Green Shift

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is exposing a hard truth about the global energy transition: the world is still deeply dependent on fossil fuels.In this episode of Green Shift, sustainability conversations collide with geopolitical reality as Rajiv Biswas, CEO of Asia-Pacific Economics and Dr. Victor Nian, Founding Co-chair of the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER) examine how the US-Iran conflict and disruption to Middle East oil and gas supplies are reshaping Asia’s energy future.Find Asia-Pacific Economics online 🔗https://asiapacificeconomics.com/From rising oil prices and electricity shortages to renewed coal use, nuclear energy, and the long-term future of renewables, this sustainable podcast explores the difficult trade-offs governments and businesses now face between energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability.Topics discussed include:⚡ The impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis on Asia-Pacific economies⚡ Why countries are turning back to coal despite climate goals⚡ The growing role of nuclear power in the transition to sustainability⚡ Whether solar imports from Australia or India make economic sense⚡ How AI data centres are increasing electricity demand⚡ Why energy security is now a corporate boardroom issue⚡ The future of fossil fuels in a sustainable economyRead the CSER Policy Brief: "From Shock to Transformation: Rethinking Asia’s Energy Security PostHormuz Crisis" If you’re interested in sustainability storytelling, global energy markets, climate policy, or the realities of sustainable development, this episode is for you.Green Shift is a sustainability podcast exploring the struggles and successes of the global transition to sustainability, with a special focus on Asia.Subscribe for more sustainability conversations and expert analysis on energy, climate, economics, and the future of sustainable growth.#Sustainability #EnergyTransition #GreenShiftPodcast #ClimateChange #EnergySecurity #NuclearEnergy #OilCrisis #StraitOfHormuz #RenewableEnergy #Asia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is nuclear energy making a comeback—and could it power Southeast Asia’s sustainable future?In this episode of Green Shift, we dive into one of the most important (and controversial) topics in the global energy transition: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). As energy demand surges—driven by AI, data centers, and economic growth—the region faces a critical question:👉 Can nuclear be the key to a reliable, low-carbon future?In this sustainability conversation, we cover:Why the AI boom is breaking traditional energy models.The difference between conventional nuclear and "Lego-like" SMR modularity.Financing the future: Why governments need to move fast on policy.Public perception: Moving from "Not In My Backyard" to "Why Not?"Geopolitics: The risks of locking into specific vendors and fuel supplies.🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more sustainable storytelling and insights into the energy transition.🎙️ Featuring:Dr. Victor Nian (CSER)Graham Beal (Corporate Finance, Infrastructure)Sanjeev Gupta (Energy Strategy & Transactions)Hosted by David Austin📌 Timestamps:0:00 - Panic mode: Why reliance on fossil fuels is failing2:30 - Introducing the experts: Finance, strategy, and energy research6:00 - What is an SMR? Victor explains modular nuclear tech13:00 - Who is building SMRs? The global race (US, China, Europe)19:00 - The economics: SMR vs. LNG vs. Biofuels ($/MWh breakdown)25:00 - The "lock-in" effect: Choosing a vendor means choosing a country31:00 - Financing SMRs: Why the "First of a Kind" needs government help36:00 - Singapore’s luxury problem: Money vs. Space41:00 - Public perception: Explaining that a reactor is not a bomb46:00 - Space data centers? Elon Musk, nuclear batteries, and the future50:00 - The fuel crunch: Will we run out of uranium?58:00 - The Verdict: Time is running out for a 2050 deadline🎙️ About Green Shift:We are a sustainability podcast focused on real-world solutions and the transition to sustainability. Unlike other shows, we bring together finance, technical, and regional experts to discuss what actually works.Connect with us:Subscribe on Substack; https://substack.com/@greenshift💬 Comment below: Is nuclear the answer to AI’s energy crisis?#sustainabilitypodcast #energytransition #SMR #nuclearenergy #greenshift #sustainablepodcast #southeastasia #AIenergy #decarbonization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shipping moves 80–90% of the world's trade—but it's also one of the hardest industries to decarbonise.In this episode of Green Shift, David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian sit down with Riccardo Barbiellini, maritime and energy transition specialist at Bureau Veritas' Future Shipping Team. Riccardo works at the intersection of shipping, regulation, and decarbonisation, helping one of the world's most essential sectors navigate the shift to a low-carbon future.We explore:• What a sustainable ASEAN port city looks like in 2040• The IMO's MEPC 83 meeting and why political risk is slowing investment• Ammonia as a fuel: safety, toxicity, and whether it's a real solution• Where investment is actually going right now (LNG, AI, and efficiency)• Why top-down regulation is essential for hard-to-abate sectors• Singapore's MPA grants and the "sandbox" approach to ammonia trials• Biofuels from palm oil: plug-and-play potential vs. traceability problems• Nuclear-powered commercial shipping: silver bullet or essential option?