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How COP28 can pave the way for greater climate action in South-East Asia
Melissa Low and Audrey Tan, CNCS
The Star Malaysia
Published 28 February 2024 -
Commentary: COP — just a pointless exercise, or still a vital effort in saving the earth?
Melissa Low, CNCS
for CNA
Published 21 December 2023 -
New facility launched at COP28 to improve regional cooperation on nature-based carbon projects
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
The NUS Decision Theatre, a new scenario-modelling facility to accelerate cooperation on nature-based carbon projects across South-east Asia, was launched at COP28.
Published 30 November 2023 -
The Climate Conversations - Will COP28 deliver at this crucial time in the climate crisis?
CNA
The Conference of Parties or COP28 takes place in Dubai from Nov 30 to Dec 12. Julie Yoo checks in with CNA's sustainability correspondent Jack Board and Melissa Low, research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, to discuss what’s on the packed agenda and why this is a critical meeting for all stakeholders.
Published 30 November 2023 -
NUS researcher wants to find ways to channel more finance into conserving nature
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
CNCS PhD student Shakura Bashir was interviewed and featured for this piece.
Published 20 November 2023 -
NUS COP28 Public Lecture: Are we on track to averting climate catastrophe?
NUS CNCS
Global carbon emissions are still on the rise despite growing political and corporate awareness of the need to bring carbon dioxide levels down fast. Amidst scientists “final warning” on the climate crisis, this year's United Nations climate change conference, COP28, will provide a platform for countries to come together to assess the world's progress on whether it is on track to averting climate catastrophe. To effectively steer global actions, bold and ambitious decisions grounded in the latest scientific insights must be made at COP28. But the United Arab Emirates is playing host to this year's summit, and observers of international climate policy have said that the region's history of oil and gas production could hinder greater climate ambition. Ahead of the event, this public lecture sought to encourage general audiences to delve deeper into the complexities of COP28 – from its significance and expectations to the deeper challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Published 16 November 2023 -
NUS appoints former NMP Koh Lian Pin as its first chief sustainability scientist
Jovi Ho
The Edge Singapore
In his new role and as Associate Vice President, Professor Koh Lian Pin will oversee and consolidate sustainability-related research at NUS.
Published 15 November 2023 -
Singapore is fighting rising seas to save S$70 billion in real estate
The Business Times
Singapore’s existing sea walls and revetments limit one possible solution, encouraging the growth of more mangrove habitat, says Daisuke Taira, a researcher at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.
Published 10 October 2023 -
From predicting floods to saving forests: 'Pivotal' role of AI in tackling 'most pressing' climate challenges
Grace Yeoh
CNA
CNCS launched the Carbon Integrity research project, which aims to develop models specific to Southeast Asia by leveraging AI.
Published 28 September 2023 -
Resale HDB flats with views of greenery fetch higher prices
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
Balancing urban greenery with Singapore’s development and housing needs can bring about more useful urban ecosystem benefits.
Published 9 June 2023 -
Tiger conservation in India saved at least one million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
There are currently 53 tiger reserves in India, which add up to an area of 75,796 sq km – about 2 per cent of India’s land area.
Published 5 June 2023 -
Increased protection of existing nature reserves, expanding parks crucial for biodiversity
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
Only about 5 per cent of land is currently protected in Singapore, which includes four nature reserves.
Published 4 June 2023 -
Climate change: fighting a losing battle?
Mothership
What net zero means, featuring Ms Melissa Low of NUS CNCS.
Published 9 March 2023 -
Looking to 2023: A wishlist for nature in a world on fire
Prof Koh Lian Pin, Audrey Tan
NUS CNCS
By protecting a forest instead of cutting it down for conversion into an oil palm plantation, for example, the developer of the land can raise revenue through the sale of carbon credits.
Published 21 February 2023 -
Green Pulse Podcast: Hitting the target - can we save nature in time?
David Fogarty
The Straits TimesNations have agreed on a global target to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Dr Zeng Yiwen explains the importance of choosing quality habitats to protect to meet this goal, and where funding for nature conservation could come from.
