Green Pulse

The Straits Times
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Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. Podcaster: Audrey Tan Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

  1. hace 14 h

    To boost energy security, is solar independence for Singapore possible?

    There are limits to how much sun Singapore can tap, but solar installations still a ‘no regrets’ move here. Singapore’s energy security has come under the spotlight recently. The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, and Indonesia’s move to reduce natural gas supplies to the Republic, have highlighted the Republic’s reliance on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs.  Solar energy is considered the most viable renewable energy for the country. It is a green energy source, and one that can be generated domestically.  But how much of Singapore’s energy needs can the sun power?  Green Pulse host Audrey Tan discusses the role of solar energy in Singapore’s efforts to safeguard its energy security with veteran solar player Frank Phuan, the chief executive of Equator Renewables Co.  Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 5:05 Understanding the term gigawatt-peak: Singapore’s solar deployment targets for 2030 and 2025 7:05 Why solar is a “no regrets move”, and how it can lock in costs and prices long-term 11:20 Rooftops are a solar gold mine; how solar power works in HDB estates 16:22 How a ‘solar revenue surplus’ can be channelled back into town council community programmes 22:33 Creative ideas: Movable solar farms? Can vacant land plots generate power? 28:50 Peranakan-inspired designs for solar panels? For building facades? 30:05 Solar fencing? Fences that can generate power on both sides - an idea for Changi Airport perimeter? 33:05 Alternate or new ‘energy mix’ possibilities for Singapore 36:32 Regional geopolitics: How secure can energy imports truly be secure for Singapore? 42:47 How will the solar industry evolve here in the next five years? Read more: Energy 2050 Committee Report: https://str.sg/wnMF Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis  Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    To boost energy security, is solar independence for Singapore possible?

  2. 2 nov

    Singapore’s upcoming trash crisis: Can a drinks recycling scheme fix it?

    The scheme could help to improve Singapore’s low domestic recycling rates. Blue recycling bins filled with non-recyclable trash have become a common sight around Singapore. This contamination has resulted in poor domestic recycling rates in the country, as food and liquid waste thrown into the commingled bins taints the other recyclables.  In 2025, the Republic logged its highest amount of waste disposed of, at about 3.36 million tonnes, up from about 3.33 million tonnes in 2024. This is in tandem with economic and population growth, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). To overcome this challenge, the National Environment Agency on Oct 1 fully implemented its Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) to ensure that plastic bottles and cans are segregated for recycling. But this initiative has also been plagued with complaints.  In this episode, host Audrey Tan chats with Ang Qing and Shabana Begum, environment correspondents at ST, on whether these criticisms are warranted, and whether Singapore should continue pushing ahead with the scheme.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:31 Observations on the ground 6:00 Why we need this 10-cent incentive at this stage? 7:55 Why Singapore needs this scheme now 9:11 Why the blue bin scheme is not sustainable given poorer habits in Singapore 11:05 Why BCRS is worth persevering with 13:00 Observations of current and various recycling operations in Singapore 13:56 Not ideal conditions: Seeing discarded syringes among recyclables 15:35 Shabana on the more automated processes at a BCRS recycling facility 17:25 Qing on the need for the public to sort better upstream 18:25 Behind-the-scenes additional costs that SME retailers face 23:25 Is 10 cents enough of an incentive for the public? 25:35 Should more drinks such as glass bottles be worked into BCRS scheme? 26:15 Dumpster diving? Side hustles using the BCRS scheme? Read more: Shabana Begum’s articles: https://str.sg/5EGd Ang Qing’s articles: https://str.sg/i5gT Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis  Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Singapore’s upcoming trash crisis: Can a drinks recycling scheme fix it?

  3. 26 oct

    Is the ASEAN chairmanship that powerful? Can Singapore push the green agenda?