• Bureau Veritas' timeline for commercially viable SMR vessels (2040)• Floating nuclear power plants for island nationsResources mentioned in this episode:White paper on nuclear energy in shipping:https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com/newsroom/bureau-veritas-contributes-new-industry-white-paper-role-nuclear-energy-shippingTechnical review on maritime nuclear development:https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com/newsroom/maritime-nuclear-developmentRead the deeper dive:Prefer reading to listening? Each episode is turned into a rich, detailed blog post with additional analysis and context:https://greenshift.substack.comFollow Green Shift:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/[YOUR_CHANNEL_ID]?sub_confirmation=1About Green Shift:Green Shift makes sense of the energy transition—from net zero and carbon markets to nuclear, renewables, and the policies shaping our future. Hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Asia-Pacific build a cross-border carbon capture system—and make it actually work?In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host James Balzer sit down with Kevin Pang (SVP at FutureScaleX) to unpack one of the most complex—and potentially transformative—climate solutions: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).From Japan’s push to export CO₂, to Southeast Asia’s vast storage potential, this conversation explores the real-world challenges of turning CCS into a regional, scalable system.🎯 Key Topics Covered:What CCS actually is (pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-fuel explained simply)Why transport—not storage—is the biggest bottleneck in Asia-PacificThe geopolitics of cross-border CO₂ (Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia)The economics: can CCS ever be commercially viable?Carbon credits vs real costs—where’s the tipping point?The role of state-owned enterprises and government incentivesWhy ASEAN’s geography (ports + industry clusters) is a hidden advantageThe governance challenge: tracking CO₂ across borders (MRV systems)CCS as a transition solution, not a permanent fixAnd the big idea: could CO₂ become a valuable resource instead of waste?💡 Standout Insight:If CO₂ can be converted into products like ethylene, it could unlock real market demand—turning climate policy into economic opportunity.🌱 Why This Matters:Asia-Pacific is at the center of global growth—and emissions. Getting CCS right here could define whether the region can balance development with decarbonisation.🔗 Related Episodes:Check out our previous deep dive on CCS governance https://youtu.be/uH5R-8oSOW8?si=rbGnpAgd1p6O3KWz🔗Download James' policy brief, "Diagnosing Governance Dysfunctionsof CCS in Indonesia" https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ca134fed-3c95-42d1-bf19-decdd72df6d1/CSER_PB08_Diagnosing%20Governance%20Dysfunctions%20o.pdf👍 Like, subscribe, and follow Green Shift for more conversations on the transition to a sustainable economy—through an Asia-focused lens.#CarbonCapture #CCS #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #AsiaPacific #ClimateTech #Decarbonisation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

♻️ Can Aloe Vera Power the Future? Inside the World’s First Aloe-Based Battery | Green Shift PodcastWhat if the batteries in your remote control, toys, or clocks were 100% eco-friendly, biodegradable, and even more powerful than regular alkaline batteries? 🌱🔋This episode of Green Shift welcomes Nimisha Varma, co-founder of Aloe E-Cell, and Kash Singh, founder of Primea.Earth, to explore one of the most intriguing sustainability innovations coming out of India: batteries powered by aloe vera.Aloe E-Cell has created a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to traditional household batteries—designed not only to perform better, but also to eliminate the massive e-waste problem created by the 89 billion batteries thrown away globally every year.In this episode, you'll learn:Why aloe vera is surprisingly ideal as a battery materialHow Aloe E-Cell batteries deliver 1.5x more performance than conventional AAsWhat “100% eco-friendly” really means in the context of battery chemistryHow discarded batteries can be upcycled into fertilizer through their patented processThe challenges of setting up a circular economy system across IndiaWhy human behaviour is hard to change—but products can be redesigned to make sustainability effortlessThe founders' journey: the setbacks, breakthroughs, and unwavering belief behind the innovationTheir plans for AAA, button cells, rechargeable batteries, and future high-energy applicationsWhether you’re interested in sustainability, circular economy solutions, climate tech innovation, or the entrepreneurial stories behind world-changing ideas, this is a must-listen.