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Why saving tigers slashes carbon emissions
Nature Portfolio
Branded advertorial in partnership with Nature Custom Media
~ featuring Lian Pin Koh, Aakash Lamba and Zeng Yiwen
Making the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity a priority is a better way to address climate change than so-called ‘carbon-first’ approaches.
Published 21 August 2025 -
From tissue to trees: How critically endangered plant species are lab-grown in Singapore
Ang Qing
The Straits Times
Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying mentioned that the tissue-cultured trees will give their species “a fighting chance” through a boost in numbers, although they do not solve the issue of low genetic diversity that plagues rare trees.
Published 11 August 2025 -
193ha of land off Changi to be reclaimed for aviation park; area reduced to save seagrass meadow
Ang Qing
The Straits Times
Conservation biologist and doctoral candidate at CNCS, Debby Ng, praised the seagrass meadow off Changi Beach Park as the most vibrant she has studied recently, highlighting the presence of an endangered species. She warned that land reclamation could threaten the area by stirring up sediment that may bury the seagrass and described the meadow as one of the most beautiful natural sights on Singapore’s coast, while expressing hope that it will be preserved for future generations.
Published 3 July 2025 -
Inaugural CITES Global Youth Summit empowers the next generation of wildlife trade decision-makers
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
NUS CNCS is proud to have supported the first-ever CITES Global Youth Summit, held in Singapore.
Published 12 June 2025 -
Field trip held to attract more donations to environmental and climate causes in S’pore
Ang Qing
The Straits Times
CNCS Deputy Director Adrian Loo likened environmental efforts to planting trees for future generations. Speaking to donors, he emphasized nature’s vital role, recalling how Singapore’s forests provided comfort during the Covid-19 pandemic. He urged support for the Centre’s work, which includes helping Southeast Asian communities assess their biodiversity, going beyond just research.
Published 10 June 2025 -
42 cases of animal smuggling at Singapore borders in 2024, highest in recent years
Shabana Begum
The Straits Times
Associate Professor Adrian Loo noted that social media reels showcasing exotic pets may be contributing to increased demand for such animals. He proposed the creation of a shared DNA database among Southeast Asian nations to help identify endangered and trafficked species, trace the origins of poaching, and monitor illegal trade routes. This initiative, he suggested, would enhance the ability of authorities to dismantle trafficking networks. Adrian also emphasized that the illegal wildlife trade is a transnational issue that demands stronger regional collaboration. This article was reporting on the Cites Global Youth Summit, held on Sentosa and organized by the Singapore-founded Cites Global Youth Network, aimed to empower young leaders to combat illegal wildlife trade. Attendees included scientists, rangers, lawyers, conservationists, and advocates, all working to build skills and networks for conservation efforts in their home countries.
Published 27 May 2025 -
Protecting next generations, cutting climate impact top reasons for supporting net zero: Poll
Shabana Begum
The Straits Times
Ms Melissa Low, a climate policy observer and research fellow at CNCS, commented that the survey results likely reflect the concerns of younger participants who will face the most severe impacts of climate change. She noted their strong desire for intergenerational equity and a livable future. The record heat in Singapore in 2024 highlights the urgency. Economic concerns ranked lower, possibly because young Singaporeans are more focused on long-term sustainability and see green growth opportunities rather than immediate economic drawbacks.
Published 20 January 2025 -
Carbon emissions from land in S’pore projected to rise, pointing to more deforestation on the cards
Shabana Begum
The Straits Times
Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying explained that while Singapore’s secondary forests act as carbon sinks due to growing trees, the country's limited land and competing needs (like housing) restrict its carbon storage potential. However, he emphasized that Singapore’s greening efforts still offer important benefits beyond just carbon storage.
Published 22 December 2024 -
Universities as ministries for sustainable futures?
Lian Pin Koh, NUS
for Eco-Business
Universities, not beholden to election cycles or shareholder demands, can invest in research to generate long-term climate data and transcend disciplinary silos, unlike other traditional institutions.
Published 6 December 2024 -
Sustainability in action: Deep diving into environmental issues and building the greenest campus in Singapore
NUS News
Mr Steve Teo, doctoral candidate and climate and ecosystem scientist at CNCS, spoke as a panelist on using evidence-based methods for campus greening. He highlighted how strategic urban reforestation on campus can improve health, reduce stress, and foster community interaction, turning the campus into a living lab for addressing climate change.
