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Hitachi High-Tech Achieves CDP’s Highest Score of “A List” in Climate Change for the First Time

TOKYO, Dec 13, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi High-Tech Corporation today was selected for the 2022 "A List" by CDP(1), a non-governmental organization that conducts environmental research and information disclosure globally, out of more than 10,000 companies that were evaluated for their climate change initiatives and transparency in information disclosure. In 2010, we registered with CDP and have continued our efforts to decarbonize and harmonized with nature, and today we have been selected for the first time as an "A list", the highest rating in the field of climate change.Hitachi High-Tech's Environmental InitiativesAs a member of the wider Hitachi Group, Hitachi High-Tech Group is pushing forward with efforts to achieve carbon neutral status in our factories and offices by FY2027 and throughout our entire value chain by FY2050, all in service of our environmental vision and fulfilling the Long-term Environment Targets put forth in Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050(2). Through these efforts, Hitachi High-Tech has achieved carbon neutrality in seven facilities.As a further effort to achieve the goal, in addition to the introduction of Hitachi Internal Carbon Pricing(3) in FY2021, we are also working to introduce environmental assessments into executive compensation for top management.Furthermore, in order to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire value chain by FY2050, we began surveying suppliers' CO2 emissions in fiscal 2020 in order to improve the accuracy of calculations for Scope3 Category1 (Purchased products and services), which emits the most CO2, and to consider reduction measures.At manufacturing process, we aim to offer products with reduced environmental impact by implementing environmentally conscious design (Eco-design) and working to reduce "CO2 emissions during product use", which is CO2 emissions second highest after "Scope3 Category1".In addition, in order to meet the growing demand for the reuse and remanufacture of lithium- ion batteries (LiB) for EVs, we have developed a "Rapid diagnostic method for battery degradation that instantly assesses the performance degradation and remaining life of lithium- ion batteries" together with Hitachi, Ltd. to accelerate the evaluation of the residual performance of batteries and achieve higher accuracy.Encouraged by this selection as an "A list" in the field of climate change, the Hitachi High-Tech Group will continue to create environmental value through manufacturing aimed at reducing environmental impact and strengthening environmental management, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable global environment.(1) CDP: CDP is a global non-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The organization analyzes and evaluates the environmental initiatives and information disclosure of the world's major companies in the three themes of climate change; water security; and forests - and selects the best companies as "A list" companies each year.(2) Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050: Long-term goals established to aim toward building a "decarbonized society," a "resource efficient society" and a "harmonized society with nature" by 2050, set out under the vision that "Hitachi will resolve environmental issues and achieve both a higher quality of life and a sustainable society through its Social Innovation Business in collaborative creation with its stakeholders," which Hitachi instituted as its Environmental Vision.(3) Internal Carbon Pricing: A system in which a company places a price on its own carbon emissions in order to quantitatively clarify the impact on current and/or future business activities and to facilitate strategic decision-making, based on the premise that addressing climate change will present both costs and opportunities.This is a system to reduce CO2 emissions by converting the CO2 emission reduction effect of new equipment into a monetary amount and factoring it into investment decisions.Hitachi High-Tech's Sustainability Initiativeswww.hitachi-hightech.com/global/en/company/sustainability/Hitachi High-Tech's Materiality 1: Contributing to a Sustainable Global Environment Hitachi High-Tech Group has identified five themes of Materiality based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are priority issues for resolving social issues. One of our identified Materiality is "Contributing to the Sustainable Global Environment," involving initiatives for realizing a decarbonized society and other such measures in combating climate change. bit.ly/3BwmtNGHitachi High-Tech's Climate Change Countermeasuresbit.ly/3PrN5W6About Hitachi High-TechHitachi High-Tech, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is engaged in activities in a broad range of fields, including manufacture and sales of clinical analyzers, biotechnology products, and analytical instruments, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and analysis equipment. and providing high value-added solutions in fields of social & industrial infrastructures and mobility, etc. The company's consolidated revenues for FY 2021 were approx. JPY 576.8 billion [USD5.1 billion]. For further information, visit www.hitachi-hightech.com/global/Contact:Katakura, KawamotoSustainability Management Dept., CSR Div., Hitachi High-Tech Corporation+81-80-9207-5075For more information, visit www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2022/12/221213c.pdf. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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NEC named to the CDP “A List” for advanced Climate Change and Water Security initiatives four years in a row

TOKYO, Dec 13, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) has been recognized for leadership in corporate sustainability by global environmental non-profit CDP(1), securing a place on its prestigious "A List" four years in a row for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect water security.NEC has set forth a policy for "Living harmoniously with the earth to secure the future" under the NEC 2030VISION and positioned decarbonization as a priority management theme, materiality, from an ESG perspective. While working on the Mid-term Management Plan 2025, NEC is striving to provide solutions that contribute to realizing a decarbonized society, responding to global warming, and guaranteeing food and water security.In addition to conducting business operations towards achieving SBT 1.5deg(2), NEC signed the "Business Ambition for 1.5degC Pledge"(3) in October 2021 and declared that greenhouse gas emissions throughout its entire supply chain will be virtually zero by 2050. Furthermore, NEC is accelerating activities with a view to achieving this declaration 10 years ahead of schedule.NEC also participates in international initiatives in the field of natural capital, which requires complex solutions to climate change, and contributes to discussions to address issues as a whole around the world(4).Going forward, NEC will continue to contribute to solving environmental issues, including climate change measures, water security and natural capital through the use of ICT.(1) CDP is an international non-profit organization in which investors, companies, cities, nations, and regions operate a global information disclosure system to manage environmental impacts. Nearly 20,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2022, including more than 18,700 companies worth half of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions.(2) NEC upgrades its greenhouse gas reduction target to SBT1.5degCwww.nec.com/en/press/202106/global_20210611_01.html(3) NEC signs the "Business Ambition for 1.5degC Pledge"www.nec.com/en/press/202110/global_20211026_01.html(4) NEC's approach to biodiversitywww.nec.com/en/global/csr/eco/life.htmlAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at www.nec.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Eisai Announces Approval of Partial Change to Label for Dosage and Administration of Aricept for Treatment of Dementia with Lewy Bodies