🔋 About Aloe E-CellAloe E-Cell is the world’s first aloe vera–based battery company, offering biodegradable, non-toxic AA batteries that outperform conventional alkaline options. They are currently expanding across India, Singapore, Mauritius, and beyond.https://www.aloeecell.com/🌿 About Primea.EarthPrimea.Earth distributes sustainable products—including Aloe E-Cell batteries—in Singapore and Malaysia while promoting circular economy solutions.https://primea.earth/🎧 Listen to Green ShiftA sustainability podcast hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian, featuring innovators and leaders accelerating the transition to a greener economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Green Shift, we ask the hard questions behind Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), sustainable finance, and carbon disclosure with Professor Ben Charoenwong of INSEAD. His research digs into how markets, data, and politics shape what we call “sustainability” — and why the biggest challenge may not be money, but misaligned incentives and bad measurement.From greenwashing and carbon taxes to the role of sovereign wealth funds and banks in Asia’s energy transition, this wide-ranging conversation breaks down: ✅ Why the number one predictor of ESG scores is size, not sustainability ✅ How politics and policy distort what counts as “green” ✅ Why disclosure and rule of law matter more than PR ✅ And how the real challenge isn’t an abundance of capital — it’s allocation.🎙️ Hosted by David Austin, with co-hosts Dr. Victor Nian and Dini Sandys from the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER).#GreenShift #SustainableFinance #ESG #Greenwashing #ClimateFinance #EnergyTransition #Singapore #INSEAD #CSER Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), sustainability by design isn’t a slogan — it’s a mission.In this episode of Green Shift, hosts David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian speak with Ms. Corinna Choong, Chief Sustainability Officer and pioneer staff member at SUTD, about how the university is using design, technology, and research to drive sustainability impact — from AI-powered urban planning to biodiversity mapping and nature-based cooling on campus.Ms Choong also reflects on how thoughtful design can transform Southeast Asia’s cities — citing examples from Bangkok and Malaysia that illustrate how architecture, materials, and community planning can all contribute to resilience and decarbonisation.In this episode: 🌳 What “sustainability by design” means at SUTD 🤖 How AI, robotics, and research are reshaping urban systems 🏙️ Singapore’s role as a living lab for the region 💡 Real-world examples of sustainable design across Southeast Asia 💰 Breaking down barriers in green finance and policy 👩‍🎓 Advice for young innovators leading the next generation of change🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired to design boldly, act locally, and collaborate regionally.#Sustainability #DesignThinking #GreenShift #Singapore #SUTD #EnergyTransition #SoutheastAsia #ClimateAction #UrbanDesign #Innovation #AI #SmartCities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Singapore Achieve 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity? | Green Shift Podcast with Transition ZeroSingapore is exploring how to power the future—clean, round the clock. 🌞⚡🌙In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host Dr. Victor Nian speak with Isabella Suarez, Policy Analyst at Transition Zero, about their new report on 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE).They discuss: 🔹 How renewable energy certificates (RECs) and hourly matching actually work 🔹 Why the shift from annual to hourly carbon accounting matters 🔹 The role of batteries, interconnectors, and data transparency in Asia’s clean energy future 🔹 What it will take for Singapore to hit its 2050 net-zero targetTransition Zero’s research shows how modeling, transparency, and smart policy design can help countries decarbonize efficiently—without breaking the system.🔗 Learn about their webinar here: https://www.transitionzero.org/events/singapore-cfe🎧 Tune in to learn how 24/7 carbon-free energy could reshape Southeast Asia’s power markets and what it means for companies, policymakers, and investors.#GreenShift #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #Singapore #TransitionZero #CarbonFreeElectricity #CleanEnergy #NetZero #CSER #VictorNian #DavidAustin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌏 Carbon Capture in Indonesia: Governance, Technology, and the Path to Net Zero | Green Shift PodcastDescription:Indonesia is the first country in ASEAN to introduce national carbon capture and storage (CCS) regulations — but can it turn ambition into action?In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host Dr. Victor Nian (Founding Co-Chair, Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources) sit down with James Balzer, strategic foresight practitioner and CSER affiliated expert, to unpack Indonesia’s emerging CCS landscape.They explore:🔹 How carbon capture actually works — and why it matters for developing