Published 6 Feb 2023 -
[NUS Lecture Series on COP27] Implications of COP27 On The Research & Education Agenda
NUS CNCS
Did COP27 meet your expectations? What has to be done moving ahead for the next COP? What steps should countries take next? Our final lecture provided audiences with a post-COP wrap-up, and discussed the future of COP.
Published 13 December 2022 -
Quality, not just quantity, matters in COP15 “30 by 30” goal
NUS CNCS
The tropics are home to the world’s largest rainforest basins, and host a rich diversity of wildlife species.
Published 7 December 2022 -
NUS at COP27: Putting nature to work in climate change solutions
NUS News
As part of the dialogue on climate action at the UN climate summit COP27, NUS CNCS hosted two panel discussions on nature-based solutions at the inaugural Singapore Pavilion on 16 November.
Published 2 December 2022 -
Inaugural NUS sustainability course paves way for greater training of green talent in public sector
NUS News
‘Sustainability 101 for Policy Officers’ is the first executive training programme in Singapore to cover all aspects of sustainability.
Published 2 December 2022 -
From Ideas to Action: Scaling Climate Solutions through Partnerships
COP27 Singapore
Climate change is the single greatest challenge of our generation, and no one can tackle it alone. What are the partnerships we need to solve these pressing challenges? A discussion on how organisations are forging effective partnership to develop, surface, and scale new and innovative climate solutions - both in Singapore and around the globe.
Published 17 November 2022 -
Tackling the Twin Crises of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss through Nature-Based Climate Solutions
COP27 Singapore
The twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are inextricably linked. Addressing the synergies between mitigating biodiversity loss and climate change offers the opportunity to maximise environmental and socio-economic benefits. This panel brings together different stakeholders to explore the interconnections between climate change and biodiversity loss. Though presentations and a panel discussion, this event brings insight into the work of different stakeholders to address the linkages, the current gaps in finding synergistic solutions and how different sectors can work together to help scale up nature-based climate solutions for positive climate and biodiversity action worldwide.
Published 16 November 2022 -
Reforestation could boost water security in vulnerable regions in the Asia-Pacific
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
Further studies are needed to determine the impact of reforestation on the region’s water cycle.
Published 14 November 2022 -
NUS research initiative to boost credibility of nature-based carbon projects in S-E Asia
Cheryl Tan
The Straits TimesCarbon Integrity SG, a $15 million project aims to improve the credibility of nature-based carbon projects in areas like rainforests across South-east Asia, has just been launched. Conducted by CNCS, it builds on the Centre’s existing work, which leverages satellite data and existing information to map out potential areas in South-east Asia that can be conserved and hence developed as sources of high-quality carbon credits.
Published 11 November 2022 -
Singapore to kick off S$15m carbon credit research in South-east Asia
Wong Pei Ting
The Business Times
Announcing this at the COP27 United Nations climate summit, the National University of Singapore said the National Research Foundation will fund S$10 million, while the university funds the other S$5 million.
Published 10 November 2022 -
The Climate Conversations - S3E18: Will Egypt, holding the 'crown' of COP27, deliver? | EP 18
CNA
Even before the critical climate conference began in Egypt this week, the government clamped down on activism and Greta Thunberg is absent. But the serious business of addressing climate change continues, says COP veteran Melissa Low, Research Fellow at NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.
Published 10 November 2022 -
[NUS Lecture Series on COP27] COP27: The Catalyst For Action?
NUS CNCS
With the completion of the Paris Agreement rulebook at COP26 and countries' ambitious climate goals in place, COP27 is a crucial time to focus on the implementation of these promises. What are the key issues to be negotiated at COP27? Can nature play a bigger role? How can COP27 facilitate partnerships between stakeholders? Will COP27 be the COP of action?
Published 7 November 2022 -
Working Within and Outside the System
COP27 Singapore
A showcase of youth activism in Singapore - ways of collaboration, as well as pushing the boundaries of political advocacy.
Published 6 November 2022 -
The tool that will help fight climate change is made in Singapore
The Straits Times
In partnership with RolexTo tackle climate change, Prof Koh Lian Pin advocates for nature-based solutions such as using seagrass to absorb carbon.