TOKYO, Nov 29, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that its application for a partial change to label for Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride), a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) that was discovered and developed in-house, regarding dosage and administration for the treatment of DLB in Japan, has been approved today. (Please refer to "Notes to Editors" on the link below for details of the changes)This partial change to label is based on the results of a reexamination for the indication of "suppression of progression of dementia symptoms in dementia with Lewy bodies" of this drug, which was categorized as Category 2.After receiving approval for the partial change in dosage and administration for DLB, Eisai will continue to place the highest priority on the provision of proper use and safety information for this drug, and will make continued contributions to address the diversified needs of, and increase the benefits provided to people living with DLB and their families.For more information visit www.eisai.com/news/2022/news202282.html.Media Inquiries:Public Relations Department,Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120 Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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COP27 inspires global community to tackle climate change: Pertamina

JAKARTA, Nov 14, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) 2022 can inspire the global community and all parties to increase contribution to tackling climate change, according to Senior Vice President of Strategy and Investment of Pertamina Daniel Purba.Senior Vice President of Strategy and Investment of Pertamina Daniel Purba speaks at a discussion organized on the sidelines of COP27, at the Indonesian Pavilion in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on Friday (November 11, 2022). (ANTARA/HO-PT Pertamina)"Sometimes when we work only focusing on our own sector, we never think about a global point of view. So I'm sure this COP27 will inspire and encourage everyone to think globally in order to accelerate contributions in dealing with climate change through industries that we each work on," Purba said during a discussion organized on the sidelines of COP27, at the Indonesian Pavilion in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on Friday (November 11) .Reducing carbon emissions is one of the ways to tackle climate change, Purba added.Through the COP27 event, he continued, all nations around the world are reminded that there is still a lot of work to do to save planet Earth from the impacts of climate change, and it is not only for the benefit of future generations, but also for the sustainability of the business environment."I hope that after the implementation of COP27, everyone will realize that they have to play a role in saving the Earth. And that effort is not just a jargon, but must become a reality, our mindset and lifestyle that encourage us to save our planet," Purba said.As a concrete step to tackle climate change, Indonesia is committed to achieving net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060, and Pertamina is supporting the realization of that commitment by decarbonizing its existing businesses and developing green businesses."Currently Indonesia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2060 so that Pertamina, as a state-owned company, supports this commitment and we have also prepared various work programs to achieve this national (NZE) target," he pointed out.The decarbonization measures taken by the company include encouraging energy efficiency, zero-flare oil and gas activities, as well as carbon capture and utilization.Apart from that, Pertamina has also developed a number of green business initiatives, including those related to biofuels, renewable energy, batteries and electric vehicles, hydrogen as well as carbon businesses."Of course, we also view the energy transition period as a very good opportunity for us to build some green businesses," Purba said.In addition, Pertamina is also committed to allocating 14 percent of the projected capital expenditure for the 2022-2060 period, which is worth US$70-80 billion, for the development of clean, new and renewable energy.Contact: Brahmantya Satyamurti Poerwadi, Corporate Secretary, PT Pertamina (Persero)Email: pcc135@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.comWritten by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Pertamina striving to decarbonize business to tackle climate change

JAKARTA, Nov 13, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Pertamina is making efforts to decarbonize its business and develop green businesses to support global climate change mitigation and the achievement of Indonesia's 2060 net-zero emissions target.(ANTARA News Sumsel/Nova Wahyudi/dol)"We have two main ways for dealing with climate change; first, we have to decarbonize our carbon assets and business," Senior Vice President of Strategy and Investment at Pertamina Daniel S. Purba said.He made the statement during a discussion at the Indonesian Pavilion on the sidelines of COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Friday (November 11, 2022).To decarbonize its business, Pertamina has started to change its business portfolio by promoting low-carbon energy as well as new and renewable energy at its existing businesses and operations, Purba informed."Since it is still economically expensive to introduce the use of renewable energy, the market is not really ready for it. However, for Pertamina, we have started with our own businesses. We can't wait for the market to be ready immediately, but we have started with our own operations," he said.The company's second climate change mitigation effort involves developing new businesses related to green energy with a number of targets set for biofuels; hydrogen; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; renewable energy; batteries and electric vehicles; and also the carbon business.Thus, the company's revenue will continue to flow even though the carbon business will be reduced and the company has started to decarbonize its business, Daniel explained.To fulfill its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060, Pertamina will slash its carbon emissions by almost 30 million tons by 2030 and reduce around 30-40 million tons of carbon per year by 2060. For that, the company needs to start taking carbon reduction measures from now onward.In fact, in the period from 2010 to 2021, Pertamina has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29.09 percent."Those two main ways that we have in our road map for climate change mitigation for years to come are by implementing some well-prepared, detailed, and clear programs and strong initiatives in our business groups. So, we are not only dealing with our current carbon business, but also starting to deal with new and renewable energy businesses," Purba said.He further said that the asset decarbonization road map is being implemented by Pertamina in each of its business lines, starting from upstream, refineries and petrochemicals, oil, commercial and trade, gas production, integrated marine logistics, and new renewable energy-based power plants."There are hundreds of programs behind this road map scheme, and each of our business group entities has committed to applying it," he added.To ensure that the decarbonization commitment runs in every line of its business, Pertamina has included the commitment target in the key performance indicators of each business entity."So, if you don't reach the target, it will have an impact on your income. This is to ensure that all parties work very hard and are committed to achieving the target," Purba said.Apart from the oil and gas business, Pertamina is also developing the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia by not only producing batteries, but also dealing with all supply chain businesses in the electric vehicle ecosystem.Contact: Brahmantya Satyamurti Poerwadi, Corporate Secretary, PT Pertamina (Persero)Email: pcc135@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.comWritten by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Rahmad Nasution (c) ANTARA 2022 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Green business to reduce 26 million tons of CO2 by 2060: Pertamina