economies🔹 The governance challenges slowing CCS adoption in Indonesia🔹 Lessons from the Gundih CCS project and Presidential Regulation No. 14 (2024)🔹 The role of markets, regulation, and public trust in the just energy transitionWhether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this deep dive offers a rare look at how climate governance, regulation, and real-world politics intersect in Southeast Asia’s energy future.To register for James' Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workshop-diagnosing-governance-dysfunctions-in-ccs-regulation-in-indonesia-tickets-1814712426719Find James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-balzer/#EnergyTransition #CCS #CarbonCapture #Indonesia #ClimatePolicy #NetZero #Sustainability #GreenShiftPodcast #CSER #JustEnergyTransition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the world's petro-powerhouse going green? 🌱In this episode of Green Shift, we sit down with Dr. Aisha Al-Sarihi, a leading expert on environmental policy, to unpack the dramatic sustainability shift happening across the Gulf region. From Oman's net-zero pledge to massive investments in green hydrogen, the story is changing faster than you think.We explore:⚡️ Why Gulf nations like Oman and the UAE are aggressively pivoting to renewables and a circular economy.💧 The real strategy behind Oman's bid to become a global green hydrogen superpower.🤝 The surprising and powerful alliance forming between the Gulf and Southeast Asia—and what it means for the future of clean energy.💸 The role of massive sovereign wealth funds in financing a global green future.This isn't just about phasing out oil; it's about a multi-trillion dollar economic transformation. Join the conversation as we look beyond the headlines to the real policies, partnerships, and people driving the Green Transition in the heart of the energy world.#GreenShift #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #GulfCountries #Oman #Hydrogen #RenewableEnergy #ASEAN #ClimateAction #NetZero #CleanEnergyFuture #MiddleEast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌍 Green Shift Podcast | Green Fuels with Clarence WooIn this episode of Green Shift, David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian sit down with Clarence Woo, Managing Director of the Global Centre for Green Fuels, to explore the critical role of biofuels and green fuels in Asia’s energy transition.We unpack key questions:What counts as a green fuel?Why is ethanol such an important piece of the puzzle?How do concepts like carbon intensity, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and drop-in fuels fit into the future of transport?What policies and technologies are shaping Southeast Asia’s green energy journey?From fraudulent feedstocks to food-vs-fuel debates, Clarence provides a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of making fuels sustainable, affordable, and scalable.🔑 Highlights:00:00 – Intro: What are green fuels?05:00 – Clarence Woo on founding the Global Centre for Green Fuels08:30 – Why ethanol matters for Asia’s transport sector14:00 – Food vs. fuel: myths and realities20:00 – Sustainability criteria for biofuels25:00 – Effective policies in Asia30:00 – SAF & maritime biofuels35:00 – Governance and the ecosystem approach36:30 – Final thoughts: what most people don’t know about ethanol🎙️ About Green ShiftGreen Shift is a podcast about Asia’s path to a sustainable economy. Hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian, it brings you stories, insights, and conversations with leaders driving the transition to net zero.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on sustainability, climate, and the future of energy.#GreenShift #Podcast #GreenFuels #Biofuels #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #Ethanol #SAF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steel is everywhere — from buildings and cars to wind turbines and solar panels — but it’s also one of the world’s biggest carbon emitters. So how do we decarbonize an industry that makes up 7–11% of global emissions?In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin is joined by co-hosts Dr. Victor Nian (CSER) and Jordan Kronen, along with special guest Hasliza Omar, PhD candidate in energy security at the University of New South Wales. Together, they dive into:🔹 What green steel really means — and how it’s made🔹 The role of hydrogen (green, gray, pink… the whole rainbow!)🔹 Why nuclear could be a game-changer for industrial heat🔹 The geopolitics of high-grade iron ore and hydrogen supply🔹 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM) and what they mean for Asia🔹 The opportunities — and pitfalls — for Southeast Asia in building a green steel ecosystemHasliza also shares her vision of a “green corridor” future where nations cooperate across resources, technology, and finance to power a low-carbon world.