are increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of sustainability, particularly in terms of profitability and cost reduction. Awareness that profitability can be achieved through sustainability initiatives surged from 43% in 2023 to 80% in 2024, and further to 89% in Q1 2025. Similarly, the share of MSMEs associating sustainability with cost savings rose from 44% in 2023 to 85% in Q1 2025--demonstrating a sharp shift in mindset from compliance to business advantage. * In Q1 2025 awareness of green financing remained relatively high at 53% well above the 37% recorded in mid-2024. Encouragingly, the share of MSMEs accessing green finance rose to 26% in Q1 2025--up from just 7% in Q4 2024. * At the same time, more MSMEs are tapping into government and institutional support, with adoption rising to 59% in Q1 2025, up from 36% in Q4 and 39% in Q3 of 2024. * MSMEs entered 2025 with renewed determination to embrace sustainability, as reflected in the 'willingness' dimension rising to a 10-quarter high of 69 in Q1 2025--up sharply from 59 in Q4 2024. This reflects growing momentum in embedding sustainable practices across operations. * At the heart of this commitment lies a steadfast focus on Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling initiatives, especially across waste, emissions, water, and energy. This area has topped MSMEs' agenda since 2023, with 82% identifying it as a priority in Q1 2025--up from 76% in 2024 and 51% in 2023. * Driving this transition is a simple business case: cost reduction continues to be the most influential factor in adopting sustainability measures. After topping the list in 2023 (81%) and dipping slightly in 2024 (63%), it surged again in Q1 2025, with 78% of MSMEs citing it as a primary motivator. * Yet, alongside this economic imperative, external forces such as regulations and incentives have gained significant traction. Regulatory influence has grown rapidly, with 80% of MSMEs citing it as a key factor in Q1 2025--up from 53% in 2023 and 59% in 2024. In parallel, the importance of incentives rose notably, becoming the third most influential factor at 63%, compared to just 40% in 2023. * Encouragingly, intent to build in-house expertise is also on the rise. By Q1 2025, 59% of MSMEs aimed to enhance their capabilities in implementing sustainable environmental practices, up from just 29% at the end of 2023. Similarly, 56% expressed intent to strengthen their supply chain sustainability expertise--an increase of 17% over Q4 2024---reflecting rising concerns about global trade disruptions. * In Q1 2025, the sustainability journey of MSMEs marked a significant milestone, with the implementation dimension reaching a ten-quarter high of 59--signalling strong momentum in translating sustainability commitments into action. * This progress is backed by a trend over the past two years, during which MSMEs have steadily reported reductions in the consumption or generation of water, waste, emissions, heat/energy, and raw materials. Many have also adopted more sustainable packaging solutions. * This positive trajectory continued into Q1 2025, where 68% of MSMEs reported lower emissions, 62% achieved reductions in heat and energy use--the highest level since Q1 2023--and 44% adopted sustainable packaging practices, a record since Q3 2024. These figures highlight growing adoption and deepening integration of environmental practices. * However, this progress has not come without challenges. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the cost of implementation and limited access to capital have remained persistent obstacles, and they continue to constrain MSMEs' ability to scale sustainability efforts in 2025. * More recently, new barriers have begun to surface. Technical know-how has become an increasingly pressing issue, with the proportion of MSMEs citing it as a challenge rising sharply from 46% in 2023 to 70% in Q1 2025. At the same time, concerns around environmental labelling and certification have doubled--from 31% to 60%--likely reflecting the mounting pressure on exporters to comply with rapidly evolving international standards. Methodology The SPeX value ranges from 0 to 100, an increase in the index value indicates MSME's enhanced perception towards sustainability. The overall SPeX value reflects changes across these three dimensions, providing insights into MSMEs understanding, willingness to adopt, and implementation of sustainability measures. An increase in SPeX indicates improvement in MSME's perception towards sustainability adoption. A decrease could indicate challenges or a decline in perception. About Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India's vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity. India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses. Visit for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases. About SIDBI: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in its role as the Principal Development Finance Institution for MSME sector has played a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working toward Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 as part of Direct Finance business using support of multilaterals like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. SIDBI has taken steps to promote Energy Efficiency and Cleaner production in the MSME sector and propose to accelerate its efforts for MSME sector for their survival, growth, and competitiveness in long run during prevailing climate related challenges. Looking to importance of ESG aspects and the need for a simplified, Customised ESG risk rating framework, SIDBI has already started integration of ESG framework into its operations. Subsequent to setting up of Green Climate Finance Vertical for prioritised focus, a Board level Committee has been constituted for guidance, oversight, and monitoring on ESG, Green Strategy of the bank, including relevant SDGs etc. To lead with the example, SIDBI has set a target to become Carbon Neutral by 2024 and Net Neutral organization in subsequent years. Through Green Financing products and other developmental activities, SIDBI enables the manufacturers and service providers in MSME sector to adopt green energy efficient technologies helping in lesser waste leading to positive impact on environment and sustainability.