JAKARTA, Nov 7, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Pertamina is expecting its green business of new and renewable energy (NRE) to be able to meet its target of reducing 26 million tons of CO2 by 2060, higher than its 2030 target of 11 million tons of CO2 reduction."Pertamina targets New Renewable Energy (NRE) capacity to reach 60GW from solar, hydro, wind power and geothermal, to be able to meet 15 percent market share in 2060," the company's President Director and CEO Nicke Widyawati said in a panel discussion of COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Sunday (November 6).It also has a battery production capacity of up to 80 GWh, and sales of 800,000 two-wheel electric vehicles with 1.5 TWh charging station in 2060, as well as an increase in hydrogen energy with an optimal capacity of 3 MTPA.Through the development of the green refinery, Pertamina is committed to increasing the production capacity of biofuels from the current 3,000 bpd to 200,000 bpd in 2060 by focusing on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA)."We are also targeting to be able to produce up to 600,000 bpd of B30 and A20 by 2060," Widyawati noted.Considering Indonesia's potential for large carbon capture storage which is estimated to reach about 80 gigatonnes to 400 gigatonnes of C02, Pertamina is eyeing such potential to be a new business of oil and gas."And the majority (of carbon capture storage) are onshore, so we have a competitive advantage compared to other countries in the region," she concluded.Watch the video, A World Class Energy Company, at: https://youtu.be/IIflZaKvaag At the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh, Indonesia voiced various actions, strategies, innovations and achievements as a concrete manifestation of leading climate action to prevent global temperature increases.Through soft diplomacy, the Pavilion Indonesia displays the policies and concrete results of previous work, as well as paving the way for future climate ambitions together with relevant parties."Multilateral, collective and integrated action is needed as the only way to overcome a real global threat. We must maintain the spirit of collaboration at COP27," Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya stated in her speech at the opening of the Pavilion Indonesia during the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Sunday.In recent decades, governments have shared climate change responsibilities with academia, business, civil society organizations and others.However, the practice of climate change mitigation and adaptation sometimes experiences challenges and limitations, such as the decision-making process influenced by politics as well as disputes due to the priority interests of socio-economy and environment."Sometimes this becomes a paradox, a form of discrepancy in social relevance, so that policies are less effective into action. Therefore, joint action on climate change requires leaders to guide action," Nurbaya said.Under the theme of Stronger Climate Actions Together, Pavilion Indonesia reflects the mission carried out by Indonesian delegation to take urgent action in combating climate change and its impacts, as mandated by goal number 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Watch the video, A World Class Energy Company, at: https://youtu.be/IIflZaKvaag Contact: Fajriyah Usman, VP Corporate Communications, PT Pertamina (Persero)M: +62 858 8330 8686, Email: fajriyah.usman@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.comWritten by: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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The Climate Ecosystem Corp Announces Token Pre-sale

London, UK, February 22, 2022 – (SEAPRWire) – The Climate Ecosystem Corp., a company of like-minded individuals united by one big concern—climate change—has announced its pre-sale. Expected to hold soon, the pre-sale will see prospective investors try to cop thousands or millions of CLIME, the project’s native token. With a total supply of 10 billion CLIME, and with dates soon to be released, investors will have the privilege of staking and farming CLIME to gain CARBC [Carbon Credit token] once the sale is over. Born out of the need to preserve the deteriorating planet for future generations, The Climate Ecosystem aims at combating, on a larger scale, the effects of climate change. Leveraging blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, the founding team is committed to attracting investors through the integration of decentralized finance [DeFi] technology. The Climate Ecosystem hopes to create a platform where a part of the transacted value and return on investment are kept aside to fund organizations focused, primarily, on fighting climate change. The Climate Ecosystem Corp. will act as a bridge between potential benefactors and organizations with a focus on global climate change. Through the profits generated from investments made, investors will make voluntary donations to the course. Unprecedentedly, The Climate Ecosystem will offer investors an opportunity to make good returns as well as generate values for donations. Through this platform, The Climate Ecosystem could become the pioneer blockchain-based project that solves a real environmental problem. A community-powered project, The Climate Ecosystem will introduce profits for holders of CLIME through transaction fees. Besides staking and farming, both of which attract zero fees, other transactions on The Climate Ecosystem will have a stipulated 10% fee. Incentivizing CLIME holders, 5% of each transaction fee obtained will be shared amongst token owners while 3% and 2% will go to donations and liquidity respectively. CLIME holders will not only be taking an active part in fighting the consequences of one of the world’s biggest problems, but they will also can earn profits as they do so. They also reserve the right to vote for organizations that will receive donations. With a sustainable and viable roadmap comprising the launch of a DEX, upcoming exchange listings, in-depth research about climate change-focused organizations, first donation, and an NFT collection, The Climate Ecosystem is aiming to be the most innovative bridge between willing donors and climate change organizations globally. For more information and to be a part of this nascent project, do well to visit the website and social media pages. About The Climate Ecosystem Corp. This is a company with like-minded individuals from the UK, Russia, Brazil, EU, and Panama with one mission—to mitigate the effects of climate change. Aimed at addressing the problem of climate change, The Climate Ecosystem Corp. hopes to do so immediately and efficiently. Through its ecosystem, it will bridge the gap between patrons and climate change-focused organizations, ergo expediting the donation process. The Climate Ecosystem will spend a percentage of transaction fees accrued on funding organizations across the globe. Social Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/climetoken?s=11 Telegram: https://t.me/Climate_Ecosystem Media Contact  Brand: The Climate Ecosystem Corp Contact: Marketing Team Email: сontact@clime.finance Website: http://clime.finance/ SOURCE: The Climate Ecosystem Corp The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWIRE makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs@SEAPRWIRE.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEAPRWIRE (www.seaprwire.com) offers newswire service in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines & Hong Kong )

