Green Pulse

S2E38: Singapore’s green paradox: Planting trees while losing forest cover

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 pr...

S2E37: How can Singapore beat the heat and high electricity prices without aircon?

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Improving people’s ability to withstand hotter weather is one part of Singapore’s adaptation plan. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday...

S2E36: Higher energy prices, war in Middle East: A boost for renewables?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the Middle East conflict sends oil and gas prices soaring, Green Pulse hosts discuss if geopolitics will break ASEAN’s fossil fuel addiction....

S2E35: Why is S’pore even considering nuclear energy?

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fossil fuel supply chains are unstable, and renewable energy alone can’t meet all its energy needs.  Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesda...

S2E34: 30 by 30 no more: What is S’pore’s plan for local food production?

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As local farms keep closing, will stockpiling, import diversification and global partnerships be enough to safeguard Singapore’s food security?&...

S2E33: From Greenland to deep sea mining: Is geopolitics killing climate action?

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

S2E32: Should we just give up on cultivated meat?

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

S2E31: “Not entirely on the road to hell”: Will the world get real on climate action in 2026?

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Green Pulse hosts share what’s worth looking out for on the environmental front in Singapore and South-east Asia  Synopsis: Every first and...

S2E30: Why Greta Thunberg’s shock protests in Venice can backfire

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How to turn anger about environmental issues into constructive action in Singapore and beyond. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, T...

S2E29: Unpopular Opinion: Some gifts are clutter and real Christmas trees are overrated

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S2E28: COP30: How it will affect lives, jobs and politics in Singapore, SE Asia

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

S2E27: Can the insurance industry keep up with climate change in SE Asia?

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vital need for insurance to bridge the region’s ‘protection gap’ and drive the green transition. Synopsis: Every first and third Tue...

S2E26: Ahead of COP30, Temasek’s sustainability chief on scaling climate finance for Asia

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mo...

S2E25: Seaweed rising: Can it fuel Asia’s blue economy?

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

S2E24: Is blended finance the right recipe to speed up climate investments in Asia?

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Public, private and philanthropic money is proving to be a successful mix to accelerate climate action.  Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday ...

S2E23: How do we avoid human-animal clashes in S’pore?

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mont...

S2E22: How we can beat the heat in Singapore

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Synopsis: Every first and thi...

S2E21: How to talk to a climate denialist

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When discussing climate change, mother doesn’t always know best. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyse...

S2E20: Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow.  Synopsis: Every first ...

S2E19: Can transition credits help SE Asia kick the coal habit?

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fir...

S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

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

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As climate impacts worsen and costs increase, can humanity unite to scale up climate action before it’s too late? Synopsis: Every first and thir...

S2E17: Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid?

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 St...

S2E16: The emerging ocean economy in South-east Asia

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy.  Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Strai...

S2E15: Is it time to focus more on climate adaptation?

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With countries scaling back on climate action, should the world start preparing for harsher climate impact? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of...

S1E31: Grace Fu on S’pore’s climate change fight, changes to Yuhua SMC

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Following Budget 2025 and the C...

S2E14: Can Asean step up on climate action?

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Asean’s latest climate plans will face intense scrutiny as climate impacts worsen. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Str...

S2E13: Can international agreements still help environmental goals?

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a divided world, environmental treaties are still worth fighting for. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analy...

S2E12: UN fund hopes to cash in on nature's bounty. Is it a game-changer?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

UN Cali Fund aims to collect millions, and possibly billions, of dollars for the conservation of nature and to benefit indigenous people.  &...

S2E11: Taking charge: Can China step up to become a climate leader?

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Tuesda...

S2E10: Red alert! Majority in Asia-Pacific at increasing risk from heatwaves, says Red Cross

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With global warming increasing heat risks across the world, early warning systems and early action can be a lifesaver, especially in densely populated...

S2E9: What’s hot in 2025: Green Pulse’s top themes to watch

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mont...

S2E8: Trashed or treasure? Will deep sea mining ruin oceans?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ocean...

S2E7: What the finance-focused COP29 is delivering for South-east Asia

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The implementation of developing countries’ climate targets hinges on the availability of finance and technology Synopsis: Every first and third Tue...

S1E4: Visit to Punggol: How human-wildlife conflict can be mitigated

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While Singapore is transforming into a City in Nature, natural habitats have been lost to development, leading to more human and animal clashes. How c...

