Green Shift

Austin Media

5.0 (1)
BUSINESS
EVERY TWO WEEKS

A rolling conversation on the struggles and successes of transitioning to a sustainable economy. Based in Singapore, we focus on stories from Asia that are missing from the broader international conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 MAR

Carbon Without Borders: Harmonising CCS in Asia Pacific

Can Asia-Pacific build a cross-border carbon capture system—and make it actually work? In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host James Balzer sit down with Kevin Pang (SVP at FutureScaleX) to unpack one of the most complex—and potentially transformative—climate solutions: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). From Japan’s push to export CO₂, to Southeast Asia’s vast storage potential, this conversation explores the real-world challenges of turning CCS into a regional, scalable system. 🎯 Key Topics Covered: What CCS actually is (pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-fuel explained simply) Why transport—not storage—is the biggest bottleneck in Asia-Pacific The geopolitics of cross-border CO₂ (Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia) The economics: can CCS ever be commercially viable? Carbon credits vs real costs—where’s the tipping point? The role of state-owned enterprises and government incentives Why ASEAN’s geography (ports + industry clusters) is a hidden advantage The governance challenge: tracking CO₂ across borders (MRV systems) CCS as a transition solution, not a permanent fix And the big idea: could CO₂ become a valuable resource instead of waste? 💡 Standout Insight: If CO₂ can be converted into products like ethylene, it could unlock real market demand—turning climate policy into economic opportunity. 🌱 Why This Matters: Asia-Pacific is at the center of global growth—and emissions. Getting CCS right here could define whether the region can balance development with decarbonisation. 🔗 Related Episodes: Check out our previous deep dive on CCS governance https://youtu.be/uH5R-8oSOW8?si=rbGnpAgd1p6O3KWz 🔗Download James' policy brief, "Diagnosing Governance Dysfunctions of CCS in Indonesia" https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ca134fed-3c95-42d1-bf19-decdd72df6d1/CSER_PB08_Diagnosing%20Governance%20Dysfunctions%20o.pdf 👍 Like, subscribe, and follow Green Shift for more conversations on the transition to a sustainable economy—through an Asia-focused lens. #CarbonCapture #CCS #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #AsiaPacific #ClimateTech #Decarbonisation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min
24/11/2025

Aloe Vera Batteries: Eco-friendly products

♻️ Can Aloe Vera Power the Future? Inside the World’s First Aloe-Based Battery | Green Shift Podcast What if the batteries in your remote control, toys, or clocks were 100% eco-friendly, biodegradable, and even more powerful than regular alkaline batteries? 🌱🔋 This episode of Green Shift welcomes Nimisha Varma, co-founder of Aloe E-Cell, and Kash Singh, founder of Primea.Earth, to explore one of the most intriguing sustainability innovations coming out of India: batteries powered by aloe vera. Aloe E-Cell has created a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to traditional household batteries—designed not only to perform better, but also to eliminate the massive e-waste problem created by the 89 billion batteries thrown away globally every year. In this episode, you'll learn: Why aloe vera is surprisingly ideal as a battery material How Aloe E-Cell batteries deliver 1.5x more performance than conventional AAs What “100% eco-friendly” really means in the context of battery chemistry How discarded batteries can be upcycled into fertilizer through their patented process The challenges of setting up a circular economy system across India Why human behaviour is hard to change—but products can be redesigned to make sustainability effortless The founders' journey: the setbacks, breakthroughs, and unwavering belief behind the innovation Their plans for AAA, button cells, rechargeable batteries, and future high-energy applications Whether you’re interested in sustainability, circular economy solutions, climate tech innovation, or the entrepreneurial stories behind world-changing ideas, this is a must-listen. 🔋 About Aloe E-Cell Aloe E-Cell is the world’s first aloe vera–based battery company, offering biodegradable, non-toxic AA batteries that outperform conventional alkaline options. They are currently expanding across India, Singapore, Mauritius, and beyond. https://www.aloeecell.com/ 🌿 About Primea.Earth Primea.Earth distributes sustainable products—including Aloe E-Cell batteries—in Singapore and Malaysia while promoting circular economy solutions. https://primea.earth/ 🎧 Listen to Green Shift A sustainability podcast hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian, featuring innovators and leaders accelerating the transition to a greener economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 min
06/11/2025

Green Finance: Does it really work?

