Editor's Choice

Dear EB reader,

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2023. This week we look at how promises made at the COP15 biodiversity summit to protect almost a third of natural areas on Earth will likely face steep challenges, especially in Southeast Asia, where only 6 per cent of its natural landscape is currently conserved.

The challenges faced by billion-dollar forest conservation financing scheme Rimba Collective in ramping up conserved areas is a reflection of that. 

We also look at the six trends that will shape the sustainability landscape in the year ahead, how Asia's renewable energy goals need to be a lot more ambitious and how solutions such as large-scale district cooling will enable us to achieve them. 

We will be closing nominations for our Eco-Business A-List in a few days, so do remember to submit the names of inspiring individuals whom you know have enabled positive change in their communities in the past year. And for those looking to start the year with a boost of learning and development, join us for our first workshop of 2023 on climate risk and ESG trends next Tuesday.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! 

Jessica Cheam

Editor's Choice

6 trends that will shape sustainability in 2023

6 trends that will shape sustainability in 2023

From Asia becoming a key fossil fuel provider to high-tech agriculture, these are the trends that could reshape society and business as the world navigates global uncertainty borne out of the Russian-led conflict in Ukraine.

Southeast Asia's biodiversity protection challenge, by the numbers

Southeast Asia's biodiversity protection challenge, by the numbers

The world agreed to protect almost a third of nature areas on Earth at the COP15 biodiversity summit. But only 6 per cent of pristine Southeast Asia is currently conserved.

Billion-dollar forest conservation scheme Rimba Collective scrambles to meet first-year targets

Billion-dollar forest conservation scheme Rimba Collective scrambles to meet first-year targets

With just days to go before the end of the year, it has closed two more projects in Indonesia, bringing the initiative to complement the palm oil industry's efforts to end deforestation in Southeast Asia closer to its near-term target.

In pictures: Life on Southeast Asia's largest landfill

In pictures: Life on Southeast Asia's largest landfill

Around 3,000 waste pickers work a huge landfill, east of Jakarta. They earn a few dollars a day salvaging recyclables and face a range of dangers, from landslides to lightning. The role they play in society is undervalued, say experts.

Water budgeting is taking Indian farmers from scarcity to plenty

Water budgeting is taking Indian farmers from scarcity to plenty

Indian farmers are using science and data to manage precious water resources cooperatively, thereby improving yields, incomes and quality of life.

Asia's renewable energy investments are not aggressive enough to meet global climate goals

Asia's renewable energy investments are not aggressive enough to meet global climate goals

Most Asian countries’ climate commitments are not sufficiently aligned with the Paris Agreement target to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, a study by Fair Finance Asia finds.

Beating urban heat at scale

Beating urban heat at scale

Climate change is making cities hotter. Air-conditioning will make things worse. Is district cooling the sustainable alternative to bringing temperatures down?

Making movies, not mess: Three sustainably produced films to watch

Making movies, not mess: Three sustainably produced films to watch

Recently, questions have been raised about the environmental impact of Amazon Studios' The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Here are three sustainably produced films from around the world that you could watch instead.

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