Published 3 November 2022 -
Singapore to submit enhanced carbon emission goals at COP27
CNA
Singapore is set to submit its enhanced carbon emission goals to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, when parties to the Paris Agreement meet at COP27. In this interview, Melissa Low speaks about why Singapore's participation in COP27 is important.
Published 29 October 2022 -
When South-east Asia’s forests fall silent
Audrey Tan, Mark Cheong
The Straits Times
Anton L. Delgado
Southeast Asia Globe
For decades, people across South-east Asia have been hunting wild animals for food. But commercial pressures and cheaper snaring methods are causing the region’s forests to be emptied faster than they can be replenished — with repercussions for human and forest health.
Published 22 October 2022 -
[NUS Lecture Series on COP27] Article 6 for Net Zero?
NUS CNCS
Article 6 could reduce the cost of implementing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions by around $250 billion by 2030. Alternatively, it could also facilitate the removal of 50% more emissions at no additional cost. Will COP27 accelerate the implementation of Article 6?
Published 17 October 2022 -
Stem The Tide
CNA
Stem The Tide is an hour-long documentary that takes viewers on an insightful journey to discover the existential threat of rising seas, and details the work done in Singapore to mitigate and adapt our solutions to secure a resilient future for all.
Published 14 October 2022 -
New mapping tool helps to spot sources of high-quality, nature-based carbon credits
Cheryl Tan
The Straits TimesLaunch of the CNCS and ST EngineeringGeo-Insights' Carbon Prospecting platform, which allows users to compare how much high-quality carbon credits can be generated from different parts of the world.
Published 26 September 2022 -
Nature-based solutions could yield US$4.3 trillion in economic value by 2030
Janice Lim
The Business Times
Strategies that focus on using nature to improve the state of the world are part of the toolkit in transiting to a circular economy.
Published 25 August 2022 -
24 hours with… mangrove specialist Daniel Friess
Liang Lei
Eco-Business
Coastal forests trap huge volumes of greenhouse gases and protect people from flood risks. This International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, Eco-Business speaks to a researcher on the frontline of conservation work.
Published 26 July 2022 -
Singapore to host international XPrize Rainforest competition in 2023
Audrey Tan
The Straits TimesThe competition aims to identify technologies that can be used to monitor rainforests and their biodiversity in real-time. The panel of nine judges for XPrize Rainforest include Singaporean conservation scientist Koh Lian Pin, who heads the National University of Singapore's Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.
Published 28 June 2022 -
Research at Gardens by the Bay may guide development of more urban mangrove wetlands
Ng Keng Gene
The Straits Times
The National University of Singapore's (NUS) Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions and environmental consultants DHI Water and Environment are working with Gardens by the Bay to conduct the study.
Published 5 June 2022 -
A Market for Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Claire Oei, NUS CNCS
Moving forward, CNCS is pursing research on the quantification of nature-based solution co-benefits. They are also investigating blue carbon, and in valuing biodiversity in nature-based solutions and urban sustainability.
Published 7 April 2022 -
Benefits of conserving a forest go beyond capturing carbon
Audrey Tan
The Straits TimesResearch has found that by protecting forests in South-east Asia, people living in or around the forests can benefit.
Published 14 February 2022 -
COPfused? What You Need to Know About the Upcoming UN Climate Conference
NUS CNCS
Climate change has catapulted to the forefront of many corporate and national agendas. Warnings by the world’s scientists that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying has followed on the heels of devastating climate change impacts such as deadly wildfires and floods in many parts of the world. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to stave off more catastrophic impacts of climate change. The pivotal UN climate conference, or COP26, will take place in Glasgow from 31 Oct – 12 Nov, where countries will come together to advance global efforts to prevent dangerous climate change.
Published 1 November 2021 -
Navigating the Carbon Services Industry
NUS CNCS
Singapore’s efforts to establish itself as a carbon services and trading hub has drawn keen interest across industries. Creating such an ecosystem for carbon-related services in Singapore can greatly support and strengthen Singapore and the region’s transition towards sustainability.
