Green Transit: Thailand’s Bold Bus Electrification Plan
Thailand is embarking on one of its most ambitious public transport transformations to date: a nationwide shift toward zero-emission mobility, beginning with the electrification of Bangkok’s bus fleet. Spearheaded by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the programme aims to replace thousands of aging diesel buses with air-conditioned electric alternatives by 2026, with full fleet […]
Green Transit: Vietnam’s Diverging Approaches to Sustainable Public Transport
Vietnam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has placed its transport sector at the heart of a sweeping green transition. With road transport accounting for over 80% of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, electrifying public vehicles—especially buses—has become a national priority. Yet beneath the surface of this ambitious shift lies a more complex story: one […]
Green Transit: Why Decarbonising Philippine Public Transport Can’t Wait
The Philippines’ transport sector is under growing pressure to deliver on climate, health, and equity outcomes. In 2021, the government pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030—a commitment that places road transport, which accounts for nearly 80% of energy-related emissions, at the centre of national decarbonisation efforts. The shift to electric vehicles […]
Green Transit: Is Singapore’s Sustainable Transit a Model or a Mirage for Southeast Asia?
Singapore’s public transport electrification strategy is lauded as the most advanced of its kind in Southeast Asia. Backed by centralised governance, fiscal capacity, and long-term planning, the city-state has positioned itself as a regional leader in sustainable mobility. Yet its model—while technically impressive—raises questions about scalability, equity, and relevance for more fragmented, informal transport ecosystems […]
Green Transit: Southeast Asia’s Journey Toward Sustainable Public Transport
On a humid afternoon in Pasig City, a lone electric jeepney glides past a line of idling diesel vehicles, its quiet hum barely audible over the din of traffic. It’s a glimpse of a future many Southeast Asian cities aspire to—but one that remains frustratingly out of reach. Across the region, governments have pledged net-zero […]
Beyond Plastic: The Complete Life Cycle of a Plastic Bottle
It’s light, clear, and everywhere. The plastic bottle—whether filled with water, soda, or shampoo—is one of the most ubiquitous products on the planet. Yet behind its simplicity lies a complex industrial journey that spans continents, supply chains, and decades of environmental impact. In this edition of Beyond Plastic, we trace the full life cycle of […]
The Plastic Portfolio: Understanding the Materials That Shape Modern Life
Plastics changed how the world makes things. Thanks to polymer science, we turned hydrocarbons into strong, flexible materials that replaced glass, metal, wood, and fabric. Now, plastics are everywhere — from packaging and clothing to buildings and hospitals. But they don’t break down easily. Once thrown away, plastics stick around in landfills, oceans, and even […]
Beyond Plastic: How Plastic Waste Fuels Floods, Disease, and Economic Loss in the Philippines
Every monsoon season, the Philippines braces for floods. Streets turn into rivers, homes are submerged, and economic activity grinds to a halt. But behind the rising waters lies a less visible culprit: plastic. From Metro Manila to Cebu and Davao, the country’s drainage systems are routinely overwhelmed—not just by rain, but by the sheer volume […]
Beyond Plastic: The Hidden Health Risks of Ingesting or Inhaling Plastic
Every day, without even realising it, we are ingesting and inhaling plastic. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, tiny plastic particles—called microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics—are quietly entering our bodies. But what does this mean for our health? Scientific research is uncovering alarming evidence: these invisible invaders can cause damage across nearly every […]
Beyond Plastic: How the Philippines Can Recycle Campaign Posters After the 2025 Elections
Every three years, the Philippines transforms into a vibrant canvas of political slogans, smiling candidate portraits, and bold-coloured banners. While campaign posters play a crucial role in democratic participation, they often become an environmental burden once election day ends. In 2025, as the dust settles from another national vote, the country is once again faced […]