Skepticism About Climate Treaties' Pace

Tan Tam Mei voices frustration about slow treaty outcomes; David responds that agreements still spur policy and adaptation actions.

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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 environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

For the first episode of 2026, Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss whether the new year will add wind to the sails of the climate movement, or whether it will be another year of climate action being stuck in the doldrums.

David seems optimistic about certain developments, such as the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty. But Audrey is more cautious on other fronts. Singapore’s carbon tax is expected to go up from $25 per tonne of emissions in 2025 to $45 per tonne in 2026 and 2027, but will “allowances” given to emitters dampen the signal a carbon tax is supposed to send?

Who do you agree with? Let us know!

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:45 Key events for 2026 - High Seas Treaty ahoy!

5:33 Can climate agreements really deliver on their promises?

11:03 ‘Less talk, more tangible action this year, please.’

16:43 What’s the weather forecast for 2026?

19:31 Let’s talk about positive things – will global CO2 emissions peak in 2026?

23:08 To sum up: Good to be cautiously optimistic – it’s not all gloomy!

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