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Hitachi Achieves CDP’s Highest Score of “Grade A” in Climate Change and Water Security

TOKYO, Dec 8, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) has been awarded the highest score of "Grade A" by global environmental non-profit charity CDP, in the categories of climate change and water security. CDP evaluated Hitachi's pioneering initiatives and disclosure of information for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect water security. This is the first time Hitachi has simultaneously been included in an "A List" in two themes, and the third consecutive year that Hitachi has been included in water security.Hitachi has set its long-term environmental targets, issuing its plan "Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050," to help realize a sustainable society. In the area of climate change, the Hitachi Group as a whole has set a target of becoming carbon neutral in its business sites (factories and offices) by fiscal 2030, and of achieving carbon neutrality through its entire value chain by fiscal 2050. To achieve this target, the company has introduced its Internal Carbon Pricing system, starting with investments for fiscal 2019, and executive pay linked to environmental performance from April 2021. In addition, the company plans to invest 1.5 trillion yen in R&D over the next three years, focusing on decarbonization technologies, including energy-saving technologies, to help its customers reduce their CO2 emissions and environmental impact.In terms of the use of water resources, Hitachi has set a target of improving the efficiency of internal water usage by 50% by fiscal 2050, compared to fiscal 2010. It aims to use the water resources necessary for business continuity appropriately and efficiently, and has been working to identify and address risks related to water issues throughout the Hitachi Group. Externally, Hitachi provides water environment solutions using digital technology, and improves water infrastructure to solve global water issues.CDP is a global non-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The organization analyzes and evaluates the environmental initiatives and information disclosure of the world's major companies in the three themes of climate change; water security; and forests - and selects the best companies as "A list" companies each year.Hitachi is becoming a climate change innovator and will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society where people live happy and prosperous lives, through solving various ESG issues for society and customers through its Social Innovation Business, which uses data and technology to innovate social infrastructure.Hitachi's Sustainability Initiativeshttps://www.hitachi.com/sustainability/Sustainability Report / Integrated Reporthttps://www.hitachi.com/sustainability/download/index.htmlhttps://www.hitachi.com/IR-e/library/integrated/2021/index.htmlAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide.Hitachi is a Principal Partner of COP26, playing a leading role in the efforts to achieve a Net Zero society and become a climate change innovator. Hitachi strives to achieve carbon neutrality at all its business sites by fiscal year 2030 and across the company?s entire value chain by fiscal year 2050.For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Fujitsu Earns Top Rating from CDP in Climate Change, Water Security Categories

TOKYO, Dec 8, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that the Fujitsu Group has been selected for the CDP's A List for both climate change for the fifth year in a row and water security for the third year in a row, earning the highest rating in the CDP's evaluation of corporate activities in response to climate change and water security.CDP is an international non-profit organization that manages annual global disclosure for companies' activities relating to climate change, forests, and water security, on behalf of institutional investors that have total investment assets in excess of $110 trillion (as of 2021/12/4). The survey evaluates companies' outstanding efforts to demonstrate leadership in disclosing information, identifying and managing risks, addressing challenges, as well as setting ambitious and significant goals.The Fujitsu Group's Initiatives in Climate Change and Water SecurityThe Fujitsu Group laid out its medium- to long-term environmental vision, the Fujitsu Climate and Energy Vision, in May 2017. Fujitsu is working to achieve both zero CO2 emissions from its own business through the use of AI and other technologies that support digital transformation.Fujitsu is also developing high-performance computing and AI technologies to contribute to the solution of issues facing society, including water-related disaster prevention and mitigation and the realization of more resilient infrastructure through digital technology.Based on the "Fujitsu Group Environmental Action Plan (Stage X)", which outline Fujitsu's environmental targets over the two-year period from FY 2021 to FY 2022, Fujitsu will work to minimize negative environmental impacts in the supply chain, while undertaking workstyle reforms and restructuring its business operations. To this end, Fujitsu has identified targets that address three key global societal challenges: climate change, resource circulation, and living in harmony with nature (conservation of biodiversity).In October 2021, the Fujitsu Group also announced the launch of its new business brand, Fujitsu Uvance, which aims to contribute to the achievement of Fujitsu's purpose: "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation." With Fujitsu Uvance, the Fujitsu Group will continue to promote these initiatives to realize a sustainable world.Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030. Fujitsu's purpose -- "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation" -- is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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NEC Named to the CDP “A List” for Advanced Climate Change and Water Security Initiatives Three Years in a Row

TOKYO, Dec 8, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) has been recognized for leadership in corporate sustainability by global environmental non-profit CDP(1), securing a place on its prestigious "A List" three years in a row for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect water security.In 2017, NEC announced its climate change policy guidelines for 2050(2), and in October 2021 it signed the "Business Ambition for 1.5 degC Pledge," aiming to keep the rise in global temperature within 1.5 degC. Moreover, NEC is strengthening its actions aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chain by 2050.(3)NEC has set forth a policy for "Living harmoniously with the earth to secure the future" under the NEC 2030VISION. As a priority management theme from an ESG perspective and materiality under the Mid-term Management Plan 2025, NEC will expand its carbon neutrality-related business, work to accelerate environmental management towards achieving SBT 1.5 degC(4) and contribute to CO2 reduction through customer DX.Going forward, NEC will continue to contribute to climate change measures and water security in collaboration with customers and other stakeholders through the use of ICT.(1) CDP is an international non-profit organization in which investors, companies, cities, nations, and regions operate a global information disclosure system to manage environmental impacts. In fiscal 2021, more than 13,000 companies worldwide disclosed information through CDP.(2) Formulation of climate change policy guidelines aimed at 2050https://www.nec.com/en/global/csr/eco/risk.html?#anc-strategy(3) NEC signs the "Business Ambition for 1.5degC Pledge"https://www.nec.com/en/press/202110/global_20211026_01.html(4) NEC upgrades its greenhouse gas reduction target to SBT1.5degChttps://www.nec.com/en/press/202106/global_20210611_01.htmlAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Why the outcomes of the Glasgow climate talks are key for Singapore

