The new UN boss António Guterres wants to increase engagement with the private sector, urging “strategic cooperation.” The World Economic Forum in Davos is headlining climate change as a major issue to be dealt with this year, while the Commonwealth, bringing together 52 countries - many in the line of fire of global warming impacts - needs to take on a much bigger role in the coming months. 

As the Northern Hemisphere experiences its coldest winter for a long time, Southern Hemisphere cities like Melbourne and Sydney are feeling the heat, as Antarctic ice sheets continue to slip away. 2016 is declared the hottest year on record as far as global average temperatures are concerned. As the world’s biggest emitter, China is under pressure to verify its reductions and deal with worsening air pollution at the same time. Here are two global climate change perspectives – one from the New York Times and once from CNBC. 

As Singapore commits to a “car-lite” future with liveability and sustainability in mind, more people will cycle or ride their scooters to work in future, given the right facilities and encouragement. Developer Lendlease is leading the way and setting a good example is Dr Hee Limin of the Centre for Liveable Cities. While Singapore is ahead of the game with its superior electrified Mass Rapid Transit system, it is also embracing disruptive mobility providers like Uber and Grab, as well as car sharing. A study in New York shows how car sharing could actually take cars and taxis off the road.  

Farmers in a small village in Riau province of Indonesia have been learning to clear their land without burning. Ground up efforts have been encouraged by oil palm and pulpwood companies, environmental groups and industry associations. The Indonesian government is starting its own village-based fire prevention programme, which will be developed in 66 cities or districts and 731 villages across seven provinces. President Joko Widodo has also signed an immediate and total ban on the cultivation of peatland. The Straits Times has the story. 

Elon Musk was very, very busy in 2016 and started the New Year with a successful SpaceX launch of the Iridium-1 rocket.   The man behind SpaceX, Tesla, Solar City and Hyperloop has a lot on his hands, but the technology forecasters at Inverse Innovation predict what more he has up his clean sleeves.  Meantime, Greenpeace is asking the big question: who is winning the race to build a green internet?

Green In Future and Sustain Ability Showcase Asia (SASA) are organising for the first time a one day conference on Technology and Sustainable Landscape Design in Singapore on 3 March. This will provide a unique platform for professionals to discuss latest technologies and opportunities covering the landscape industry in Singapore and the region. Key focus is on design and use of new technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D printing. Chairman of the World Green Building Council Tai Lee Siang is guest of honor and other industry experts will be on hand with up to date advice and practical steps.  

Here's more information on the programme/speakers.

Go to Eventbrite to book your place. 

What a mixed up world we have, with news that the bumble bee is at risk of extinction in the US, the Sundance Film Festival features climate for a change, including Al Gore’s latest, and the very green Prince Charles has joined forces with significant others to produce a Ladybird book on the global issue – for children and adults. Meanwhile, we learn that after 146 years, the curtain is coming down on "The Greatest Show on Earth." The owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced the show will close forever in May. There are suggestions that maybe circus-like performances elsewhere will provide an entertaining sideshow in the States.