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title: 24 August 2022 newsletter
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| WEB VERSION Dear EB reader, What does it take to make us live more sustainably? Not a drawn-out affair like climate change, but a rude shock in the form of Covid-19, says a study of Australians by the University of Queensland. Not a love for the environment, but "personal practical benefits", finds a study of Singaporeans by OCBC Bank. Cost, convenience and feel-good vibes are important, experts added. No wonder reusable container lending services are struggling in Singapore. Consumer behaviour can be immensely hard to change, especially if habits are entrenched in the bustle of daily life. Is a proposed ban on fossil fuel advertising in Sydney a good idea? Not everyone from the ad industry is behind the move. Will more climate-induced weather events help create the needed jolt to the consumer consciousness? Let's hope we're better than that, as we face increasingly punishing droughts and floods. Inclusivity also took a debatable step forward this week. A law against gay sex is on its way out in Singapore, but upcoming legal tweaks will make same-sex marriage more elusive. Studies show that LGBTQ+ acceptance has increased in Asia Pacific, but progress remains deeply pockmarked. Times are changing. Are our mindsets and actions changing fast enough to match? Liang Lei Correspondent / Photojournalist Covid – not climate change – has nudged Australians towards greener lifestyles: study Australians have largely ignored scientists' climate warnings, while the media has blamed catastrophic floods on poor infrastructure. But the pandemic has jolted the country towards more sustainable lifestyle habits, research finds. The elusive Singaporean green consumer in a post-pandemic world Consumers are citing cost as a key barrier to living a sustainable life in the island state, according to the latest OCBC Climate Index. But the same survey finds more Singaporeans purchasing brand new, non-essential items more frequently. Circular solutions struggle to make an impact in disposables-reliant Singapore The country's first ever container lending service Barepack Singapore will soon be shutting down local operations. Sustainability leaders say more regulation is needed before reusables can compete with single-use. City of Sydney moves to ban fossil fuel advertising Australia's commercial capital could become the first major urban centre in Asia Pacific to outlaw the promotion of dirty energy in public spaces. How did Covid change sustainability events? Covid-19 didn't kill events, but it did change them. Teymoor Nabili and Veemal Gungadin tell the Eco-Business Podcast how a pandemic transformed the way sustainability events are conceived and organised. Singapore to drop anti-gay sex law; amend constitution to protect heterosexual marriage The twin moves are described by the nation's Prime Minister as limiting changes to what most residents would accept in a conservative society. Long overlooked, East Malaysia's disappearing shorelines in spotlight as government tackles coastal erosion Sarawak is most severely affected, and in some instances, entire beachfronts have been 'swallowed' by stronger waves, but its stories and losses have not been well-documented in Malaysia Dugongs, muse of mermaid legends, declared extinct in China The marine mammal's departure could cause knock-on effects in the local ecosystem, and increase the risk of a global die-off of dugongs. Researchers are calling for more urgent, evidence-based conservation efforts. Cholera tragedy in Indian village sheds light on power debts No fuel, no hope: Sri Lankans flee crisis in mass brain drain ‘Rosewood’ explores China’s philosophy of ecological protection as it goes global Online sales of endangered wild monkeys boom in Myanmar Can Indonesia's Muslim leaders boost public climate change action? Greening the Himalayas: Is there a 'wrong' place to plant trees? Dwindling corridors endanger the last of Bangladesh’s wild elephants How geographical gaps are harming climate science The implications of EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for Southeast Asia A fossil fuel ad ban is wrong – consumers need to know which brands are taking climate action Taking back the Ocean, Inc. Historic new deal puts emissions reduction at the heart of Australia’s energy sector ABC Impact adopts Operating Principles for Impact Management, publishes first disclosure statement Reneum announces platform to accelerate the energy transition Clarity Movement Co. raises US$9.6M Series A+ co-led by Amasia, Active Fund MioTech strengthens regional, international leadership with appointment of ex-MSCI's Jack Lin A resilient, sustainable energy future: 15th Singapore International Energy Week IBEW 2022: Building blocks for the future   26 AUG 2022, SINGAPORE Unlocking Greater Sustainability Reporting Assurance   20-21 SEP 2022, SINGAPORE Unlocking Capital for Sustainability 2022: The role of sustainable finance in a disrupted world   6 SEP 2022, JAKARTA UCFS 2022 - Investment opportunities in Indonesia’s green growth   1 SEP 2022, KUALA LUMPUR UCFS 2022 - Malaysia: The role of finance in building resilience   5-9 SEP 2022, SINGAPORE International Built Environment Week (IBEW)   1-2 NOV 2022, CHICAGO Transform Food USA 2022   UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ESG manager / senior manager (USA)   SINGAPORE ESG analyst (Singapore)   SINGAPORE E&S consultant   UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Mississippi River Basin programme director   SINGAPORE ESG intelligence research & consulting lead / manager   SINGAPORE Creative production intern You received this email because you are a valued member of Asia Pacific’s sustainable business community. Manage your subscriptions Please use the link above to update your details and manage your subscriptions, or unsubscribe from all emails. Eco-Business, 2 Science Park Drive SingaporeSingapore 118222   |
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