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
MSMEs show strong sustainability gains but lag in governance: SPeX
Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, along with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has released the Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), for January-March 2025 period. The SPeX, (also known as the 'Green Pulse Indicator') evaluates perception of sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across three dimensions: willingness, awareness, and implementation. The SPeX rose by 14.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter to reach 69 in Q1 2025, marking its highest level in the past 10 quarters. All three dimensionsAwareness (+20 per cent), Willingness (+17 per cent), and Implementation (+2 per cent) increased from Q4 2024, each reaching their highest levels in the last 10 quarters. Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, "MSMEs have made remarkable strides in their sustainability journey, with awareness, willingness and implementation reaching record highs in Q1 2025 since we started tracking in Q4 2022. From reducing emissions and energy use, to adopting sustainable packaging, these achievements underscore a growing commitment to environmental responsibility. However, our survey shows that compliance with social and governance standards has consistently remained a low priority for MSMEs through 2024 and into Q1 2025, with limited adoption of formal governance frameworks. As MSMEs express the intent to expand their governance efforts, this presents a timely opportunity to strengthen these initiatives. Measures such as simplified certification processes and improved access to technical expertise will be essential to support this shift. Strengthening these enablers is critical to unlocking the next phase of sustainable growthresilient, future-ready, and aligned with global standards." Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, Green Climate Finance Vertical, SIDBI, stated, "Over past 10 quarters, SPeX has endeavored to capture the pulse of MSMEs' orientation and preparedness to go for sustainable investments. This helps in looking within and aligning green processes, products, and design to meet the expectations of the value chain. SIDBI - D&B Sustainability Perception Index Survey (which we term as 'Green Pulse') for the Quarter January March 2025, has indicated significant enhancement in the SPeX score (from 60 in the QE December 2024 to 69 for the QE March 2025). This rise from 46 (1st edition) to the score of 69 now indicates that enterprises are becoming responsive and are aiming to adopt clean, green, environmentally friendly technologies while also becoming conscious of Environment & Social (E&S) factors. Continuous capacity building and embedded instruments are key to enabling MSMEs' transition to green practices. SIDBI has mainstreamed Climate Financing and is actively providing long-term financial solutions that enable MSMEs to adopt greener technologies. Each green loan passes through the filters of E&S, Green transitional framework, and green tech stack such that energy saving and/or GHG emissions reductions are tracked." Highlights of the SPeX Report: In Q1 2025, the awareness dimension saw the most significant improvement across all areasrising 24 per cent from the previous quarter to reach 68, the highest level in the past ten quarters. This reflects the growing understanding of sustainability amongst MSMEs and its relevance to business, as evidenced by several encouraging trends: MSMEs are increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of sustainability, particularly in terms of profitability and cost reduction. Awareness that profitability can be achieved through sustainability initiatives surged from 43 per cent in 2023 to 80 per cent in 2024, and further to 89 per cent in Q1 2025. Similarly, the share of MSMEs associating sustainability with cost savings rose from 44 per cent in 2023 to 85 per cent in Q1 2025demonstrating a sharp shift in mindset from compliance to business advantage. In Q1 2025 awareness of green financing remained relatively high at 53 per cent well above the 37 per cent recorded in mid-2024. Encouragingly, the share of MSMEs accessing green finance rose to 26 per cent in Q1 2025up from just 7 per cent in Q4 2024. At the same time, more MSMEs are tapping into government and institutional support, with adoption rising to 59 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 36 per cent in Q4 and 39 per cent in Q3 of 2024. MSMEs entered 2025 with renewed determination to embrace sustainability, as reflected in the 'willingness' dimension rising to a 10-quarter high of 69 in Q1 2025up sharply from 59 