SINGAPORE - The annual United Nations climate change conferences may seem far removed from the reality of climate impacts that have upended lives and livelihoods. This year's conference, for instance, made headlines for the use of language - should countries "phase out" or "phase down" the use of coal? - and for the huge protests happening on the sidelines of the conference. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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SCCG Management Announces Partnership with Better Change to bring Gambling Harm Protections to the United States

Washington, D.C., Nov 16, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Stephen Crystal, founder and CEO of SCCG Management, announced that they have partnered with Better Change, a Gibraltar-based organization that uses training, multi-channel content creation, and professional services, to gaming operators who wish to implement or strengthen their tools to help keep gaming fun for their customers by reducing the harm that at-risk players can face.Better Change differs from other products and organizations that address gambling harm. They focus on intervention strategies for problem gamblers, leverage operator's internal infrastructure and create external messaging for players and regulators. They are passionate and committed to only ever bringing fresh approaches built on clinical science and research, to problem gambling. Better Change's difference is clear in their ability to intrinsically and organically intertwining this much needed activity into the operating infrastructures of gambling operators and the regulatory structures of policymakers to, for the first time, achieve true, sustainable and authentic protection from gambling harm.Stephen Crystal, said, "The regulated gaming industry has always been at the forefront of the implementation of tools and programs to improve education and awareness, reduce risk, and provide support where problem gaming exists. Operators understand that this mission is essential to the long term health of the industry we have spent decades building. We believe that companies like Better Change are a natural part of the evolution and improvement of our approaches to problem gambling and mitigating social risk."Victoria Reed, Founder of Better Change, said of the announcement, "Player protection is fast becoming the heart of the gaming industry and everyone at Better Change has seen first-hand the devastation that is caused by gambling addiction. Despite that, we certainly aren't anti-gambling. By partnering with operators and suppliers to help them raise standards through improved compliance, innovative social responsibility strategies and the provision of robust safer gambling tools designed to maximize player protection, we can sustain our industry and deliver clear, sustainable and progressive results for our partners and their players. We're proud to be partnering with SCCG management to combine their unrivalled experience in North America with our innovative and commercially minded solutions to player protection and general regulatory affairs in the US. Together, we can prevent gambling harm."About Better ChangeBetter Change exists to be the driving force for change in the gambling industry. We believe that everyone, players and operators alike, must be able to reach their full potential, free from the grips of gambling harm.https://better-change.orgAbout SCCG ManagementSCCG specializes in investment in and developing worldwide brands, representation before governmental agencies for complex regulatory matters, intellectual property, and strategic business development within international, land-based casinos, internet gambling, gaming, esports, and entertainment markets.https://www.sccgmanagement.comCONTACTStephen A. CrystalSCCG Management+1 702-427-9354email us here Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Singapore youth give 18 recommendations for tackling environmental crisis

GLASGOW - As young people take to the streets in Glasgow on Friday (Nov 5) to mark Youth Day at the COP26 climate summit, youth in Singapore are also making their demands for climate action heard. On Friday morning Singapore time, a group of young people here released a statement of 18 recommendations on how the Republic can be made more liveable for future generations. Titled An Urgent Call From Singaporean Youth On The Environmental Crisis, the statement was co-authored by six youth-led organisations, including the Singapore Climate Rally and FiTree, as well as 10 individuals from different sectors of society. They include marine biologists Pavarne Shantti and Sam Shu Qin; co-founder of environmental group LepakInSG Ho Xiang Tian; indigenous culture and environmental advocate Firdaus Sani; as well as environmental communicator Woo Qiyun, who runs the Instagram account @theweirdandwild. Calling the effort an "unprecedented initiative", the co-authors said the statement was crafted by environmental and climate youth organisations of varied interests, coming together to collaborate for the first time. Their recommendations span six areas - emissions, nature, energy, corporate responsibility, community empowerment and inclusion, and the economy and people. One key recommendation was for Singapore to set itself a bolder emissions target to reach peak emissions before 2025 instead of the current target of 2030. The earlier the timeline, the earlier the country must take steps to bring down the amount of greenhouse gases it produces, even as the economy continues to grow. Over the longer term, the youth say the amount of planet-warming emissions Singapore produces should reach net-zero by 2050, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Singapore currently plans to reach this milestone "as soon as viable in the second half of the century". The IPCC has said global emissions should reach net-zero by mid-century for the world to stand a better chance of avoiding harsher climate impacts such as more extreme floods, wildfires and heatwaves. On nature, the young people urged the Government to protect remaining natural habitats in Singapore such as the Clementi Forest, and to ensure that nature conservation efforts are grounded in science. A jogger at Clementi Forest on Nov 19, 2020. PHOTO: ST FILE Natural habitats can serve as nature-based climate solutions, they said, as these ecosystems can take in carbon and protect the country's coastlines. "Mature habitats are much better at providing these solutions, and destroying them would be counter-productive to our climate mitigation and adaptation efforts," they said. More on this topic   Related Story Singapore pledges to phase out unabated coal in electricity mix by 2050   Related Story EMA to set green standards for power generation companies to reduce S'pore's carbon footprint Ecosystems such as mangroves, for instance, are huge stores of carbon. By locking the carbon in the soil, these habitats prevent the carbon from reaching the atmosphere, where it can trap heat and drive climate change. Mangroves also have the ability to keep pace with rising sea levels if the rate of increase is not too rapid, and can act as natural sea walls against sea level rise. The signatories of the statement also echoed the voices of young people around the world, who want a greater stake in shaping policies that will affect how their generation experiences the impacts of climate change in the future. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Weird and Wild (@theweirdandwild) They called for more governmental engagement with youth communities in an "expansive and strategic manner", citing how young people in the European Union are involved in energy transition-related consultations through initiatives that form networks between interested youths and key actors in the energy sector. "The government can reach out to energy-focused youth groups in Singapore or create initiatives to get youth involved in our energy transition conversations and long-term plans," they said. One key recommendation was for Singapore to set itself a bolder emissions target to reach peak emissions before 2025 instead of the current target of 2030. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID The statement has since Nov 4 been endorsed by 93 individuals and 75 organisations and entities, including Associate Professor Jason Lee from the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the Nature Society (Singapore). "While we acknowledge that the government has released various initiatives and made progress on various environmental issues over the years, we know that our actions are still not yet where they need to be," the co-authors said. More on this topic   Related Story Red alert! What can you do to help bring carbon emissions down?   Related Story S'pore pledges $10m in new funds, making more investments in low-carbon technology While climate change and biodiversity loss are existential crises with far-reaching and world-changing consequences, humanity is at an inflexion point, the authors noted. "Moments like this also give us an opportunity to reflect on the values we want to hold on to, and the world we want to leave behind for our future generations," they wrote. "Singapore aims to honour the values of justice and equality. This means that our approach to mitigating the climate crisis must logically be rooted in these same values." The full set of recommendations and statement are available at SG Youth Cop26. More on this topic   Related Story Will COP26 deforestation pledge be game-changer or just more broken promises?   Related Story Climate Code Red: Live from COP26   

