S2E18: “Things are bad. But don’t lose hope” - A Singapore climate scientist’s view of the world

Jun 16, 2025

28:23

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

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, 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