in Q4 2024. This reflects growing momentum in embedding sustainable practices across operations. At the heart of this commitment lies a steadfast focus on Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling initiatives, especially across waste, emissions, water, and energy. This area has topped MSMEs' agenda since 2023, with 82 per cent identifying it as a priority in Q1 2025up from 76 per cent in 2024 and 51 per cent in 2023. Driving this transition is a simple business case: cost reduction continues to be the most influential factor in adopting sustainability measures. After topping the list in 2023 (81 per cent) and dipping slightly in 2024 (63 per cent), it surged again in Q1 2025, with 78 per cent of MSMEs citing it as a primary motivator. Yet, alongside this economic imperative, external forces such as regulations and incentives have gained significant traction. Regulatory influence has grown rapidly, with 80 per cent of MSMEs citing it as a key factor in Q1 2025up from 53 per cent in 2023 and 59 per cent in 2024. In parallel, the importance of incentives rose notably, becoming the third most influential factor at 63 per cent, compared to just 40 per cent in 2023. Encouragingly, intent to build in-house expertise is also on the rise. By Q1 2025, 59 per cent of MSMEs aimed to enhance their capabilities in implementing sustainable environmental practices, up from just 29 per cent at the end of 2023. Similarly, 56 per cent expressed intent to strengthen their supply chain sustainability expertisean increase of 17 per cent over Q4 2024-reflecting rising concerns about global trade disruptions. In Q1 2025, the sustainability journey of MSMEs marked a significant milestone, with the implementation dimension reaching a ten-quarter high of 59signalling strong momentum in translating sustainability commitments into action. This progress is backed by a trend over the past two years, during which MSMEs have steadily reported reductions in the consumption or generation of water, waste, emissions, heat/energy, and raw materials. Many have also adopted more sustainable packaging solutions. This positive trajectory continued into Q1 2025, where 68 per cent of MSMEs reported lower emissions, 62 per cent achieved reductions in heat and energy usethe highest level since Q1 2023and 44 per cent adopted sustainable packaging practices, a record since Q3 2024. These figures highlight growing adoption and deepening integration of environmental practices. However, this progress has not come without challenges. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the cost of implementation and limited access to capital have remained persistent obstacles, and they continue to constrain MSMEs' ability to scale sustainability efforts in 2025. More recently, new barriers have begun to surface. Technical know-how has become an increasingly pressing issue, with the proportion of MSMEs citing it as a challenge rising sharply from 46 per cent in 2023 to 70 per cent in Q1 2025. At the same time, concerns around environmental labelling and certification have doubledfrom 31 per cent to 60 per centlikely reflecting the mounting pressure on exporters to comply with rapidly evolving international standards. Methodology The SPeX value ranges from 0 to 100, an increase in the index value indicates MSME's enhanced perception towards sustainability. The overall SPeX value reflects changes across these three dimensions, providing insights into MSMEs understanding, willingness to adopt, and implementation of sustainability measures. An increase in SPeX indicates improvement in MSME's perception towards sustainability adoption. A decrease could indicate challenges or a decline in perception. About Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India's vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity. India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses. Visit for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases. About SIDBI: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in its role as the Principal Development Finance Institution for MSME sector has played a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working toward Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 as part of Direct Finance business using support of multilaterals like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. SIDBI has taken steps to promote Energy Efficiency and Cleaner production in the MSME sector and propose to accelerate its efforts for MSME sector for their survival, growth, and competitiveness in long run during prevailing climate related challenges. Looking to importance of ESG aspects and the need for a simplified, Customised ESG risk rating framework, SIDBI has already started integration of ESG framework into its operations. Subsequent to setting up of Green Climate Finance Vertical for prioritised focus, a Board level Committee has been constituted for guidance, oversight, and monitoring on ESG, Green Strategy of the bank, including relevant SDGs etc. To lead with the example, SIDBI has set a target to become Carbon Neutral by 2024 and Net Neutral organization in subsequent years. Through Green Financing products and other developmental activities, SIDBI enables the manufacturers and service providers in MSME sector to adopt green energy efficient technologies helping in lesser waste leading to positive impact on environment and sustainability.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Can transition credits help SE Asia kick the coal habit?