🎧 Whether you’re interested in climate tech, industrial policy, or the geopolitics of energy, this episode connects the dots on one of the hardest — and most important — sectors to decarbonize.Timestamps:00:00 Intro – The hydrogen rainbow03:00 How steel is made: traditional vs. green steel06:00 Green hydrogen explained09:00 Nuclear’s role in industrial decarbonization18:00 Why steel is crucial to climate goals20:00 Geopolitics of high-grade iron ore23:00 Australia’s hydrogen dilemma24:00 CBAM and green steel trade27:00 Asia’s unique challenges and opportunities35:00 Policy advice for Southeast Asia39:00 Utopian vs. realistic futures42:00 Closing thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Green Shift, we sit down with Dr. Mary Ann Franco, Senior Consultant and Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia at Aquatera and a global network expert at the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER). Dr. Franco shares her insights from years of research and fieldwork on how off-grid and island communities in Southeast Asia adopt renewable energy.We explore the misconceptions about “easy” renewable adoption, the social and cultural dimensions that often determine whether projects succeed or fail, and the importance of building not just hardware and software, but what she calls “orgware”—the community structures that keep projects running in the long term.From karaoke nights powered by diesel gensets to the role of women as household energy managers, this conversation uncovers the human side of energy transition and why community-led approaches are critical for lasting impact.Show Notes🎙️ Guest: Dr. Mary Ann Franco, Senior Consultant & Regional Coordinator (Southeast Asia) at Aquatera, and CSER Global Expert🌱 Topics Covered:What daily life really looks like in off-grid island communitiesWhy renewable energy projects often fail without social buy-inThe role of women and inclusion in sustainable energy adoptionHow to move from “donation projects” to durable community energy solutionsThe concept of orgware—and why it’s the missing piece in many energy projects🔗 Here are the links to the projects Dr. Franco mentioned:Rural Energy Hub: https://www.braeruralenergyhub.com/https://communityenergy.scot/projects/rural-energy-hubs/https://www.aquatera.co.uk/news/brae-rural-energy-hub-secures-significant-funding-boosting-its-community-impact Ayrton POWERE Project: https://www.ukri.org/news/projects-funded-to-propel-low-carbon-energy-transition/EC10 Wave-Powered Microgrid in Thailand: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/innovate-uk-grants-1-9-million-for-wave-energy-project-in-thailand/#RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #SoutheastAsia #Sustainability #GreenShiftPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Green Shift, we welcome Paul Murphy—nuclear energy veteran and founder of Murphy Energy & Infrastructure Consulting—for a candid conversation about the future of energy.Paul breaks down the total system cost of different energy sources, explains why baseload power matters, and challenges common assumptions about renewables and nuclear. With co-hosts Dr. Victor Nian and Jordan Kronen, this episode goes beyond the headlines to tackle the real math behind the energy transition.🔋 Topics we cover:What "total system cost" really meansWhy LCOE alone can misleadThe case for nuclear in AsiaGrid realities and backup powerDebunking common critiques of nuclearListen if you're curious about:How to balance clean energy, cost, and reliabilityWhat hyperscalers are signaling about future power needsWhether renewables can truly stand alone📌 Green Shift is a podcast that makes sense of sustainability—especially from an Asian perspective.🧠 Hosted by:Jordan Kronen (guest host)Dr. Victor Nian (CSER)🎙️ Guest: Paul MurphySubscribe for future episodes and follow us for deeper dives.Read the policy brief on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) here: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ca134fed-3c95-42d1-bf19-decdd72df6d1/downloads/66be7022-ba09-45d0-b2b6-339a0ddd8ba6/CSER_PB6_SG-MY%20Nuclear%20Energy%20Cooperation_Web.pdf?ver=1752843377572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singapore says it will reach net zero by 2050—but how will it get there?In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin sits down with climate policy expert Melissa Low to unpack Singapore’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), its emissions trajectory, and the risks of relying too heavily on carbon offsets or carbon capture.We discuss:What NDCs are and why they matter under the Paris AgreementSingapore’s peak emissions goal and 2035 reduction targetWhy the word “contribution” (not “commitment”) mattersThe difference between good and bad carbon creditsWhy carbon capture is a major stretch in Singapore’s contextHow international collaboration could support national goals🎙️ Guest: Melissa Low, Research Fellow, National University of Singapore (NUS)Subscribe to Green Shift for more stories from Asia’s frontlines of climate transformation.