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S’pore paediatricians call for greater attention to climate change

SINGAPORE - For paediatricians, caring for a child begins long before he takes his first breath. And the health of children could be adversely affected by climate change. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

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S’pore medical students flag future health crises fuelled by climate crisis in podcast series

SINGAPORE - A group of fledgling doctors are worried that in the future, hospital emergency departments and clinics will be flooded with patients agonised by heat exhaustion and mosquito-borne diseases - victims of climate change. Ms Anbudurai Manisha, 22, a fourth-year student at the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, said: "We medical students are concerned about this because, with the escalation of climate-change impacts or heat-related disasters, the first responders would be us healthcare workers." Ms Manisha is part of a group of medical and healthcare students here who run a podcast called Third Spacing, which delves into healthcare issues and trends in the medicine scene. In each fortnightly 30-minute episode, the students speak to a professor or subject expert about topics such as medical education, and draw from social contexts to understand illnesses. The podcast takes its name from the medical term for the space between cells and vessels in the body, where fluid moves from one area to another. In sociology, the third space is where people meet to unwind and talk about things that matter to them, stated the podcast's website. The latest podcast season, which started in mid-October, covers the close links between health and the environment. Although the harsh impacts of climate change are currently felt elsewhere, Singapore is not impervious to future heatwaves with gradually rising temperatures, flooding and more dengue outbreaks. Local temperatures are 1.8 deg C higher than they were in 1948. In contrast, global temperatures have risen by 1.1 deg C from pre-industrial times before the 1850s. The team behind Third Spacing is particularly concerned about how a much hotter Singapore will impact the vulnerable - which includes those who work outdoors, the elderly and people with comorbidities. Ms Ching Ann Hui, 24, a final-year student at NUS Medicine who leads Third Spacing, said: "Heat itself is a physiological stressor, and it could compound existing chronic diseases." Some patients with end-stage renal disease and on fluid restrictions have shared that hotter days made it tough for them to limit their water intake, added Ms Ching. For these patients, excess fluid can enter their lungs, causing breathing difficulties. Seniors with cardiovascular disease can collapse from heat stress due to oxygen deprivation to internal organs. Ms Woo Qiyun (clockwise from top left) and Ms Anbudurai Manisha speaking to Associate Professor Jason Lee from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine to find out about how heat impacts people's wellbeing. PHOTO: THIRD SPACING Realising these future risks prompted the Third Spacing team to sign an open letter - called the Healthy Climate Prescription - urging global governments to drive down carbon emissions faster to reduce the worst health risks, which includes malnutrition and mental health issues caused by climate anxiety. Topics in the current podcast season about environment and health include reducing the carbon footprint of the healthcare sector, and how hospital design can aid patient recovery. More on this topic   Related Story S'pore paediatricians call for greater attention to climate change   Related Story S'pore at risk of heatwaves, more dengue outbreaks as climate change worsens health woes: Report For this environment edition which spans six episodes, Third Spacing collaborated with environmental communicator Woo Qiyun, who runs a climate advocacy Instagram page called The Weird and Wild. The podcast began in late 2019 as a one-man show by Ms Ching. She used an audio editing software she learnt in secondary school and YouTube tutorials to start her podcasts. Her interest in climate and health began during her hospital postings, where she saw waste being generated from medical procedures. Ms Ching said: "For blood-taking, you have the gloves, needles, needle attacher, ziplock bags and disposable packaging. It's a lot of waste from a single procedure, which is done numerous times a day." Third Spacing But she also highlighted a few positive steps: Some operating theatres have recycling initiatives, while some consultants make it a point to recycle medical instruments after thoroughly sterilising them. Over time, like-minded medical and healthcare students from different institutions have joined Third Spacing. Ms Manisha, for instance, is one of the hosts who interviews guests on the show. The podcasts' listeners include medical students, junior doctors and members of the public. More on this topic   Related Story IPCC report indicates Singapore could take bigger hits from climate change   Related Story Tropical dilemma: How is climate change affecting Singapore? Ms Ching said: "Doctors and students are often faced with a wall of text - lots of reading. So we chose podcasts which are more accessible, and can be emotive in communicating messages." She also noted that although medical care is heavily focused on biomedical aspects, 80 per cent of health outcomes are caused by social and psychological factors. "We wanted to broaden students' understanding of disease and health, so that we can be better healthcare professionals." The team hopes that each podcast will trigger conversations among listeners, and eventually lead to impact and change. In its upcoming seasons, Third Spacing is looking to feature patients and caregivers who are often misunderstood, and to discuss how healthcare can be more inclusive. They include patients who need complex care. More on this topic   Related Story Extreme heat is a clear and growing health issue, two studies find   Related Story 3-year Singapore-led study to look at impact of heat on migrant workers, soldiers and others

