Green Pulse
Science & Ideas
About
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.Podcasters: Audrey Tan & David FogartyProduced and edited by: Hadyu RahimExecutive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda HongA podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.
Episodes
- S2E38: Singapore’s green paradox: Planting trees while losing forest cover
Our hosts try to make sense of conflicting developments in this city state. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times provides you with a South-east Asian perspective to global environmental challenges. Trees…
- S2E37: How can Singapore beat the heat and high electricity prices without aircon?
Improving people’s ability to withstand hotter weather is one part of Singapore’s adaptation plan. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times provides you with a South-east Asian perspective to glob…
- S2E36: Higher energy prices, war in Middle East: A boost for renewables?
As the Middle East conflict sends oil and gas prices soaring, Green Pulse hosts discuss if geopolitics will break ASEAN’s fossil fuel addiction. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times provides you wit…
- S2E35: Why is S’pore even considering nuclear energy?
Fossil fuel supply chains are unstable, and renewable energy alone can’t meet all its energy needs. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from bio…
- S2E34: 30 by 30 no more: What is S’pore’s plan for local food production?
As local farms keep closing, will stockpiling, import diversification and global partnerships be enough to safeguard Singapore’s food security? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses th…
- S2E33: From Greenland to deep sea mining: Is geopolitics killing climate action?
Yes, it’s a scary time. But more than ever we need to talk about climate and nature. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conse…
- S2E32: Should we just give up on cultivated meat?
Lab-grown meat. The way of the future or a hard act to swallow? 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. In thi…
- S2E31: “Not entirely on the road to hell”: Will the world get real on climate action in 2026?
Green Pulse hosts share what’s worth looking out for on the environmental front in Singapore and South-east Asia Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environm…
- S2E29: Unpopular Opinion: Some gifts are clutter and real Christmas trees are overrated
We’re not Scrooges, we just want a less wasteful Christmas. 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. Chri…
- S2E30: Why Greta Thunberg’s shock protests in Venice can backfire
How to turn anger about environmental issues into constructive action in Singapore and beyond. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conserv…
- S2E28: COP30: How it will affect lives, jobs and politics in Singapore, SE Asia
Why climate conferences are the only forum that can unite the world in fighting climate change. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conser…
- S2E27: Can the insurance industry keep up with climate change in SE Asia?
Vital need for insurance to bridge the region’s ‘protection gap’ and drive the green transition. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from…
- S2E26: Ahead of COP30, Temasek’s sustainability chief on scaling climate finance for Asia
A greener, climate-friendly future is an opportunity to do well financially and not just to do good. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity c…
- S2E25: Seaweed rising: Can it fuel Asia’s blue economy?
Tune in for a discussion on whether there is an environmental and business case for Asia’s ocean crop. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiv…
- S2E24: Is blended finance the right recipe to speed up climate investments in Asia?
Public, private and philanthropic money is proving to be a successful mix to accelerate climate action. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodi…
- S2E23: How do we avoid human-animal clashes in S’pore?
Starting with Punggol, The Straits Times looks at how a city in nature can co-exist with wildlife. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity con…
- S2E22: How we can beat the heat in Singapore
As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment,…
- S2E21: How to talk to a climate denialist
When discussing climate change, mother doesn’t always know best. 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.…
- S2E20: Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?
The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing envir…
- S2E19: Can transition credits help SE Asia kick the coal habit?
From black to green: A new type of carbon credit could speed up the region’s shift to renewable energy and cut air pollution Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing en…
- S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts
Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. 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…
- S2E18: “Things are bad. But don’t lose hope” - A Singapore climate scientist’s view of the world
As climate impacts worsen and costs increase, can humanity unite to scale up climate action before it’s too late? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment,…
- S2E17: Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid?
A regional power grid could help bring clean power to people. But huge challenges remain. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation…
- S2E16: The emerging ocean economy in South-east Asia
Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to…
- S2E15: Is it time to focus more on climate adaptation?
With countries scaling back on climate action, should the world start preparing for harsher climate impact? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodive…
- S1E31: Grace Fu on S’pore’s climate change fight, changes to Yuhua SMC
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Following Budget 2025 and the Committee of Supply Debate on government spending for different ministries, Natasha and he…
- S2E14: Can Asean step up on climate action?
Asean’s latest climate plans will face intense scrutiny as climate impacts worsen. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation…
- S2E13: Can international agreements still help environmental goals?
In a divided world, environmental treaties are still worth fighting for. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate chang…
- S2E12: UN fund hopes to cash in on nature's bounty. Is it a game-changer?
