The Straits Times Podcasts S2E31: “Not entirely on the road to hell”: Will the world get real on climate action in 2026?
Jan 5, 2026
Hosts delve into the pivotal High Seas Treaty, aiming to safeguard vast marine areas. They discuss the implications of Singapore’s rising carbon tax and the potential dampening due to allowances. The conversation highlights concerns over deep-sea mining conflicts and the slow pace of climate treaty effectiveness. Optimism surfaces as hosts ponder whether global CO2 emissions could peak in 2026, driven by advancements in renewables. The outlook remains cautiously hopeful as they stress the need for concrete actions in the climate movement.
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High Seas Treaty Brings New Ocean Rules
- The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) will enter into force in January and creates an architecture for protecting ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- It includes rules for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources.
Visit To A Tri-Country Marine Reserve
- Tan Tam Mei visited a trilaterally managed marine reserve run by Monaco, France and Italy during the UN Ocean Conference.
- The visit showed cooperative marine management between neighbouring countries is possible.
Deep-Sea Mining Versus New Ocean Rules
- Deep-sea mining sits in tension with the new treaty and implementation by the International Seabed Authority is unresolved.
- Countries like the US signalling action raises legal and enforcement questions about mining before ISA rules exist.