Over the last three decades, deforestation has led to a 40% reduction in forest cover in Indonesia.

Mangroves, one of the most essential ecosystems for coastal communities, have taken the fall in particular, with excessive logging activities reducing the seawater-tolerant species along coastlines. Scientists say, the consequences of that could be dire as mangroves provide shelter, food and improve water nutrient levels for marine life.

On this episode of Climate Connections, Dr Gretchen Coffman, Wetland Restoration Ecologist & Senior Lecturer, NUS, who is leading community-based restoration and research efforts within the mangrove ecosystems around Lombok, Indonesia, shares her insights.

Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Voiced by: Audrey Siek
Photo credits: NUS
Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

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The ocean holds clues to past civilisations and cultures, provides a rich resource for new medicines and treatments, but more importantly, is home to millions of undiscovered species. Ocean scientists around the world have been seeking to unlock its secrets, but only just over 20% of the ocean floor is mapped. What lives, feeds and breeds down there in the icy depths remains a huge mystery.

Large-scale extraction of ocean species like cod, herring, tuna, swordfish and halibut, has brought the collapse of these wild populations by about 90% in just the last few decades.

But, a new wave of understanding about why the ocean matters is bringing a glimmer of hope.

On this episode of Climate Connections, Dr Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue & National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence - who has dedicated her life to explore, study and protect the oceans - shares first-hand insights on her dives into the deep blue and why exploration is an important step in educating the masses.

She also dives into what she’s hoping to achieve when she leads Ocean Geographic’s BIG ACE Expedition to ground-zero of the climate crisis: the Arctic, in line with her 90th birthday next year (2025).

Special thanks to Ocean Geographic.

Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Voiced by: Emaad Akhtar
Photo credits: Michael Aw / Ocean Geographic
Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

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Do you use your things for what they are worth before throwing it out?

With a lot more focus placed on fighting the effects of climate change, the pace at which we’re using our planet’s resources has also come into the spotlight. According to the World Economic Forum, high-income countries use about six times more materials per capita and are responsible for 10 times more climate impacts per capita than low-income countries.

So, how can overconsumption be curbed more effectively? And are you underconsuming what you have?

On this episode of Climate Connections, Cheang Kok Chung, Executive Director, Singapore Environment Council and Michelle Lee, Associate Professor of Marketing (Education), Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University weigh in on how attitudes towards consumption are changing, and what consumers and businesses can do to play their part.

Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Voiced by: Emaad Akhtar
Photo credits: Earth.com, pixabay & its talented community of contributors
Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.