Podcast · Tech & Science

Green Pulse

by The Straits Times · English · Tech & Science

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

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 29 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 31 minNew

S3E2: Haze and a Godzilla El Nino: How is Singapore preparing?

Singapore is also testing out solutions to tackle heat without air-conditioning. Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. 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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S3 · E1 · 5 Oct 2026 · 33 min
S3E1: Balancing nature’s benefits as Singapore develops and evolves
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…
S2 · E38 · 20 Apr 2026 · 29 min
S2E38: 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,…
S2 · E37 · 6 Apr 2026 · 28 min
S2E37: 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…
S2 · E36 · 16 Mar 2026 · 23 min
S2E36: Higher energy prices, war in Middle East: A boost for renewables?
As the Middle East conflict sends oil and gas prices soaring, Green Pulse hosts discuss if geopolitics will break ASEAN’s fossil fuel addiction. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times provides you with a South-east Asian perspective to global environmental challenges. The war in the Middle East is causing energy prices around the world to spike, due to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz – an important shipping route for oil and gas – and attacks on fossil fuel production facilities. For energy-importing nations, the volatility is…
S2 · E35 · 2 Mar 2026 · 29 min
S2E35: Why is S’pore even considering nuclear energy?
Fossil fuel supply chains are unstable, and renewable energy alone can’t meet all its energy needs. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Singapore is exploring the use of nuclear energy to meet its energy needs, and has taken several steps to build its knowledge and expertise in this area. But why does the small city-state even need to consider such a controversial energy resource, especially given historical nuclear incidents? And why is the…
S2 · E34 · 16 Feb 2026 · 24 min
S2E34: 30 by 30 no more: What is S’pore’s plan for local food production?
As local farms keep closing, will stockpiling, import diversification and global partnerships be enough to safeguard Singapore’s food security? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. The past few years have not been fertile ground for the growth of Singapore’s local farms. Many agri-food businesses have closed or scaled down their operations amid a high operating cost environment. Last November, the Singapore Food Agency finally announced that it will…
S2 · E33 · 2 Feb 2026 · 27 min
S2E33: From Greenland to deep sea mining: Is geopolitics killing climate action?
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, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Right now, it seems we’re in an ‘ice age’ for climate action. Geopolitics is all we can talk about and it’s pretty much wiped climate change and nature from the headlines. Wars and conflict, trade rows, attacks on climate policies and science and the fracturing of multilateralism have created a more fraught and…
S2 · E32 · 19 Jan 2026 · 28 min
S2E32: Should we just give up on cultivated meat?
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 beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty get their teeth into cultivated meat, a topic that was very much in the headlines a few years back. Singapore was the first nation to approve the sale of cultivated chicken meat in 2020 but investment in the sector, after much fanfare, has slowed. So is there still potential for this sector to take off? The…
S2 · E31 · 5 Jan 2026 · 26 min
S2E31: “Not entirely on the road to hell”: Will the world get real on climate action in 2026?
Green Pulse hosts share what’s worth looking out for on the environmental front in Singapore and South-east Asia Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. For the first episode of 2026, Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss whether the new year will add wind to the sails of the climate movement, or whether it will be another year of climate action being stuck in the doldrums. David seems optimistic about certain developments, such as the entry…
S2 · E29 · 29 Dec 2025 · 25 min
S2E29: Unpopular Opinion: Some gifts are clutter and real Christmas trees are overrated
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 beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Christmas is just around the corner, and many are diving into frantic gift shopping and feast planning. But as Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty ask in this episode, do these traditions really spark joy – or do they just add clutter, waste and unnecessary spending? Tune in for practical tips on a clutter-free, eco-friendly Christmas, from…
S2 · E30 · 15 Dec 2025 · 32 min
S2E30: Why Greta Thunberg’s shock protests in Venice can backfire
How to turn anger about environmental issues into constructive action in Singapore and beyond. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. With the world settling for yet another watered down deal at the UN climate conference COP30, combating climate change is in an uphill battle. Some activists have even taken matters into their own hands to provoke stronger action. In November, climate activist Greta Thunberg joined environmental group Extinction Rebellion in dyeing…
S2 · E28 · 17 Nov 2025 · 29 min
S2E28: COP30: How it will affect lives, jobs and politics in Singapore, SE Asia
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, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Annual UN climate conferences, or COPs, have become giant gatherings that bring together governments, business, scientists, civil society and much more, showing the world wants to fight climate change, showcase solutions and rewire the global economy. But can COP30 and future climate summits really make a difference to heatwaves,…
S2 · E27 · 3 Nov 2025 · 31 min
S2E27: Can the insurance industry keep up with climate change in SE Asia?
Vital need for insurance to bridge the region’s ‘protection gap’ and drive the green transition. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Insurance is a safety net and is increasingly vital as climate change risks grow and as more people, homes and businesses are in the path of disaster. But in South-east Asia, the majority of people do not have access to insurance. And the region is facing worsening threats from floods, sea-level rise and heat…
S2 · E26 · 20 Oct 2025 · 35 min
S2E26: Ahead of COP30, Temasek’s sustainability chief on scaling climate finance for Asia
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 month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. What is it like to be on the frontline of climate finance and investing? To many, it might seem a pretty challenging time, with some nations and big oil and gas firms doubling down on fossil fuels. And the world is distracted with wars and upended trade flows. But to Ms Kyung-Ah Park, Chief Sustainability Officer for Singapore…
S2 · E25 · 6 Oct 2025 · 25 min
S2E25: Seaweed rising: Can it fuel Asia’s blue economy?
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 of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As discussions on the blue economy pick up, one particular area has garnered plenty of attention: Seaweed. Environmental groups have pointed to the environmental benefits of restorative seaweed aquaculture, while investor interest in the crop has also grown. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN has also…