    Can Singapore balance economic survival & climate action as ASEAN chair in 2027?  As Singapore prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, the region faces a delicate balancing act between economic uncertainties and climate action. According to recent regional survey data from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, many in Southeast Asia are prioritising economic survival, inflation, and recession fears over climate action. But with pressing issues like transboundary haze, coal phase-outs, and rising energy costs, how can Singapore use its leadership to align economic resilience with green initiatives? In this episode, Green Pulse host Audrey Tan sits down with veteran diplomat and climate researcher Sharon Seah. They explore the real power and limits of the ASEAN chair, how the long-awaited ASEAN Power Grid could unlock regional energy security, and why framing climate solutions around economic survival, such as carbon credits and peatland restoration, is the key to uniting the region. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:03 The power and limits of the ASEAN chair 2:55 When cutting emissions becomes crossing a red line 4:05 How can Singapore as ASEAN chair balance economy and climate change issues 6:21 Singapore as a technocratic chair v consensus builder 8:13 Can ASEAN cooperate on haze issues?   12:17 Unlocking carbon credits through peatland conservation 15:59 Economy and climate change - can ASEAN 2027 balance both? 17:36 ASEAN power grid, microgrid and financing hurdles 22:43 Plans to adapt to climate change 26:02 Impacts of Iran war and Trump at ASEAN in Nov 2026  31:40 Could ASEAN negotiate as a unified voice at COP? 33:10 Why everyday citizens should care about ASEAN Summits Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Is the ASEAN chairmanship that powerful? Can Singapore push the green agenda?

  4. 19 oct

    What if Singapore had a nuclear reactor, where’d it be?

    They offer more safety features and generate less nuclear waste, says a nuclear expert. Singapore announced in May 2026 that it will be embarking on the first phase of a review by the UN atomic watchdog, to help Singapore determine if it has what it takes to deploy nuclear energy.  Host Audrey Tan discusses what this process entails for Singapore with Low Xin Wei, the chief executive of the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI), a research organisation. He was previously the assistant chief executive at Singapore’s energy regulator, the Energy Market Authority.  Low describes the review process as being similar to a marriage counselling course, which participants undergo to learn more about what marriage entails.  Just like how the final decision on whether to get married will be determined by the couple, countries will have the final say in whether to go ahead with deploying nuclear energy.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:20 How has Singapore’s stance on nuclear energy changed over the years?  6:45 What are the three reasons behind this change? 12:21 How has public perception of nuclear shifted?  15:20 How nuclear energy can boost energy security  20:25 Embarking on Phase 1 of the integrated nuclear infrastructure review: What it entails for Singapore?  26:45 What will it take to demonstrate that nuclear plants are safer than what people perceive?  36:45 Where could a nuclear power plant in Singapore potentially be sited?  Read more:  S’pore to undergo review by UN atomic watchdog in 2027: https://str.sg/M6Du Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis  Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What if Singapore had a nuclear reactor, where’d it be?

  5. 12 oct

    Haze and a Godzilla El Nino: How is Singapore preparing?

    Singapore is also testing out solutions to tackle heat without air-conditioning. After three years of clear skies, the haze is back in Singapore. One contributor to the pollution is the El Nino weather phenomenon, which causes drier, hotter weather in South-east Asia.  This causes fires typical of Indonesia’s agroforestry landscape to burn harder and longer.  So how is Singapore responding to the double whammy of haze and hotter weather?  Green Pulse host Audrey Tan talks to correspondents Shabana Begum and Ang Qing on what they have observed while reporting on these conditions.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:13 The impacts of El Nino in South-east Asia 7:39 How people in Singapore are responding to the heat and haze 13:50 Are people in Singapore heat-tolerant or heat-avoidant? 15:53 Solutions to help people adapt to heat without air-conditioning 20:24 What are the global impacts of El Nino? Read Qing’s and Shabana’s related articles: Solar-powered air-con, freeze-tech and ‘fan-jakketos’ among innovative cooling gadgets on the market: https://str.sg/b6WC Emergency visits for respiratory cases up even with small spikes in PM2.5 levels: S’pore study: https://str.sg/mVPv Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis  Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Haze and a Godzilla El Nino: How is Singapore preparing?