In this episode of Green Shift, we ask the hard questions behind Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), sustainable finance, and carbon disclosure with Professor Ben Charoenwong of INSEAD. His research digs into how markets, data, and politics shape what we call “sustainability” — and why the biggest challenge may not be money, but misaligned incentives and bad measurement. From greenwashing and carbon taxes to the role of sovereign wealth funds and banks in Asia’s energy transition, this wide-ranging conversation breaks down: ✅ Why the number one predictor of ESG scores is size, not sustainability ✅ How politics and policy distort what counts as “green” ✅ Why disclosure and rule of law matter more than PR ✅ And how the real challenge isn’t an abundance of capital — it’s allocation. 🎙️ Hosted by David Austin, with co-hosts Dr. Victor Nian and Dini Sandys from the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER). #GreenShift #SustainableFinance #ESG #Greenwashing #ClimateFinance #EnergyTransition #Singapore #INSEAD #CSER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

49 min
29/10/2025

Designing Sustainability: Southeast Asia’s Research Frontier

At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), sustainability by design isn’t a slogan — it’s a mission. In this episode of Green Shift, hosts David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian speak with Ms. Corinna Choong, Chief Sustainability Officer and pioneer staff member at SUTD, about how the university is using design, technology, and research to drive sustainability impact — from AI-powered urban planning to biodiversity mapping and nature-based cooling on campus. Ms Choong also reflects on how thoughtful design can transform Southeast Asia’s cities — citing examples from Bangkok and Malaysia that illustrate how architecture, materials, and community planning can all contribute to resilience and decarbonisation. In this episode: 🌳 What “sustainability by design” means at SUTD 🤖 How AI, robotics, and research are reshaping urban systems 🏙️ Singapore’s role as a living lab for the region 💡 Real-world examples of sustainable design across Southeast Asia 💰 Breaking down barriers in green finance and policy 👩‍🎓 Advice for young innovators leading the next generation of change 🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired to design boldly, act locally, and collaborate regionally. #Sustainability #DesignThinking #GreenShift #Singapore #SUTD #EnergyTransition #SoutheastAsia #ClimateAction #UrbanDesign #Innovation #AI #SmartCities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min
21/10/2025

24/7 Carbon-Free electricity (CFE)

Can Singapore Achieve 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity? | Green Shift Podcast with Transition Zero Singapore is exploring how to power the future—clean, round the clock. 🌞⚡🌙 In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host Dr. Victor Nian speak with Isabella Suarez, Policy Analyst at Transition Zero, about their new report on 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE). They discuss: 🔹 How renewable energy certificates (RECs) and hourly matching actually work 🔹 Why the shift from annual to hourly carbon accounting matters 🔹 The role of batteries, interconnectors, and data transparency in Asia’s clean energy future 🔹 What it will take for Singapore to hit its 2050 net-zero target Transition Zero’s research shows how modeling, transparency, and smart policy design can help countries decarbonize efficiently—without breaking the system. 🔗 Learn about their webinar here: https://www.transitionzero.org/events/singapore-cfe 🎧 Tune in to learn how 24/7 carbon-free energy could reshape Southeast Asia’s power markets and what it means for companies, policymakers, and investors. #GreenShift #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #Singapore #TransitionZero #CarbonFreeElectricity #CleanEnergy #NetZero #CSER #VictorNian #DavidAustin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

