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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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Shaping tomorrow: Charting NUS’ impact on talent, solutions and society
NUS News
Shaping a Sustainable Future: Towards a greener tomorrow
Published 10 May 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 -
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 -
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 -
The Climate Conversations - Will COP28 deliver at this crucial time in the climate crisis?
CNA
The Conference of Parties or COP28 takes place in Dubai from Nov 30 to Dec 12. Julie Yoo checks in with CNA's sustainability correspondent Jack Board and Melissa Low, research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, to discuss what’s on the packed agenda and why this is a critical meeting for all stakeholders.
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 COP28 Public Lecture: Are we on track to averting climate catastrophe?
NUS CNCS
Global carbon emissions are still on the rise despite growing political and corporate awareness of the need to bring carbon dioxide levels down fast. Amidst scientists “final warning” on the climate crisis, this year's United Nations climate change conference, COP28, will provide a platform for countries to come together to assess the world's progress on whether it is on track to averting climate catastrophe. To effectively steer global actions, bold and ambitious decisions grounded in the latest scientific insights must be made at COP28. But the United Arab Emirates is playing host to this year's summit, and observers of international climate policy have said that the region's history of oil and gas production could hinder greater climate ambition. Ahead of the event, this public lecture sought to encourage general audiences to delve deeper into the complexities of COP28 – from its significance and expectations to the deeper challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Published 16 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 -
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 -
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 -
Climate change: fighting a losing battle?
Mothership
What net zero means, featuring Ms Melissa Low of NUS CNCS.
Published 9 March 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 -
[NUS Lecture Series on COP27] Implications of COP27 On The Research & Education Agenda
NUS CNCS
Did COP27 meet your expectations? What has to be done moving ahead for the next COP? What steps should countries take next? Our final lecture provided audiences with a post-COP wrap-up, and discussed the future of COP.
Published 13 December 2022 -
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 -
From Ideas to Action: Scaling Climate Solutions through Partnerships
COP27 Singapore
Climate change is the single greatest challenge of our generation, and no one can tackle it alone. What are the partnerships we need to solve these pressing challenges? A discussion on how organisations are forging effective partnership to develop, surface, and scale new and innovative climate solutions - both in Singapore and around the globe.
Published 17 November 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 -
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 Climate Conversations - S3E18: Will Egypt, holding the 'crown' of COP27, deliver? | EP 18
CNA
Even before the critical climate conference began in Egypt this week, the government clamped down on activism and Greta Thunberg is absent. But the serious business of addressing climate change continues, says COP veteran Melissa Low, Research Fellow at NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.
Published 10 November 2022 -
[NUS Lecture Series on COP27] COP27: The Catalyst For Action?
NUS CNCS
With the completion of the Paris Agreement rulebook at COP26 and countries' ambitious climate goals in place, COP27 is a crucial time to focus on the implementation of these promises. What are the key issues to be negotiated at COP27? Can nature play a bigger role? How can COP27 facilitate partnerships between stakeholders? Will COP27 be the COP of action?
Published 7 November 2022 -
Working Within and Outside the System
COP27 Singapore
A showcase of youth activism in Singapore - ways of collaboration, as well as pushing the boundaries of political advocacy.
Published 6 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 -
Singapore to submit enhanced carbon emission goals at COP27
CNA
Singapore is set to submit its enhanced carbon emission goals to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, when parties to the Paris Agreement meet at COP27. In this interview, Melissa Low speaks about why Singapore's participation in COP27 is important.
Published 29 October 2022 -
[NUS Lecture Series on COP27] Article 6 for Net Zero?
NUS CNCS
Article 6 could reduce the cost of implementing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions by around $250 billion by 2030. Alternatively, it could also facilitate the removal of 50% more emissions at no additional cost. Will COP27 accelerate the implementation of Article 6?
Published 17 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 -
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 -
COPfused? What You Need to Know About the Upcoming UN Climate Conference
NUS CNCS
Climate change has catapulted to the forefront of many corporate and national agendas. Warnings by the world’s scientists that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying has followed on the heels of devastating climate change impacts such as deadly wildfires and floods in many parts of the world. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to stave off more catastrophic impacts of climate change. The pivotal UN climate conference, or COP26, will take place in Glasgow from 31 Oct – 12 Nov, where countries will come together to advance global efforts to prevent dangerous climate change.
Published 1 November 2021 -
Navigating the Carbon Services Industry
NUS CNCS
Singapore’s efforts to establish itself as a carbon services and trading hub has drawn keen interest across industries. Creating such an ecosystem for carbon-related services in Singapore can greatly support and strengthen Singapore and the region’s transition towards sustainability.
Published 22 September 2021 -
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 -
Green Pulse Podcast: Carbon offsets - are they credit-able?
Audrey Tan, David Fogarty
The Straits TimesCarbon credits have been around for many years, but they have recently gained traction amid the global decarbonisation effort. Such credits, or offsets, essentially allow emitters to pay others to reduce emissions on their behalf. But how credible are such schemes? What are the benefits and potential pitfalls of relying on carbon credits to slash the amount of planet-warming emissions being emitted into the atmosphere? Do they give companies a licence to continue emitting?
Published 5 July 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 -
We Put Activists and Finance Execs in a Room to Discuss Climate Change
VICE Asia
For Earth Day 2021, VICE Asia held a panel on what money means to those who are trying to save the planet from climate catastrophe. The panel features perspectives from a young advocate, sustainable finance director, social entrepreneur, environmental risk manager and climate scientist.
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 threat of rising sea levels: Climate change
ST Connect Webinar
The Straits Times
Globally, sea-level rise is increasing at a faster pace, threatening Asia's coastal megacities and low-lying island nations such as Singapore. To discuss this urgent issue, this webinar by The Straits Times will look at the latest science and projections of sea-level rise and solutions, including nature-based options, to hold back the seas.
Published 21 April 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 -
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 -
Regulations or Markets? Unpacking the sources of transformative change for climate governance
NUS CNCS
Ever since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, international processes and domestic policy initiatives have turned to innovative policy mixes to conserve nature. These tools have expanded from traditional regulatory approaches to incorporate finance and market driven incentives. What are the lessons from these efforts for sparking the type of transformative change required to address the double crises of global climate change and mass species extinctions?
Published 19 January 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 -
Empowering Women in STEM: Challenges and Opportunities for Gender Inclusivity
NUS CNCS
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, women constitute less than 30% of scientific researchers worldwide. Despite some improvements, female scientists tend to be under-represented in STEM. Achieving gender equality in STEM is crucial. Many studies show that having more gender-diverse teams enhances scientific discovery and innovation. In environmental sciences, female perspectives are important given that environmental challenges have a disproportionate impact on women globally.
Published 18 September 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