  6. 5 oct

    Singaporeans arguing over land use is good, but ugly extremes must be avoided

    Conservationists must make their pro-nature arguments to the mainstream, says ST’s Bhavan Jaipagras.  Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. Recent announcements about new developments coming at the expense of nature areas in Singapore have reignited the perennial ‘conserve versus develop’ debate.  Such discussions were first sparked when housing plans for the Gillman and Maju estates, on which secondary forests have grown, were revealed in July. In August, plans for a new western island – built by reclaiming several of Singapore’s southern islands – generated further discussion on the issue. Host Audrey Tan discusses with ST’s senior columnist Bhavan Jaipragas how the national debate on this can be more constructive.  Our Green Pulse podcast has returned from a hiatus and every Tuesday from October onwards, host Audrey Tan will highlight how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. Each episode also comes with a video version - with more show links below. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:59 Initial reactions to the responses to the Gillman and Maju developments  8:54 Who are the players involved in Singapore’s ‘develop or conserve’ discussions?  11:56 Who should arguments made by both sides be pitched at?  17:38 Possible to bring in the intangible benefits of nature in public discussions?  21:54 How to improve consultation process between government and conservationists Read more: More green spaces to be retained in Gillman Barracks, Maju Forest: Alvin Tan: https://str.sg/tjCJ Timeline, reclamation profile of new western island not yet determined: Chee Hong Tat: https://str.sg/FUPJ Read more from Bhavan Jaipragas: https://str.sg/b49w Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis  Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Singaporeans arguing over land use is good, but ugly extremes must be avoided

  7. 20 abr

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

    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 provides you with a South-east Asian perspective to global environmental challenges. Trees can keep urban environments cool, and Singapore has been leveraging this “superpower” of nature by expanding its tree-planting efforts. There is a plan to plant a million trees across the country by 2030, while organisations are rolling out microforests and skyrise greenery to beautify and cool down concrete environments. Yet, at the same time, Singapore is also cutting down secondary forests to meet other national needs, including for housing and industrial purposes. How can we make sense of this green paradox? Listen to the discussion on this episode of Green Pulse, and stay tuned till the end for a special announcement! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:50 How has Singapore’s greening strategy changed over the years? 11:40 What are some existing tools used in Singapore to make decisions on which secondary forest plot to conserve or develop? 18:15 Can Singapore consider an EIA law or biodiversity offsets? 25:25 Do Singaporeans recognise the inherent value of nature? Green Pulse LinkedIn newsletter: https://str.sg/green-pulse-nl 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 Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

  8. 6 abr

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

    Improving people’s ability to withstand hotter weather is one part of Singapore’s adaptation plan. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times provides you with a South-east Asian perspective to global environmental challenges. As Singapore’s hottest month of the year, May, approaches and global energy volatility drives up Singapore's electricity tariffs, how can Singapore beat the heat in 2026? In this episode of Green Pulse, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty explore Singapore’s upcoming National Adaptation Plan and its focus on heat resilience. Beyond national cooling strategies, they also share practical ways to lower your energy bills and stay cool without aircon. From individual cooling hacks to the latest on climate adaptation, discover how individuals can thrive in a hotter city-state.  Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:50 What is climate adaptation? 3:58 To cope with rising heat, we need tailored solutions for different groups of people. 8:30 El Nino is looming. It’s time to prepare for sizzling temperatures. 10:30 Apart from heat, what are the other climate impacts facing Singapore? 16:02 Are adaptation investments bankable? Are they wise bets for business? 21:03 Better climate risk assessments and new financial tools are needed, too. 23:25 Top tips for keeping cool as the mercury, and energy costs, rise. Green Pulse LinkedIn newsletter: https://str.sg/green-pulse-nl 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 Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How can Singapore beat the heat and high electricity prices without aircon?
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Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. Podcaster: Audrey Tan Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Información

  • Creador
    The Straits Times
  • Años de actividad
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodios
    182
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Straits Times
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Green Pulse

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