UN Cali Fund aims to collect millions, and possibly billions, of dollars for the conservation of nature and to benefit indigenous people. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses th…
- S2E11: Taking charge: Can China step up to become a climate leader?
From coal power to green power, China’s clean energy vision could put the world on the right climate path Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from bio…
- S2E10: Red alert! Majority in Asia-Pacific at increasing risk from heatwaves, says Red Cross
With global warming increasing heat risks across the world, early warning systems and early action can be a lifesaver, especially in densely populated Asia-Pacific. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Tim…
- S2E9: What’s hot in 2025: Green Pulse’s top themes to watch
We take the pulse of the planet for 2025 with our key themes on climate, nature and nuclear. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity con…
- S2E8: Trashed or treasure? Will deep sea mining ruin oceans?
Rich lodes of valuable metals lie on the seafloor. Will a global rush to mine them be allowed – and will doing so damage the world’s oceans? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the b…
- S2E7: What the finance-focused COP29 is delivering for South-east Asia
The implementation of developing countries’ climate targets hinges on the availability of finance and technology Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from bi…
- S1E4: Visit to Punggol: How human-wildlife conflict can be mitigated
While Singapore is transforming into a City in Nature, natural habitats have been lost to development, leading to more human and animal clashes. How can wildlife and humans live in harmony? Synopsis (headphones recommended): Green Tr…
- S2E6: Climate finance at COP29: Loans can't help developing nations avert climate crisis
The amount, quality and access of climate finance among key issues to be discussed at COP29. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservat…
- S2E5: Avoidance, removals and reduction: What blocks agreement on carbon markets at COP29?
International carbon markets can help to channel funding to developing countries and help them take action to tackle climate change. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing…
- S2E4: After the 'Paris Agreement' for nature was adopted in 2022, what's next at COP16 biodiversity meet?
Unlocking new sources of financing for nature, ending harmful subsidies and benefit sharing among issues to be discussed Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment,…
- S2E3: A relook at nuclear energy's role in the net-zero goal
Powering up: The world is warming up to nuclear energy as nations scramble for zero-carbon electricity. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity…
- S2E2: Bezos Earth Fund's menu for Asia: Bugs, slaughter-free meat and fermented protein
In the bid to make alternative protein palatable to the consumer, South-east Asian cuisine offers some advantages. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from b…
- S2E1: Eco-nomics: Putting a value on nature is also key to saving it
Businesses are buying into new financial products that could help save nature, but funds for nature’s protection have not reached the scale required. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat…
- S1E3: Visit to Windsor Nature Park: Can insects in SG's backyard be foraged?
Love or loathe them, could insects also become a food source in the wider context of the global population? Synopsis (headphones recommended): Green Trails is a 4-part environment podcast special for 2024 where The Straits Times hits the g…
- S1E129: Are climate and environment disclosures helping to cut carbon?
Climate and environment data disclosures are vital. But real action is needed for cutting emissions and nature protection. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment…
- S1E128: Hundreds of dams endangering the Mekong
In the quest for renewable hydropower, indiscriminate dam building in the basin of the Mekong is changing the landscape and negatively impacting local communities and ecosystems. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Str…
- S1E127: Every tool in the climate shed: How CO2 removal is a step towards net-zero
As more carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere, the urgency is growing for safe and sustainable methods to remove this main greenhouse gas from the air to limit the impact of climate change. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of…
- S1E126: Managing climate driven migration demands a new paradigm
Humans can and must cooperate to manage climate-driven mass migration, as a heating planet forces the poor and vulnerable, particularly in the global south, to move in order to survive. Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Strait…
- S1E2: Visit to East Coast: How reclamation will shape up against rising sea levels
While the future Long Island will guard against sea level rise, the trade-offs to marine life and the East Coast’s character must be addressed, stakeholders say. Synopsis (headphones recommended): Green Trails is a 4-part environment…
- S1E125: South-East Asia’s carbon storage dreams: Visionary climate solution or folly?
South-East Asia has big plans to become a regional carbon storage hub. Can it work or are the risks too great? Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodi…
- S1E124: Why the warming Himalayas are a water crisis for half of Asia
Local solutions are critical for vulnerable millions as the scorching heat rapidly melts snow and ice across the fragile "third pole". Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing…
- S1E123: Climate talent scout: Meet the investor backing cutting-edge green tech
Investors are on the hunt for companies that not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but also transform industry and society. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environmen…