46 min
14/10/2025

Carbon Capture in Indonesia: Governance, Technology, and the Path to Net Zero

🌏 Carbon Capture in Indonesia: Governance, Technology, and the Path to Net Zero | Green Shift Podcast Description: Indonesia is the first country in ASEAN to introduce national carbon capture and storage (CCS) regulations — but can it turn ambition into action? In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host Dr. Victor Nian (Founding Co-Chair, Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources) sit down with James Balzer, strategic foresight practitioner and CSER affiliated expert, to unpack Indonesia’s emerging CCS landscape. They explore: 🔹 How carbon capture actually works — and why it matters for developing economies 🔹 The governance challenges slowing CCS adoption in Indonesia 🔹 Lessons from the Gundih CCS project and Presidential Regulation No. 14 (2024) 🔹 The role of markets, regulation, and public trust in the just energy transition Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this deep dive offers a rare look at how climate governance, regulation, and real-world politics intersect in Southeast Asia’s energy future. To register for James' Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workshop-diagnosing-governance-dysfunctions-in-ccs-regulation-in-indonesia-tickets-1814712426719 Find James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-balzer/ #EnergyTransition #CCS #CarbonCapture #Indonesia #ClimatePolicy #NetZero #Sustainability #GreenShiftPodcast #CSER #JustEnergyTransition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 min
30/09/2025

Gulf Countries and the Green Transition

Is the world's petro-powerhouse going green? 🌱 In this episode of Green Shift, we sit down with Dr. Aisha Al-Sarihi, a leading expert on environmental policy, to unpack the dramatic sustainability shift happening across the Gulf region. From Oman's net-zero pledge to massive investments in green hydrogen, the story is changing faster than you think. We explore: ⚡️ Why Gulf nations like Oman and the UAE are aggressively pivoting to renewables and a circular economy. 💧 The real strategy behind Oman's bid to become a global green hydrogen superpower. 🤝 The surprising and powerful alliance forming between the Gulf and Southeast Asia—and what it means for the future of clean energy. 💸 The role of massive sovereign wealth funds in financing a global green future. This isn't just about phasing out oil; it's about a multi-trillion dollar economic transformation. Join the conversation as we look beyond the headlines to the real policies, partnerships, and people driving the Green Transition in the heart of the energy world. #GreenShift #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #GulfCountries #Oman #Hydrogen #RenewableEnergy #ASEAN #ClimateAction #NetZero #CleanEnergyFuture #MiddleEast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33 min
16/09/2025

Future Fuels and Super Crops

🌍 Green Shift Podcast | Green Fuels with Clarence Woo In this episode of Green Shift, David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian sit down with Clarence Woo, Managing Director of the Global Centre for Green Fuels, to explore the critical role of biofuels and green fuels in Asia’s energy transition. We unpack key questions: What counts as a green fuel? Why is ethanol such an important piece of the puzzle? How do concepts like carbon intensity, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and drop-in fuels fit into the future of transport? What policies and technologies are shaping Southeast Asia’s green energy journey? From fraudulent feedstocks to food-vs-fuel debates, Clarence provides a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of making fuels sustainable, affordable, and scalable. 🔑 Highlights: 00:00 – Intro: What are green fuels? 05:00 – Clarence Woo on founding the Global Centre for Green Fuels 08:30 – Why ethanol matters for Asia’s transport sector 14:00 – Food vs. fuel: myths and realities 20:00 – Sustainability criteria for biofuels 25:00 – Effective policies in Asia 30:00 – SAF & maritime biofuels 35:00 – Governance and the ecosystem approach 36:30 – Final thoughts: what most people don’t know about ethanol 🎙️ About Green Shift Green Shift is a podcast about Asia’s path to a sustainable economy. Hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian, it brings you stories, insights, and conversations with leaders driving the transition to net zero. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on sustainability, climate, and the future of energy. #GreenShift #Podcast #GreenFuels #Biofuels #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #Ethanol #SAF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

38 min

good

31/07/2025

Infomaniac1

actually interesting and helpful

A rolling conversation on the struggles and successes of transitioning to a sustainable economy. Based in Singapore, we focus on stories from Asia that are missing from the broader international conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creator

Austin Media
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Austin Media
Show Website

Green Shift