S2E6: Climate finance at COP29: Loans can't help developing nations avert climate crisis

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S2E5: Avoidance, removals and reduction: What blocks agreement on carbon markets at COP29?

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

International carbon markets can help to channel funding to developing countries and help them take action to tackle climate change. Synopsis: Every f...

S2E4: After the 'Paris Agreement' for nature was adopted in 2022, what's next at COP16 biodiversity meet?

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlocking new sources of financing for nature, ending harmful subsidies and benefit sharing among issues to be discussed Synopsis: Every first and thi...

S2E3: A relook at nuclear energy's role in the net-zero goal

05 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

S2E2: Bezos Earth Fund's menu for Asia: Bugs, slaughter-free meat and fermented protein

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the bid to make alternative protein palatable to the consumer, South-east Asian cuisine offers some advantages. Synopsis: Every first and third S...

S2E1: Eco-nomics: Putting a value on nature is also key to saving it

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Businesses are buying into new financial products that could help save nature, but funds for nature’s protection have not reached the scale required...

S1E3: Visit to Windsor Nature Park: Can insects in SG's backyard be foraged?

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Love or loathe them, could insects also become a food source in the wider context of the global population? Synopsis (headphones recommended): Green T...

S1E129: Are climate and environment disclosures helping to cut carbon?

17 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Climate and environment data disclosures are vital. But real action is needed for cutting emissions and nature protection. Synopsis: Every first and t...

S1E128: Hundreds of dams endangering the Mekong

03 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the quest for renewable hydropower, indiscriminate dam building in the basin of the Mekong is changing the landscape and negatively impacting local...

S1E127: Every tool in the climate shed: How CO2 removal is a step towards net-zero

20 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As more carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere, the urgency is growing for safe and sustainable methods to remove this main greenhouse gas from ...

S1E126: Managing climate driven migration demands a new paradigm

06 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Humans can and must cooperate to manage climate-driven mass migration, as a heating planet forces the poor and vulnerable, particularly in the global ...

S1E2: Visit to East Coast: How reclamation will shape up against rising sea levels

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

S1E125: South-East Asia’s carbon storage dreams: Visionary climate solution or folly?

15 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

S1E124: Why the warming Himalayas are a water crisis for half of Asia

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Local solutions are critical for vulnerable millions as the scorching heat rapidly melts snow and ice across the fragile "third pole". Synopsis: Every...

S1E123: Climate talent scout: Meet the investor backing cutting-edge green tech

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Investors are on the hunt for companies that not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but also transform industry and society. Synopsis: Every first an...

S1E122: Why birds are an indicator of the changing face of Earth

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Migratory species are broadly in decline, disrupted by alteration of field and forest habitats, and by hunting in the case of South-east Asia. Synopsi...

S1E1: Visit to Sungei Buloh: How Singapore can better host migratory birds

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why mudflats are vital for dwindling numbers of birds that stop over seasonally. Synopsis (headphones recommended): In this new 4-part environment pod...

S1E121: Can carbon credit ratings bring peace of mind to a troubled market?

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Carbon credit ratings can bring much needed transparency and accountability to the market – but is it enough to overcome years of mistrust? Synopsis...

S1E120: Climate change only one of three ecological crises: Tommy Koh warns

06 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a storied career, the diplomat Professor Tommy Koh also chaired the Earth Summit in 1992 and negotiated the Law of the Sea. Synopsis: Every first a...

S1E119: Why greening the building sector is a towering challenge

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Humanity will never achieve net-zero emissions by the middle of the century unless the building sector figures out how to become truly green. Synopsis...

S1E118: Are carbon emissions from wars and militaries finally getting attention?

02 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The role of militaries, and conflicts, in driving global warming can no longer be ignored. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The St...

S1E117: On the edge: Why everyone needs to talk about planetary tipping points

17 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tipping points are a grave threat but it’s not too late for humanity to reduce the risks. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The...

S1E116: India saves tiger from brink but must manage human-wildlife tensions

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Human development is rapidly destroying the natural habitat for recovering wildlife populations such as tigers. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday...

S1E115: Power to the people: South-east Asia on cusp of green energy revolution

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Renewable energy is cleaner and more affordable and is poised for rapid growth in South-east Asia once key roadblocks are overcome. Synopsis: Every ...

