Metro Talks on Sustainability, Climate, and Disasters

“Every person, in every country in every continent will be impacted in some shape or form by climate change. There’s a climate cataclysm looming, and we are underprepared for what this could be,” thus begin Goal 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs or 2030 Agenda).

And as the world transforms its energy, industry, transport, food, agriculture, and forestry systems to keep the temperature rise to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius; we talked to leaders in sustainability about different ways of approaching climate change based on the industries they’re in.

Discussion on these concerns couldn’t have come at a better time, with the recent conclusion of COP28 which gave rise to a new yet polarizing climate deal that calls for a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, but also gave rise to some some agreements such as a climate damage fund, as well as a new emphasis on the food and health agenda.

We also talked about how their advocacies led to their professional growth in different industries, combatting misinformation, and their recommendations on practical tips for adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.

This Metro Talks Series will kick off with leaders and personalities making waves in sustainability, environment, disaster relief, and regeneration: from Sonalie Figueiras of Hong Kong, the editor-in-chief and founder of Green Queen Media, the environmental researcher Dr. Renard Siew of Malaysia, as well as Pritzker Prize 2014 awardee, architect Shigeru Ban who’s been known for his innovative work with paper to quickly and efficiently house disaster buildings.

Other personalities covering interests in sustainable fashion, upcycling, the climate crisis, conservation, green homes and materials, sustainable communities, food sustainability, and regeneration, are set to follow next year.

The personalities

Sonalie Figueiras

Sonalie Figueiras, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in sustainability and recognized among Prestige’s 2021 Women of Power, has made significant strides as a speaker at two TEDx events. Widely acclaimed as Asia's "Green Queen," she leads the acclaimed Green Queen platform, a beacon for social and environmental transformation. This award-winning site stands out for its compelling, original content, particularly its status as a leading source of news on alternative protein, a critical area in sustainable living. Green Queen has earned the distinction of being APAC's most visited sustainability media outlet, a testament to its impact and reach.

Beyond this, Figueiras's entrepreneurial spirit extends to her role as the founder and CEO of Ekowarehouse. This global sourcing platform revolutionizes access to certified organic products, marking a significant step in sustainable commerce. Further amplifying her commitment to environmental stewardship, she co-founded and leads SourceGreenPackaging.com. This pioneering global marketplace for sustainable packaging boldly confronts the challenge of single-use plastic waste, positioning itself at the forefront of eco-friendly solutions.

Dr. Renard Siew 

Dr. Renard Siew, an alumnus of prestigious institutions including Cambridge University and the University of New South Wales, stands out as an expert in sustainability and climate change. He lends his expertise as a climate change adviser to the Centre for Governance and Political Studies (CENT-GPS), contributing significantly to the field. His exceptional leadership and contributions have been recognized through accolades such as being named among Asia’s 21 Young Leaders by Asia Society and receiving the honor of Young Leader at the World Cities Summit.

In Malaysia, Dr. Siew's dedication to environmental causes has been celebrated with the 10 Outstanding Young Malaysians award and the distinction of being one of Malaysia's Top 10 Most Inspiring Green Warriors. His impact extends internationally, having co-chaired the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and collaborated with various cause-oriented councils, underscoring his commitment to global sustainability initiatives.

Architect Shigeru Ban

Shigeru Ban, an esteemed Japanese architect, is celebrated for his innovative integration of Japanese and American design elements. His groundbreaking work, recognized with the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2014, is characterized by the pioneering use of cardboard tubes in building construction. Ban's architectural portfolio is replete with temporary, prefabricated structures, showcasing his unique approach to incorporating inexpensive and unconventional materials. His talent and visionary approach were acknowledged by Time magazine, which featured him as a key 21st-century innovator in architecture and design.

In response to the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, Ban designed the 'paper log house,' a temporary housing solution for disaster victims, exemplifying his commitment to humanitarian design. His architectural style, a harmonious blend of functionality, sustainability, and societal impact, leaves a profound impression. Ban's work spans various domains, including Paper Tube Structures, Disaster Relief Architecture, Nomadic Architecture, Humanitarian Design, Sustainable Innovations, and Hybrid Structures, each reflecting his belief in the transformative power of architecture.

Metro Talks with Sonalie Figueiras

For the Metro Talks of Sonalie Figueiras, she talked about critical insights on sustainability and climate action:

Challenges in Achieving Climate Goals: She expresses skepticism about meeting the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius target, stating, "I don't think that's going to actually happen." This reflects her concern over the current pace of global efforts and the complex interplay of factors hindering effective climate action.

Complex Challenges in Sustainability: She highlights the multifaceted challenges in addressing climate change. This includes the dilemma faced by corporations torn between profit and sustainability, consumers grappling with either apathy or anxiety towards climate issues, and the overarching economic system that prioritizes shareholder capitalism over environmental costs.

Misinformation and Media's Role: Sonalie points out the pervasive issue of bias, misinformation, and disinformation in mainstream and social media, complicating the public's ability to discern facts and impeding effective climate action.

Personal Advocacy and Engagement: In discussing her approach to advocacy, Sonalie reveals her strategy: "I really try to come from a place of asking questions." This approach is about engaging others in meaningful conversations about sustainability without overwhelming or alienating them. She emphasizes finding common ground and understanding individual motivators to encourage greener choices, advocating for incremental changes rather than drastic lifestyle overhauls.

Practical Tips for Individual Impact: She underscores two primary areas where individuals can make significant environmental impacts: reducing consumerism and altering dietary habits. Sonalie suggests trying a month without buying non-essential items and reducing food waste and high-emission foods from one's diet. She acknowledges the limitations of individual actions in the absence of broader policy changes but encourages personal responsibility as part of a collective effort toward sustainability. However, she also notes the limitations of individual actions, stressing the need for systemic changes: "Individual consumers cannot solve the climate crisis without a change in policy at national and international levels."

Watch the rest of the videos on Metro.style’s sustainability section.

First Philippine Holdings (FPH)  is a pioneering holding company with principal interests in clean and renewable energy, real estate, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and education. FPH is a member of the Lopez Group of Companies.