S2 · E24 · 15 Sep 2025 · 20 min
S2E24: Is blended finance the right recipe to speed up climate investments in Asia?
Public, private and philanthropic money is proving to be a successful mix to accelerate climate action. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. When it comes to climate action, financiers are increasingly turning to the Three Ps to find the cash they need: Public, private and philanthropic money. With trillions of dollars needed annually to shift the world away from polluting fossil fuels, cash-strapped governments don’t have the financial muscle to do this.…
S2 · E23 · 1 Sep 2025 · 29 min
S2E23: How do we avoid human-animal clashes in S’pore?
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 month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. In recent months, a globally endangered monkey has unsettled Singapore’s youngest housing estate Punggol, with dozens of reports made against long-tailed macaques for entering human homes. In turn, the authorities have responded to the wild monkeys, which are not considered threatened in the Republic, with an arsenal of…
S2 · E22 · 18 Aug 2025 · 30 min
S2E22: How we can beat the heat in Singapore
As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Even if you’re not aware, we’re all affected by rising temperatures, especially when combined with Singapore’s high humidity. Heat is changing our behaviour and many of us actively avoid being exposed to it by limiting our time outdoors. But that can reduce our true potential by curbing…
S2 · E21 · 4 Aug 2025 · 29 min
S2E21: How to talk to a climate denialist
When discussing climate change, mother doesn’t always know best. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. For many people, climate change is scary and the science behind its causes and impacts is bewildering. And with all the other bad news these days, sometimes the easiest thing is just to hope climate change will fade away. Add in a noisy minority who vehemently deny climate change is real, or even believe it’s all a conspiracy, and it can be hard for…
S2 · E20 · 14 Jul 2025 · 29 min
S2E20: Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?
The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. The world is becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there’s a growing need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the livelihoods of communities. But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid money, is drying up in…
S2 · E19 · 30 Jun 2025 · 20 min
S2E19: Can transition credits help SE Asia kick the coal habit?
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 first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Carbon credits are increasingly regarded as a key way to accelerate investment in renewable energy in Asia while also shutting down polluting coal plants early. Burning coal is a top source of planet-warming CO2 and air pollution. Asia faces a major challenge of meeting its growing appetite for…
S1 · E1 · 19 Jun 2025 · 3 min
S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts
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 format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career. Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated…
S2 · E18 · 16 Jun 2025 · 28 min
S2E18: “Things are bad. But don’t lose hope” - A Singapore climate scientist’s view of the world
As climate impacts worsen and costs increase, can humanity unite to scale up climate action before it’s too late? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. The world is in a very dangerous place, says Singapore climate scientist Professor Winston Chow. Right when nations need to be united in fighting climate change, we seem more divided than ever, more focused on what are perceived to be more pressing issues, from cost of living to hot wars and trade wars. But…
S2 · E17 · 2 Jun 2025 · 24 min
S2E17: Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid?
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 Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments in the region. A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon emissions…
S2 · E16 · 19 May 2025 · 30 min
S2E16: The emerging ocean economy in South-east Asia
Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. A healthy ocean is one of humanity’s greatest defences against climate change, and businesses are now starting to recognise the importance – and potential – of the emerging blue economy. From sustainable aquaculture and farming practices, to offshore renewables and sustainable shipping, the ocean is becoming a frontier for…
S2 · E15 · 7 Apr 2025 · 22 min
S2E15: Is it time to focus more on climate adaptation?
With countries scaling back on climate action, should the world start preparing for harsher climate impact? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Given the geopolitical headwinds on climate action, should countries start focusing on climate adaptation? There are two key prongs of climate action – mitigation are efforts to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, while adaptation involves preparation for climate impacts. Mitigation has long…
S1 · E31 · 21 Mar 2025 · 46 min
S1E31: Grace Fu on S’pore’s climate change fight, changes to Yuhua SMC
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Following Budget 2025 and the Committee of Supply Debate on government spending for different ministries, Natasha and her co-host Audrey Tan, ST assistant news editor for environment coverage, discuss how Singapore is pushing ahead with climate action. She’s also the host of Green Pulse on ST Podcasts. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu joins them in this episode. They talk about mitigation efforts versus adapting to climate change, Ms Fu’s…
S2 · E14 · 17 Mar 2025 · 33 min
S2E14: Can Asean step up on climate action?
Asean’s latest climate plans will face intense scrutiny as climate impacts worsen. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Fast-growing South-east Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change. As the climate risks grow, the region needs to lift its game to ramp up green energy investment and adopt stronger climate targets. This year is a key test of the region’s climate resolve. All 10 Asean members are obliged to submit updated and more ambitious 2035…
S2 · E13 · 3 Mar 2025 · 25 min
S2E13: Can international agreements still help environmental goals?
In a divided world, environmental treaties are still worth fighting for. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. President Donald Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement for the second time, prompting other countries to ponder about their involvement in the multilateral climate treaty. At the same time, other environmental agreements are running into speed bumps. Talks at the UN plastics treaty in December 2024 fell through; while the COP16 biodiversity…

About Green Pulse

Green Pulse is a English tech & science podcast from The Straits Times. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Straits Times
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 29 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1852212283
Rights: 2026 The Straits Times

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