Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Following Budget 2025 and the Committee of Supply Debate on government spending for different ministries, Natasha and her co-host Audrey Tan, ST assistant news editor for environment coverage, discuss how Singapore is pushing ahead with climate action. She’s also the host of Green Pulse on ST Podcasts.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu joins them in this episode.
They talk about mitigation efforts versus adapting to climate change, Ms Fu’s thoughts on her long-time SMC being absorbed into the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, and being a woman in politics for almost two decades.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:00 Intro
2:46 Why is S’pore persevering on climate action
5:19 Will S’pore’s efforts move the needle in changing the climate conversation?
7:30 Key areas of S’pore’s mitigation and adaptation efforts
13:17 With the US scaling back on its climate efforts, what can S’pore do?
16:30 Aspects of MSC’s 2025 Budget 2025 about getting long-term prep
19:03 How can we, as individuals and businesses, deal with climate change?
22:05 MSE’s plans for the longevity of S’pore’s hawker culture
27:06 Did you know 2024 was the Year of Public Hygiene? Natasha asks Ms Fu why.
30:57 Will climate change and environmental issues be one of the GE2025 issues?
34:33 Ms Fu’s engagement with residents after the release of the EBRC report
36:17 Being a woman in politics for almost two decades
39:12 Green heroes who have inspired Ms Fu
41:58 What is her most environmentally-friendly habit?