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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 -
Innovations That Matter ~ To Climate-Forward Cities
CNA
Our Director, Professor Lian Pin Koh, introduces the university's sustainability mandate through NUS Sustainable Futures. Our Research Associate, Ariq, is also featured as part of the NUS-Temasek Blue Carbon Project's work in the conservation of seagrasses. This video is part of a series brought to us by the National University of Singapore, celebrating their 120th anniversary.
Published 31 July 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 -
Why is it tough to stop cases of animal smuggling at Singapore borders?
CNA938 Rewind
CNCS Deputy Director Adrian Loo went on the radio show to discuss the matter of illegal wildlife trade.
Published 29 May 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 -
42 cases of illegal animal smuggling detected in 2024, up from 35 in 2023: NParks, ICA
CNA
Forty-two cases of animal smuggling were detected in 2024, a 20 per cent increase from 2023. The National Parks Board and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority say 18 of them involved illegally importing live wildlife. This is up from 10 cases in 2023. Associate Professor Adrian Loo, Deputy Director at NUS CNCS, talks about why it is so tough to curtail animal smuggling. He also reveals where demand for live illegal imports come from.
Published 27 May 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 -
New tech for researchers to remotely survey rainforests in Southeast Asia
CNA
Cutting-edge rainforest conservation technology is coming to researchers in Southeast Asia. These can remotely access and survey a forest, speeding up biodiversity assessments and gaining more in-depth insights.
Published 22 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