How Asia can retire young coal plants early using transition credits and whether the market is ready. ST PHOTO: HADYU RAHIM Green Pulse host and ST deputy foreign editor, David Fogarty looks at Asia's tough balancing act: meeting rising electricity demand while cutting emissions, and the role of transition credits in helping shut down young coal plants early. ST PHOTO: HADYU RAHIM Green Pulse Podcast Can transition credits help SE Asia kick the coal habit? 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. Carbon credits are increasingly regarded as a key way to accelerate investment in renewable energy in Asia while also shutting down polluting coal plants early. Burning coal is a top source of planet-warming CO2 and air pollution. Asia faces a major challenge of meeting its growing appetite for electricity while also curbing emissions growth. A further challenge: The average age of coal power plants in the region is about 15 years – when the plants have a life of up to 50 years. To compensate plant owners, a coalition of power companies, banks, governments and philanthropy have come together to embrace transition credits, which monetise each tonne of CO2 saved from shutting down a coal plant early. The money from credit sales helps pay for the renewable energy power generation that replaces the coal power plant. But how far are we from viable transition credit projects and the sale of these credits? And who will buy them? 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): 1:42 What are transition credits? 3:53 Are there any projects in the pipeline that could yield transition credits? 5:53 Any idea how much transition credits might be? 9:08 Who will be the main buyers? 11:46 What are the criticisms of transition credits? 16:19 The chicken-and-egg problem. Build the green power project first, credit money comes later. 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
20-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Explore The Straits Times' podcasts
Seated (from left): Assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong, podcast producer Teo Tong Kai, The Usual Place podcast host Natasha Zachariah, podcast producer Eden Soh and podcast editor Ernest Luis. Standing (from left): Podcast producers Amirul Karim, Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers. Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST's app, which has a dedicated podcast player section. Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@ Edited by: Elsa Goh All-in-one ST Podcasts Channel Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career. Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Get notified each time our latest episodes 'drop' during the week. Or you can follow the shows you'd like specifically below. The Usual Place (Livestream@noon every Thursday from July 3 onwards) Synopsis: In ST's first regularly-filmed podcast series, The Usual Place host and correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah goes live with guests to explore the latest current affairs topics from a youth perspective. Follow The Usual Place Podcast: YouTube: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: HeadStart On Record (1st & 3rd Mondays of the month) Get a headstart in your personal finance and career with hosts - business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan and correspondent Tay Hong Yi. Follow Headstart On Record Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: (Seated from left) Headstart On Record hosts - business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan and correspondent Tay Hong Yi - with (standing from left) assistant audience growth editor Joanna Seow and podcast producer Amirul Karim. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Green Pulse (1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month) The Straits Times' assistant news editor Audrey Tan and deputy foreign editor David Fogarty analyse the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Follow Green Pulse Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Health Check (1st Wednesday of the month) The Straits Times' senior health correspondent Joyce Teo chats with expert guests to help you make sense of health matters that affect you. Follow Health Check Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: In Your Opinion (2nd Wednesday of the month) The Straits Times' assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and fellow journalists take a hard look at social issues of the day with guests. Follow In Your Opinion Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Wheel Insights (3rd Wednesday of the month) The Straits Times' senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe examines not just vehicle prices, but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Asian Insider (every Friday) Get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST's globally-based correspondents led by foreign editor Li Xueying. Follow Asian Insider Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: You can email the podcast team feedback or PR pitches at: podcast@ Special Edition series Green Trails (Headphones recommended): In this new 4-part environment podcast series for 2024 - Green Trails - The Straits Times hits the ground with experts in spaces that are critical to the interlinked crises the planet faces: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The Green Trails podcast series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra). Discover Green Trails Podcast: True Crimes of Asia (Headphones recommended): A 6-part series from April till September 2023, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Listen to the events surrounding a spine-chilling find in a Bangkok temple. Or the gruesome death of a domestic helper in Singapore. This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra. Discover True Crimes Of Asia Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (Headphones recommended): In this five-part special series featuring ST's foreign correspondents, The Straits Times dives into some of the greatest unsolved mysteries in South-east Asia, and examines the underlying issues that they exposed. The series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra. Discover Unsolved Mysteries Of South-east Asia Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Music Lab (Headphones recommended): The Straits Times records music acts chatting and performing an original song. Follow Music Lab Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
17-06-2025
- 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.