Published 22 September 2021 -
Green Pulse Ep 54: How carbon credits can help save tropical forests (Part 2)
Audrey Tan, David Fogarty
The Straits TimesCarbon credits are gaining traction as companies and countries pledge to have their emissions reach "net-zero", some by 2050 and others later. One source of such credits are forest conservation projects. How does this growing appetite for carbon credits help to protect the planet's natural carbon sponges? And how can Singapore, with its proximity to South-east Asia's rich natural habitats, contribute to their conservation?
Published 19 July 2021 -
Green Pulse Podcast: Carbon offsets - are they credit-able?
Audrey Tan, David Fogarty
The Straits TimesCarbon credits have been around for many years, but they have recently gained traction amid the global decarbonisation effort. Such credits, or offsets, essentially allow emitters to pay others to reduce emissions on their behalf. But how credible are such schemes? What are the benefits and potential pitfalls of relying on carbon credits to slash the amount of planet-warming emissions being emitted into the atmosphere? Do they give companies a licence to continue emitting?
Published 5 July 2021 -
Focus on quality and not just quantity of green spaces in making land use decisions
Ng Keng Gene
The Straits Times
In recent months, there have been calls for the conservation of green plots such as the Clementi and Dover forests, which have been zoned for housing.
Published 22 June 2021 -
Commentary: The merits of Singapore’s new carbon trading marketplace
Melissa Low, NUS CNCS
David Broadstock
CNA
Climate Impact X is a welcome addition to the country’s climate action initiatives that provide new economic opportunities, help price discovery and can aid future compliance, say energy researchers.
Published 10 June 2021 -
Implement nature-based solutions to achieve climate goals
Hariz Baharudin
The Straits Times
Nature-based solutions refer to how nature can be harnessed to help tackle climate change.
Published 26 May 2021 -
Mangroves, seagrass habitats under threat as sea levels rise
Cheryl Tan
The Straits TimesMangroves should be protected as they play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change, among other reasons.
Published 22 April 2021 -
We Put Activists and Finance Execs in a Room to Discuss Climate Change
VICE Asia
For Earth Day 2021, VICE Asia held a panel on what money means to those who are trying to save the planet from climate catastrophe. The panel features perspectives from a young advocate, sustainable finance director, social entrepreneur, environmental risk manager and climate scientist.
Published 22 April 2021 -
Singapore must prepare for rising waters due to heavy rain, climbing sea levels
Audrey Tan
The Straits TimesThe PUB is working to tackle the flooding threat holistically. Heavy rains caused flash floods in Singapore.
Published 21 April 2021 -
The threat of rising sea levels: Climate change
ST Connect Webinar
The Straits Times
Globally, sea-level rise is increasing at a faster pace, threatening Asia's coastal megacities and low-lying island nations such as Singapore. To discuss this urgent issue, this webinar by The Straits Times will look at the latest science and projections of sea-level rise and solutions, including nature-based options, to hold back the seas.
Published 21 April 2021 -
Living with Nature: Biodiversity in Sustainable Cities
NUS CNCS
In this session of the CNCS Virtual Seminar Series, our panel of biodiversity advocates and scientific experts discussed the importance of nature in urban environments and shared their perspectives on biodiversity, ecosystem services and green spaces.
Published 1 April 2021 -
The role of urban forests in climate change
Audrey Tan
The Straits TimesUrban forests can help to reduce a city's carbon footprint by up to 25 per cent, according to an NUS study of 7,500 cities.
Published 29 March 2021 -
Researcher pilots drones to aid conservation efforts
Shabana Begum
The Straits Times
Her ambition is to protect South-east Asia's forests and explore different technologies for mapping areas for conservation.
Published 15 February 2021 -
Wildlife disease ecologist vaccinates dogs, educates communities in Nepal
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, ST spoke to three women who have excelled in jobs dominated by men and who hope to inspire others to do the same.