S1E114: COP28: Vanuatu climate minister on the 'loss and damage' fund

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A fund to pay highly vulnerable countries for loss and damage from climate impact, was finally initiated at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. Synops...

S1E113: Scientists who track world’s rapidly diminishing carbon budget

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can burning fossil fuels be phased out before the world gets too hot to live in? Synopsis: The Straits Times' climate editor David Fogarty is at COP28...

S1E112: First COP28 Health Day highlights climate link to health crisis

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At the COP28 climate talks in Dubai from Nov 30-Dec 12, a first-ever dedicated Health Day has been set aside today on Dec 3. Synopsis: Every first a...

S1E111: Coral reefs can recover - but can they keep up with warming seas?

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Better protection, waste management imperative for coral reef survival. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Times analyse...

S1E110: Big tech can help firms and consumers be more active "climate game changers": Google's chief sustainability officer

05 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Technology has the tools to help all of us cut our emissions. But to be credible, big tech firms also need to cut their own large carbon footprints. ...

S1E109: How Singapore sets the global standard for carbon offsets: Grace Fu

15 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Find out why support from governments could be just what the market needs to improve quality and integrity. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of ...

S1E1: Hear our podcasts on The Straits Times' app, besides Apple Podcasts & Spotify

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Each follow on the audio apps below and a rating really helps us! Happy listening! Synopsis: A brand new feature is within The Straits Times app, whic...

S1E1: Visit to Kranji Marshes: Rise of invasive birds in Singapore

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why non-native species like the golden-backed weaver and monk parakeet need to be dealt with before they spread elsewhere. Synopsis (headphones recomm...

S1E108: Plane speaking: Is sustainable aviation fuel really green?

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can sustainable aviation fuel help airlines rein in growing greenhouse gas emissions? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits...

S1E107: Saving nature: Have we found the magic formula?

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Businesses have often paid little heed to nature in the race for profits. A new framework will help companies realise that damaging nature is risky bu...

S1E106: Green hydrogen: All hype or real hope for our planet?

03 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This nascent industry holds much promise but needs to manage the giddy ambitions of some investors and governments. Synopsis: Every first and third ...

S1E105: Is a plastic bag fee the right 'green' solution for Singapore?

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will this kickstart a change in Singaporean habits towards embracing a greener and less wasteful society? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of th...

S1E104: Putting people at the centre of the plastic waste crisis

06 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Plastic's risks to the environment and human health far outweigh the benefits. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Time...

S1E103: Climate change is a mental health issue

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The climate crisis is causing a mental health crisis as anxiety over the future robs many of a sense of hope. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday o...

S1E102: Understanding rising sea-level threat to Singapore in 2023 and beyond

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it feasible to build a sea wall around the island of Singapore? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Times analyses t...

S1E101: Banking on change - unlocking Asia’s green transition

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Asian Development Bank is trying to bring green power to the people while curbing climate risks. It’s a huge challenge. Synopsis: Every first an...

S1E100: Oceans – is the tide turning towards better conservation?

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Steps are being taken to reverse decades of damage to oceans. But is it too little too late? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The ...

S1E99: Cutting through the fog of climate change communications

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Find out how our guest speaker is making climate change and sustainability more relatable. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The ...

S1E98: Getting to grips with greenhouse gas emissions

30 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Keeping the world honest on greenhouse gas emissions is vital in fighting climate change. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The S...

S1E97: Risky business: How best to tackle the growing climate threat?

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Find out why nations need to invest more in resilience to cope with what’s to come. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits...

S1E96: Rise of CSOs or Chief Sustainability Officers

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Find out the qualities of a good chief sustainability officer. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the bea...

S1E95: Hope for the conservation and sustainable use of the high seas?

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why a new UN treaty gives hope to the world’s ailing oceans and is important to South-east Asia. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month...

S1E94: Forest carbon offsets – the view from a project developer

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Indonesia's Rimba Raya project developers explain how rigorous the verification and auditing process is. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the...

S1E93: Forest carbon offsets - scam or climate saviour?

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our expert guest offers his evaluation of a recent investigation by British media outlet The Guardian. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the m...

S1E92: Hitting the target - can we save nature in time?

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nations have this decade to halt and start to reverse the damage. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the ...