Published 29 November 2024 -
S’pore public sector shrank carbon footprint in 2023; aims for net-zero emissions around 2045
Ian Cheng
The Straits Times
Ms Melissa Low, a climate policy observer and research fellow at CNCS, praised the public sector's environmental progress and highlighted the inclusion of historical emissions data in a recent report as a positive step toward greater transparency and continued improvement.
Published 18 November 2024 -
Biodiversity ‘calculator’ aims for better outcomes for nature in areas slated for development
Shabana Begum
The Straits Times
Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying noted that any methods or metrics relying on biodiversity values should be regarded as a convenient “shorthand” based on available data. In practice, species with varying characteristics will react to changes in land use differently and over varying periods of time. It's also crucial to recognize that many elements of biodiversity and ecosystems are difficult to measure accurately.
Published 15 November 2024 -
Singapore projects its greenhouse gas emissions to peak in 2028: Report
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
Ms Melissa Low, a climate policy observer and research fellow at CNCS, commented that Singapore’s plan to peak emissions by 2028 reflects a slower shift for high-emitting sectors. She raised concerns about unclear responsibilities for buying carbon credits—whether it's the government or companies. While firms can use international credits for up to 5% of their carbon tax, gaps in accounting remain. She also pointed to international uncertainties, such as unresolved carbon market rules at COP29 and the risk of credit revocations, suggesting Singapore may need to over-buy credits as a safeguard.
Published 12 November 2024 -
A(n Expiring) Youth’s Reflections on the 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum
Adrian Dwiputra
for International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Mr Adrian Dwiputra serves as the Young Professional Focal Point for the IUCN CEESP (Commission on Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy) South to East Asia Region and is a Ph.D. candidate at the National University of Singapore's Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions. In this piece, he shares valuable insights from their experience at the 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF), held in Bangkok in September 2024.
Published 30 October 2024 -
‘Ents’ in Singapore? New research could uncover right soil conditions for giant trees
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
CNCS Deputy Director and botanist Adrian Loo emphasized the importance of identifying the fungi that form symbiotic relationships with these trees, as this knowledge could help improve soil conditions. He also noted that planting dipterocarps in urban areas could educate the public about Southeast Asia’s natural heritage, likening such efforts to bringing ancient forests like Bukit Timah into city landscapes, turning them into living arboretums.
Published 30 September 2024 -
Tackling global issues through collective action, community engagement
NUS News
Associate Professor Adrian Loo emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address human-driven environmental crises, such as species extinction caused by illegal wildlife trade and climate change. He highlighted that we are now in the Anthropocene era—defined by significant human impact on the planet—and stressed the importance of intergenerational collaboration to drive meaningful change.
Published 30 July 2024 -
New database unveils the role of Asian hornbills as forest seed dispersers
Carolyn Cowan
Mongabay
Ms Liang Hanci, PhD student at CNCS, and Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying, were interviewed by Mongabay on their published work.
Published 15 May 2024 -
Shaping tomorrow: Charting NUS’ impact on talent, solutions and society
NUS News
Shaping a Sustainable Future: Towards a greener tomorrow
Published 10 May 2024 -
Hornbills, dubbed ‘farmers of the forest’, crucial for plant diversity: NUS study
Leow Wen Xuan
The Straits Times
Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying and Liang Hanci, PhD student at CNCS, were interviewed on their published work.
Published 8 April 2024 -
Understanding our climate: Singapore’s journey from data to action
Economic Development Board (EDB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Centre Singapore (for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development)
This piece delves deeper into how Singapore harnesses the power of data and science to understand climate change and translate research into practical solutions.
Published 8 April 2024 -
Feathered gardeners: How are birds helping Singapore’s forests thrive?
Audrey Tan, Mark Cheong
The Straits Times
In this multimedia special, The Straits Times followed Fung Tze Kwan, PhD student at CNCS, on her field research.
Published 27 March 2024 -
Tracking the vital signs of S’pore’s forests to coax the return of primary forest trees
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
PhD candidate at CNCS, Fung Tze Kwan, explained that by identifying seedling species, she can investigate how these plants arrived at the site—whether dispersed by birds or mammals—by analyzing their fruit and seed traits using scientific literature and field data. She noted that if bird-dispersed seedlings are found without nearby adult trees of the same species, it suggests the seeds were likely brought in by birds. Wildlife surveys in the same plot also help identify which fruit-eating animals have been visiting the area, further informing her study of forest recovery.