Published 15 February 2021 -
How science can help inform policies and decisions on climate and biodiversity
NUS CNCS
The Paris Climate Agreement commits countries to hold global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Achieving these ambitious targets requires countries to not only undergo the rapid decarbonisation of their energy sector, but also implement changes to policy and practices in agriculture, forestry and other land use activities. In a recent study, an international group of scientists reported that Nature can provide 37% of the necessary climate mitigation between now and 2030 for a greater than 66% likelihood of achieving the 2°C target of the Paris Climate Agreement. These so-called nature-based climate solutions include the conservation, restoration and improved management of forests, wetlands and agricultural lands to increase carbon sequestration, reduce CO2 emissions, and enhance climate resilience.
Published 25 January 2021 -
Regulations or Markets? Unpacking the sources of transformative change for climate governance
NUS CNCS
Ever since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, international processes and domestic policy initiatives have turned to innovative policy mixes to conserve nature. These tools have expanded from traditional regulatory approaches to incorporate finance and market driven incentives. What are the lessons from these efforts for sparking the type of transformative change required to address the double crises of global climate change and mass species extinctions?
Published 19 January 2021 -
Storytelling & Science: Compelling Communications on Climate Change
NUS CNCS
Decades of awareness-raising efforts have shown that communicating climate science is a challenging art in itself, as scientists grapple with conveying the urgent need for change. Communication is a pivotal foundation of climate action, be it for climate practitioners to inform audiences outside their ‘niche’, or to rally corporate and public sector leaders for systemic movement. Moreover, with the rise of digital media consumption, especially in the COVID-19 era, how can we effectively leverage key tools such as videos to mobilise climate action? This seminar explores the use of strategic storytelling to capture the attention of your audience, raise emotional awareness, and inspire them into changing their behaviours. Navigating the new digital landscape, we will explore how citizen science and collaborating across diverse ecosystems can help to share your story. This will address the urgent need and seize the opportunities we have to communicate effectively on climate issues.
Published 30 December 2020 -
The Climate Conversations - S1: Forests, mangroves and trees: Embracing “natural solutions” to the climate crisis | EP 17
CNA
The focus has always been on human-engineered solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, so-called nature-based solutions - protecting forests, restoring swamps and planting trees to name a few - are just as critical.
Published 11 December 2020 -
The Singaporean using nature to boost the economy — while fighting climate change
Tee Hun Ching
The Straits Times
After 16 years abroad, prominent conservation scientist Koh Lian Pin has returned to tap new areas for growth, to help Singapore emerge from the Covid-19 crisis stronger, and greener.
Published 29 November 2020 -
Empowering Women in STEM: Challenges and Opportunities for Gender Inclusivity
NUS CNCS
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, women constitute less than 30% of scientific researchers worldwide. Despite some improvements, female scientists tend to be under-represented in STEM. Achieving gender equality in STEM is crucial. Many studies show that having more gender-diverse teams enhances scientific discovery and innovation. In environmental sciences, female perspectives are important given that environmental challenges have a disproportionate impact on women globally.
Published 18 September 2020 -
Reforestation may not be a cheap climate fix; nature-based solution must consider trade-offs
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
Reforestation has been touted as a relatively quick and easy fix for dealing with climate change, with plans afoot both in Singapore and around the world to harness the cooling and oxygen-giving power of the humble tree.
Published 17 August 2020 -
How Asia’s megacities can benefit from mangroves and other natural climate solutions
Neo Chai Chin
Eco-Business
The loss of mangroves and other coastal habitats has been linked to more frequent and severe flooding in adjacent villages and cities. What can urban dwellers, local governments and businesses do to support nature-based solutions?
Published 3 April 2020 -
Carbon Conundrum: Can We Reduce Our Reliance On Carbon?
CNA
In this programme, we visit with climate scientists, witness the daily struggle with sea level rise on the island of Tuvalu, speak with scientists and researchers behind innovative solutions that could help reduce our reliance on carbon and learn more about how we can tap on nature — the earth’s most precious gift — to fight climate change.
Published 31 March 2020 -
Tapping nature in fight against climate change
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
New research centre at NUS will be helmed by Singaporean conservation scientist.
Published 21 March 2020
