Green Pulse Episode 26: A Covid-19 tide of trash; and implications for marine life

16:00 mins

Synopsis: Green Pulse is an environmental podcast series at The Straits Times which analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. 

The Covid-19 lockdowns have led to improved environmental outcomes in some instances, such as improved air quality, but the outlook is not all rosy. On the back of Singapore’s Year Toward Zero Waste in 2019, a survey done by alumni from the National University of Singapore’s Master of Science (Environmental Management) programme found that 1,334 tonnes of additional plastic waste, equivalent to the weight of 92 double-decker buses, was generated from takeaway and delivery meals within the 8-week circuit breaker period between Apr 7 and June 1. 

Globally, the rise of disposables in the form of single-use plastics, face masks and personal protective equipment due to hygiene concerns has led to concerns that these items may end up as litter in public places, and eventually make their way into the ocean. This could have implications for marine biodiversity.

Tune in to this episode to find out more, as The Straits Times chats with Ms Shaleen Shahrin on the survey findings and Dr Neo Mei Lin, a marine biologist at the Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, on the implications of marine debris on life underwater.

Produced by: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) & Ernest Luis

Follow Audrey Tan on Twitter

Follow David Fogarty on Twitter

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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Green Pulse Episode 26: A Covid-19 tide of trash; and implications for marine life
16:00 mins
Synopsis: Green Pulse is an environmental podcast series at The Straits Times which analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.&nbsp;
The Covid-19 lockdowns have led to improved environmental outcomes in some instances, such as improved air quality, but the outlook is not all rosy. On the back of Singapore&rsquo;s Year Toward Zero Waste in 2019, a survey done by alumni from the National University of Singapore&rsquo;s Master of Science (Environmental Management) programme found that 1,334 tonnes of additional plastic waste, equivalent to the weight of 92 double-decker buses, was generated from takeaway and delivery meals within the 8-week circuit breaker period between Apr 7 and June 1.&nbsp;
Globally, the rise of disposables in the form of single-use plastics, face masks and personal protective equipment due to hygiene concerns has led to concerns that these items may end up as litter in public places, and eventually make their way into the ocean. This could have implications for marine biodiversity.
Tune in to this episode to find out more, as The Straits Times chats with Ms Shaleen Shahrin on the survey findings and Dr Neo Mei Lin, a marine biologist at the Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, on the implications of marine debris on life underwater.
Produced by: <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/audrey-tan">Audrey Tan</a> (audreyt@sph.com.sg) &amp; <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/david-fogarty">David Fogarty</a> (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) &amp; Ernest Luis
Follow Audrey Tan on <a href="https://twitter.com/audreytrp">Twitter</a>
Follow David Fogarty on <a href="https://twitter.com/FogartyClimate">Twitter</a>
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Green Pulse Podcast series and rate us on:

Synopsis: Our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases our discussions on Singapore youth perspectives and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, money, career, sports, pop culture and music. 

Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST's app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.

Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

Synopsis: Our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases our discussions on Singapore youth perspectives and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, money, career, sports, pop culture and music. 
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST's app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis &amp; The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.

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