Esther An, Dr. Nalini and Qiyun Woo on the serious issue of climate change and why we must act now

The ice caps are melting, the sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming the new normal. The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it’s a present reality. As the planet groans under the weight of the actions of humans, a new wave of female voices is rising, armed with knowledge, driven by passion, and ready to ignite a movement for change. This isn’t just about recycling or using reusable bags; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we live, consume, and interact with the world around us.

Spark of inspiration

Qiyun Woo, the creative brains behind @theweirdandwild, recalls having a sense of wonder about the natural world, her childhood fascination with animals and the profound impact of conservationists like Steve Irwin. Dr. Nalini Puniamoorthy, an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore’s Department of Biological Sciences, shares that she was always “encouraged to be curious and to ask questions” and when she was 15 and participated in a biotech competition to convert used sugarcane fibres into paper, that “early curiosity flamed into an utter fascination with biology.”

Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer at City Developments Limited (CDL), has always had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. “I was a curious, sporty, hyperactive, and sociable child in school—the type that never sat still and always asked questions,” she shares. “These are the traits that contributed immensely to my career as an active sustainability practitioner and advocate, and as a positive thinker who “never says die” and never stops dreaming and pushing for new ideas.” She joined CDL as a new mother, spurred by a motivation to create a more sustainable future for her kids and her kids’ children.

This initial spark, whether it stems from a love of animals or a consideration for future generations, is often the catalyst for a lifelong commitment and passion for environmental stewardship.

The urgency of now

Dr. Puniamoorthy emphasizes the sheer scale of the challenge, reminding us that “modern human activities are currently driving an unparalleled sixth mass extinction with a rate of losing species that may even be 1000 times higher than the natural extinction rates.” Her words paint a stark picture of the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for immediate and decisive action.

“Modern human activities are currently driving an unparalleled sixth mass extinction with a rate of losing species that may even be 1000 times higher than the natural extinction rates.” Woo resonates with the urgency saying, “The impact of our changing climate is felt everywhere and we cannot deny that how we are living our lives is incompatible with a liveable planet.” She also advocates for conscious consumerism, repairing instead of buying new, mindful engagement with nature, and active participation in local climate policies.

Dr. Puniamoorthy highlights the cumulative effect of individual choices, from energy-efficient appliances, buying local produce, to supporting eco-conscious businesses. These seemingly small actions, when multiplied across communities, can create a powerful wave of change. Dr. Puniamoorthy stresses that while systemic changes are crucial, individual actions also hold immense power. “A collective shift in consumer behavior can influence markets, policy makers and societal norms,” she explains.

Amplifying our impact

With three decades of leading the charge for sustainability at CDL, An understands the power of collective action on a grand scale. Sustainability is not just about policies and strategies; it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and behaviour. From architects and engineers to contractors and suppliers, she emphasises the need for coordinated efforts to combat the climate crisis. An has proved that environmental responsibility and economic success can go hand in hand - the company achieved a 24% reduction in carbon emissions intensity from 2016 to 2022. And An’s efforts and impacts have been recognised at a global level - she is Singapore’s first United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer and was on the 2023 TIME100 Climate list.

To facilitate global climate action, CDL launched the Singapore Sustainability Academy (SSA) in 2017 to serve as a collaborative platform for businesses, academia, non-governmental organisations, and the public to drive greater impact. It is the first zero-energy facility in Singapore and serves as a hub for climate action, to encourage networking, research and development and community engagements. Last year, they opened an annex to meet the demand for collaborative spaces, conference facilities and knowledge sharing. The official launch of the SSA Annex showcased innovators like TA.LE, ChopValue, City Sprouts and Vidacity, Aerosprings, resavour and Fogo Fungi.

Innovation and hope

With 2024 being the warmest year in recorded history, CDL’s new strategic focus “Cooling by Greening” seeks to combat this crisis and continues to explore new frontiers in how they design, construct, and manage their properties, applying new solutions and technologies to accelerate change in harmony with nature.

From new solar technologies to nature-based solutions, Dr. Puniamoorthy emphasises the potential for scientific advancements to create a more sustainable future. Currently working on a project which uses Black Soldier Flies (BSF) for food waste management, the project demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary research to address pressing environmental challenges. BSF eggs are used by the Sustainability @ Tampines Project, Singapore’s first and biggest community-based circular ecosystem which uses BSF bioconversion to take residents food waste and farm Tilapia in their ponds and grow vegetables in vertical gardens.

“They present an emerging, sustainable solution for circular food systems,” she explains, highlighting the potential for innovative solutions to transform our relationship with waste. Singapore imports nearly 90% of our food and yet, we waste nearly 800,000 tonnes of it annually.

Knowledge is power

Dr Sylvia Earle, world-renowned marine biologist, said: “Knowing is the key to caring, and with caring there is hope that people will be motivated to take positive actions. They might not care even if they know, but they can’t care if they are unaware.” Which is why An’s favourite project thus far is the CDL Green Gallery at the 166-year-old Botanic Gardens, the only tropical garden, to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Opened by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2013, it is the first zero-energy gallery in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific dedicated to climate education and advocacy. The gallery has staged 22 exhibitions and has had over 410,000 visitors since its opening. “We Love Our Planet” - the current exhibition is presented by CDL, NParks and National Geographic, and runs till 31 May 2025.

Qiyun’s approach to advocacy focuses on making complex environmental issues more accessible with comics. “I try to demystify and simplify some of these things so that people can have access to information more easily, to make decisions or answer questions that they might be having,” she explains. Her work highlights the importance of clear communication and education in empowering individuals to make informed choices.

Empowering you

All three women share a deep commitment to empowering the present and next generation. “If fear is what’s stopping you, find ways to be brave. Just do it, even if everyone’s telling you how hard it will be,” Woo advises. Dr. Puniamoorthy, as an academic, emphasises the importance of mentorship and guidance in shaping young minds. “I was fortunate to encounter excellent educators and mentors in my academic journey and I am proud to be taking on that role now at NUS,” she says.

An stresses the importance of engaging people on three levels - heart, head, and hands. Evoking emotional connection, providing knowledge, and turning awareness into tangible action are essential for driving meaningful change. Without these three components working together, progress remains slow. “Women, in particular, hold a unique position as decision-makers—whether in homes, workplaces, or society. Their influence can drive change at multiple levels, making them powerful agents for sustainability,” she believes.

“Women, in particular, hold a unique position as decision-makers — whether in homes, workplaces, or society. Their influence can drive change at multiple levels, making them powerful agents for sustainability.”

The message is clear: knowing is indeed the key to caring, and with caring comes the hope and the motivation to take action. As a small low- lying island state, climate change is an existential challenge for Singapore. The time to act is now.

In honour of International Women’s Day and Singapore’s 60th year, we’re celebrating the extraordinary women who have shaped its story. With Shiseido’s support, we honour the Advocators who are amplifying marginalised voices – and building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Singapore. 

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.