Published 18 March 2024 -
NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions utilises technology-driven methods to advance carbon estimation in Singapore’s forest ecosystems
Press Release
Eco-Business
Published 18 March 2024 -
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 -
How Singapore’s research ecosystem helps carbon services firms unlock the potential of nature-based solutions in Southeast Asia
Economic Development Board (EDB)
Southeast Asia’s natural ecosystems hold vast potential to combat climate change. Singapore is home to two leading agencies – one of them is the Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions – that are developing science-based methodologies for nature-based solutions projects in the region.
Published 23 February 2024 -
Fascinating flora and fauna findings in Singapore that were revealed in 2023
Ang Qing
The Straits Times
CNCS researchers recorded a mysterious algal bloom on Lazarus Island.
Published 1 January 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 -
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 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 -
Helping the world turn over a new leaf
NUS Admissions
NUS Science Alumna and CNCS Research Assistant Annabel Lim was featured by NUS in this piece.
Published July 2023 -
India’s tiger reserves have helped fight climate change
Neha Jain
Mongabay India
PhD candidate at CNCS, Aakash Lamba, was interviewed by Mongabay for his published work.
Published 20 July 2023 -
Resale HDB flats with views of greenery fetch higher prices
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
Mr Steve Teo, PhD student at CNCS, was interviewed on his published work.
Published 9 June 2023 -
Tiger conservation in India saved at least one million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
Mr Aakash Lamba, PhD student at CNCS, was interviewed on his published work.
Published 5 June 2023 -
Increased protection of existing nature reserves, expanding parks crucial for biodiversity
Cheryl Tan
The Straits Times
Research Assistant Professor Zeng Yiwen was interviewed on his published work.
Published 4 June 2023 -
How tiger conservation in India may be helping to mitigate climate change
Julia Jacobo
abc NEWS
Mr Aakash Lamba, conservation scientist and PhD student at CNCS, explained that his research shows tiger conservation in India, while not drastically cutting carbon emissions, still provides meaningful environmental and economic benefits. He highlighted that protecting tiger habitats helps reduce climate change impacts and can effectively offset a significant portion of the costs involved in conservation. Aakash also emphasized the important role local communities play in these efforts, benefiting from increased ecotourism and improved livelihoods. Overall, his findings illustrate how biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation are closely connected and should be addressed together.
Published 25 May 2023 -
Biodiversity Is Nearing an ‘Extinction Crisis,’ Animal Researchers Say
Chad De Guzman
TIME
Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying remarks that although the study doesn't present particularly revelatory findings, it offers a more detailed analysis of animal populations than the IUCN threat categories. However, he adds a cautionary note, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local context when interpreting the data. He explains that it's not only about the overall number of species being lost, but also about the roles those species play within their ecosystems and whether those ecosystems can compensate for their absence.
Published 23 May 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 -
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 -
Protecting 30% of planet’s forests and habitats can save 1,000 wildlife species: Study
Shabana Begum
The Straits Times
Research Assistant Professor Zeng Yiwen was interviewed on the published work he led.
Published 5 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 -
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 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 -
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. Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying was approached for comment.
Published 22 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 -
Tracing an ancient voyage of tropical African trees that travelled to Southeast Asia via India
Neha Jain
Mongabay India
Assistant Professor Lim Jun Ying explained that Southeast Asia's diverse and changing landscape created ideal conditions for dipterocarps to evolve, especially through repeated isolation events like the flooding of the Sunda shelf during ice ages. Their dominance is also linked to specialized symbiotic relationships with root fungi, allowing them to thrive on varied soil types across the region.
Published 19 May 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 -
Abandoned gill net on Pulau Semakau kills 12 black-tipped reef sharks
Audrey Tan
The Straits Times
Ms Debby Ng, founder of Hantu Blog and PhD candidate at CNCS, emphasized the need to work with the fishing community to better understand local fish species, their reproduction, and fishing practices. She stressed the goal is not to restrict fishing but to collaborate with agencies like SFA, NParks, and MPA to develop sustainable solutions.
Published 27 June 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 -
I Went Searching for Giant ‘Extinct’ Crocs in Singapore. They’re Very Much Alive.
Heather Chen
Vice
Debby Ng, environmental journalist and PhD student at CNCS, joined Heather on her search.
Published 1 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 -
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 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 -
Go green over red packets
Lian Pin Koh, Debby Ng
The Straits Times
Ditch paper to protect our health as well as our forests?
Published 5 February 2021 -
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 -
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 -
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