#GreenShift #ClimatePolicy #Singapore #NetZero #Sustainability #MelissaLow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🇪🇸 Spain’s Sustainability Push in ASEAN: Renewables, Biofuels & the Spain-Singapore Business Summit 🇸🇬In this special episode of Green Shift, host David Austin is joined by co-hosts Dr. Victor Nian and Jordan Kronen to explore Spain’s growing role in Southeast Asia’s energy transition. Featuring Antonio García Rebollar and Daniel Yáñez  from the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain in Singapore, the discussion covers:⚡ Spain’s leadership in renewable energy and how it's supporting ASEAN’s clean energy goals 🌿 The growing role of Spanish companies in solar, wind, hydrogen, biofuels, and nuclear power 🌏 Regional initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid and the digital-green maritime corridor 🤝 What to expect at the upcoming Spain-Singapore Business Summit on July 16, 2025Find out how Spain is building long-term, values-driven partnerships across the region and why ASEAN’s path to net zero could be powered in part by Spanish innovation.🔗 Register for the Summit Here🎧 Subscribe and listen now to join the conversation on building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is carbon pricing, and why is it so important for tackling climate change? In this episode, we break down the mechanics of carbon taxes, emissions trading, and cap‑and‑trade policies — and show how putting a price on carbon can drive down emissions while supporting economic growth.Joined by Dr Shreekant Gupta, a veteran economist specializing in climate and sustainability, we explore how carbon pricing works across different countries, why it needs to be tailored to national circumstances, and how it incentivizes innovation and cleaner energy. We also unpack the role of global frameworks like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the Paris Agreement, and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).From understanding “net zero” and the “social cost of carbon” to tackling questions of equity, international trade, and the future of climate policy in Asia, this conversation is a must‑watch for anyone interested in climate solutions, economic resilience, and global cooperation.Topics covered:✅ What is carbon pricing and why does it matter?✅ Cap‑and‑trade vs. carbon taxes vs. offset markets✅ The role of pricing in achieving net‑zero emissions✅ EU ETS, CBAM, and global climate trade tensions✅ Challenges and opportunities for Asia and the global SouthRead the report: Carbon Tax in an Evolving Carbon Economy: Policy Design & Digital Innovations🌍 Listen now and learn how carbon pricing can help build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future.#CarbonPricing #ClimatePolicy #EmissionsTrading #CapAndTrade #Sustainability #ClimateChange Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when two experts you respect disagree?That was the question at the heart of this episode.Our guest, Assaad Razzouk is CEO of Gurīn Energy, a renewable energy company based in Singapore and is also known as The Angry Clean Energy Guy on his podcast of the same name.And he is the author of Saving the Planet Without the Bullshit. What they don’t tell you about the Climate Crises, which has been a big influence on many of us.Not too long ago Razzouk had an episode of his podcast where he really tore into nuclear energy, saying its expensive, polluting, takes a long time to build, and that it is not necessary to solve the climate crisis and any attempt to do so is just a waste of time, effort, and money that would be better spent on developing renewables.Green Shift co-host Dr Victor Nian happens to be an expert in nuclear energy, and he’s made a compelling argument for including it as a key ingredient in the energy mix of carbon-free energy.Hear how we hash it out it in our first episode and let us know what you think! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Green Shift is a collaboration between Austin Media, the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER) and Organizational Analytics.Everyone on the team met while working with the Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). We're excited to carry that relationship forward post-IES. We'll be covering everything from a just energy transition to carbon credits, sustainable cooling, ASEAN regional cooperation, green taxonomy, green financing, to the water energy food nexus.One of our early inspirations came from Singapore’s Assaad Razzouk—also known as The Angry Clean Energy Guy—who has passionately argued against nuclear power. He believes it’s expensive, polluting, slow to build, and unnecessary for solving the climate crisis. In his view, investing in nuclear is a distraction from developing renewables.But CSER co-founder and Green Shift co-host Dr. Victor Nian is one of Southeast Asia’s leading experts on nuclear energy, hydrogen, and net-zero strategies. His work focuses on long-term energy planning, industrial development, and technology cooperation.So I was eager to hear Victor’s take. We recorded a segment exploring Razzouk’s arguments in detail. Which you will hear on this episode. But first, I’m thrilled to share that Assaad Razzouk has agreed to be one of our first podcast guests. We'll be recording with him in early June, with an official launch soon after.Please like and subscribe so you can hear the first "official" episode when it drops.Warmly,David AustinFounder, Austin MediaCo-host, Green Shift Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.