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Climate action a responsibility that businesses must take: President Halimah

SINGAPORE - Climate change can wreak "catastrophic and irreversible" damage on societies and economies, so taking action to avoid such an outcome is a responsibility that businesses must take, said President Halimah Yacob on Tuesday (Sept 28). Climate action also presents a business opportunity, she said during the launch of Ecosperity Week - a sustainability conference organised by Singapore's Temasek. The three-day conference, which takes place in a hybrid format with some delegates gathering at Marina Bay Sands, will focus on climate solutions. Discussions will cover issues such as decarbonisation technologies, including sustainable fuels for the aviation and maritime sectors, nature-based climate solutions, and tools that can help divert capital to meet climate goals. Madam Halimah said: "The Singapore story is testament to the fact that sustainability and economic growth need not be mutually exclusive... That belief is also captured in the name of this event Ecosperity, which pairs the words 'ecology' and 'prosperity'." While the consequences of climate change are widespread, Madam Halimah said South-east Asia faces disproportionate risk. The long coastlines and densely populated low-lying areas in Asean make the region vulnerable to rising sea levels, she said. Sea level rise is a result of melting land ice and the expansion of water in a warming world. "In a scenario where sea levels rise by 1m, at least 89 million people in the region would be living in zones at high risk of frequent coastal flooding. Typhoons and other weather events are becoming more intense and more frequent, and leave a higher human and economic toll," said Madam Halimah. And as the world gets warmer owing to humans belching out more planet-warming greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests, businesses will also suffer. The Climate Economics Index by research organisation Swiss Re Institute has warned that if no climate action is taken and temperatures rise by 3.2 deg C by mid-century, the gross domestic product of Asean economies could decline by a third compared with what it would have been in a world without warming, Madam Halimah said. Under the Paris Agreement inked in 2015, nations agreed to take action to limit global warming to well below 2 deg C, preferably to 1.5 deg C, compared with pre-industrial levels. Climate change impact gets more severe for every degree of warming. Taking climate action will also ensure that future generations have a liveable planet. Citing a United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) report launched last month, Madam Halimah said approximately one billion children - nearly half of the world's 2.2 billion children - live in countries identified to be at extremely high risk of impact from climate change. But there are solutions out there to avoid such a situation. Emerging technologies can help businesses transform, she said, citing examples such as electric cars and alternative proteins. Electric vehicles, if charged up by grids powered by lower-carbon fuels or renewable energy, are greener than diesel or petrol-fuelled cars. Alternative proteins, such as plant-based "meats" and those made from cell culture, are also considered more sustainable than the livestock sector, which is a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions. President Halimah Yacob speaking at the launch of Ecosperity Week on Sept 28, 2021. PHOTO: TEMASEK HOLDINGS More on this topic   Related Story World News Day: Time to heed warnings of a hurting world   Related Story UN climate report: How much hotter can it get in Singapore in your lifetime? Madam Halimah said: "According to the International Labour Organisation, a shift to a greener economy could create 24 million jobs globally by 2030. There is immense economic value in the transition to a net-zero emissions future." But in this transition, workers must not be left behind, she said. Help must be given to help them develop new skills needed in emerging sectors. Madam Halimah said: "Investing in upskilling our existing workers so that they can pivot to the new opportunities is a responsibility that extends beyond the Government, and requires cooperation from businesses, labour organisations, and the individuals themselves." She added that Singapore was well aware of the need to balance economic development with environmental protection and social inclusion, even as it developed. "As the country industrialised post-independence, we did so with sustainability in mind. Even as we built public housing, pursued manufacturing investments and developed our professional services sector, we planted trees along our roads, cleaned up the Singapore River and set aside nature reserves," she said. This photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows rows of trees near the Marina Coastal Expressway tunnel. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Recently, the Government also launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to chart the nation's sustainability journey, Madam Halimah said. As climate change is a global problem that needs to be addressed with a multi-lateral, rules-based approach, Singapore participates actively in global climate negotiations, she added. Madam Halimah said: "We can play our part as a fair broker in forging consensus at international discussions on climate change. I am confident that what we do here in Singapore does matter and can influence others." Speaking during the opening of Ecosperity Week, Mr Lim Boon Heng, chairman of Temasek Holdings, welcomed delegates back to the conference. The annual event, now in its seventh edition, was not held last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "This event will explore new ideas and forge partnerships as we seek to tackle another big crisis confronting humanity, the looming, climate emergency," he said. "Even as countries learn to cope with the health and economic crisis arising from the pandemic, we must step out and step up our efforts against climate change, or I should say, climate emergency." More on this topic   Related Story Analysis panning S'pore's climate targets as 'critically insufficient' lacks nuance: Govt   Related Story Tackling climate change requires both individuals and organisations, says Desmond Lee

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See Change Education Joins “Go Hong Kong Team” Campaign

HONG KONG, Jul 30, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - See Change Education, a wholly owned subsidiary of Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Limited, took part in the "Go Hong Kong Team" Campaign, organised by the Hong Kong Olympic Fans Club and co-organised by Key Connect last weekend. On that day, See Change Education staged live debate and public speaking performances on topics related to sports and the Olympic spirit, showcasing winners from See Change's International Parliamentary Debate Competition (IPDC) and International Public Speaking Competition, bringing joy and energy to the event. Ying Wa College faced off PLK Tung Yuk Tien College, both consisting of winners of Top Speaker Award at See Change's Debate Competition in 2020Through the event, See Change Education hopes to provide students with a stage to perform and apply their skills while celebrating sportsmanship and the Olympic spirit. Ms Rita Pang, Founder of See Change Education, said, "By discussing current affairs, I believe that children can apply critical thinking and communication skills to their daily lives. See Change Education runs global classrooms for students aged 5 - 18. We provide trainings in "communications" through courses in Debate & Public Speaking (verbal Skills), Critical Reading & Writing (writing skills) and Media Communications. Our topics cover various important areas such as history, culture, technology, so that students can thrive academically and beyond the classroom. Apart from realizing that public speaking courses are 'tremendous fun', children can also consider and analyse issues quickly as well as acquire a high level of organizational competence."The winners of International Debate and Public Speaking Competition, which include students from the Diocesan Girls' Junior School, Diocesan Boys' School, The Independent Schools Foundation Academy, St. Paul's Co-Educational College Primary School, German Swiss International School, Harrow International School Hong Kong, Hong Kong International School, ESF Kowloon Junior School, Ying Wa College, Good Hope School, Aldrich Bay Government Primary School, Discovery Bay International School, Quarry Bay School, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College, Po Leung Kuk Yuen Yuen Primary School, Singapore International School, etc. spoke eloquently on stage and attracted a large audience. See Change Education booths include an Olympic theme "check-in booth" for photo taking and booths for balloon twisting and souvenir distribution. Many parents are attracted to the West Kowloon Art Park as it provides them with the opportunity to bring their children to experience the Olympic atmosphere. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Designing S’pore’s future: Integrate nature with built environment as climate shifts

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans living with the reality of temperatures creeping upwards can take comfort that mitigating the impact of climate change may not require drastic changes to land use, but can be achieved by using land efficiently in integrating nature with the built environment. The role of vegetation in cooling and shading can only become more relevant in time to come as the planet warms, said conservation scientist Roman Carrasco from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Greenery can be intensified on rooftops and building facades, for example, so that scarce land resources can be put to multiple purposes, he said. Singapore's vision of becoming a City in Nature, which can be achieved by softening urban infrastructure and re-establishing ecological connections within the city, and the Singapore Green Plan 2030 will help mitigate the impact of climate change, said experts. Another inevitable impact of climate change, sea-level rise, means the island republic must look for ways to guard its coastline. One of these is to have multi-functional coastal protection methods that provide recreational opportunities and are integrated with existing natural defences such as mangroves, said Professor Carrasco. "These interventions can go a long way without demanding extra land and even open new opportunities for other uses," he added. Building resilience into Singapore's long-term land plans and strategies is one of the ways to better prepare for an increasingly volatile and uncertain environment, said the Urban Redevelopment Authority last week. Dr Harvey Neo, senior fellow and programme head at the Singapore University of Technology and Design's Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, said Singapore's push for solar panels in electricity generation is a step towards building resilient infrastructure. "Dead spaces" such as the area underneath elevated MRT tracks, Housing Board rooftops and multi-storey carparks could also be used, for example, to grow food, added Dr Neo. However, he noted that mitigation that is directed at the future is not a "precise science" and can be immensely costly. He said: "Resilience cannot be built through infrastructure alone, nor is such physical resilience sufficient to counteract the myriad of problems brought about by climate change. "Rather, there needs to be more resources channelled to cultivate mental resilience in people so that they can rise to meet challenges head on." More on this topic   Related Story Reimagining Singapore: How the city might look like in the future   Related Story 27 S'pore parks and developments recognised for good landscape design and management Dr Shawn Lum, a botanist at Nanyang Technological University, said a lower ecological footprint, abundant greenery and thriving nature will be common features of any vision of Singapore's future, with the pandemic underlining the importance of nature to people's physical and emotional well-being. Dr Lum, who is president of Nature Society (Singapore), said planners and policymakers may also have to look at new ways of managing the limited green areas in Singapore to prevent them from being "loved to death" as more people head out to these spaces. "Will we have daily limits for visitors to nature reserves, or will we see periodic closures of nature areas - either a few days per week, or for a few months every so many years - to minimise degradation of habitats?" NUS' Prof Carrasco noted that despite all the infrastructural interventions, there is still much work to be done for Singapore to be "truly sustainable" and to leave this planet at least as capable, if not more, to meet the needs of future generations. In a "truly sustainable" Singapore, doughnut or circular economies will be observed, he said. "Whenever we generate waste that cannot be recycled, whenever we rely on incineration, we are not closing the doughnut and the system is broken," he said, citing food waste and single-use plastics as two areas Singapore can improve on. More on this topic   Related Story Time to rethink city planning as S'pore prepares to live with Covid -19   Related Story Quiet zones will make Singapore a more appealing global city He suggested that the Republic can buy carbon and ecological credits from nature-based solutions from neighbouring countries, which can include forest conservation projects. The trade in carbon credits essentially sees carbon treated as a commodity. When emitters buy a credit, they essentially pay others to reduce emissions on their behalf. In turn, this creates a market for previously unprofitable land use purposes in neighbouring countries, as there is now a business case to leave a forest alone, instead of cutting it down. Such transboundary sustainability could completely offset Singapore's footprint, Prof Carrasco added. He said: "Singapore is doing an excellent job, so let's help our neighbours by contributing to their protection of nature. "We don't have the space to preserve vast extents of tropical forests but we can contribute to the protection of others." More on this topic   Related Story Sunlight, fresh air and self-contained neighbourhoods: Covid-19 will change urban design, say architects   Related Story Transforming Singapore into a City in Nature

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