It's been said that one of Yeb Sano’s defining moments came during the 2013 UN Climate Summit in Warsaw, where, as the Philippines Chief Negotiator, he delivered an emotional appeal and underwent 14 days of fasting in solidarity with Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) victims, and all those already faced with the impacts of the climate crisis. With nearly two decades of experience working to combat climate change, Yeb is the Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, and has been tirelessly working towards achieving social and environmental justice, especially for developing nations. Ahead of World Environment Day, we speak to Yeb about issues related to the climate crisis, and how he is campaigning for the defense of ancient forests, and against carbon polluters.



Image credit: Nitin Bhardwaj/flickr

It's been said that one of Yeb Sano’s defining moments came during the 2013 UN Climate Summit in Warsaw, where, as the Philippines Chief Negotiator, he delivered an emotional appeal and underwent 14 days of fasting in solidarity with Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) victims, and all those already faced with the impacts of the climate crisis. With nearly two decades of experience working to combat climate change, Yeb is the Executive Director of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greenpeace.org/">Greenpeace Southeast Asia</a>, and has been tirelessly working towards achieving social and environmental justice, especially for developing nations. Ahead of World Environment Day, we speak to Yeb about issues related to the climate crisis, and how he is campaigning for the defense of ancient forests, and against carbon polluters.Image credit: Nitin Bhardwaj/flickr

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

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There's No Planet B: Climate Justice Heroes: Yeb Sano

As the world edges deeper into geopolitical uncertainty, climate advocates are warning that the costs could extend far beyond the battlefield, from diverted public funds to delayed climate action. With two major global climate convenings just around the corner, the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and COP31 later this year, the urgency to align regional priorities has never been greater. At a recent regional gathering convened by Climate Action Network Southeast Asia and its partners, stakeholders came together to chart a path forward that prioritises energy sovereignty and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We speak to Nithi Nesadurai, Director & Regional Coordinator at Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA), about the outcomes of that meeting, and what is at stake in the lead-up to these critical global discussions.

As the world edges deeper into geopolitical uncertainty, climate advocates are warning that the costs could extend far beyond the battlefield, from diverted public funds to delayed climate action. With two major global climate convenings just around the corner, the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and COP31 later this year, the urgency to align regional priorities has never been greater. At a recent regional gathering convened by Climate Action Network Southeast Asia and its partners, stakeholders came together to chart a path forward that prioritises energy sovereignty and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We speak to Nithi Nesadurai, Director &amp; Regional Coordinator at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cansea.net/">Climate Action Network Southeast Asia</a> (CANSEA), about the outcomes of that meeting, and what is at stake in the lead-up to these critical global discussions.

Climate Action Amid Rising Global Tensions

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is the show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. Together with co-host Jennifer Neoh Tan, bookshop manager of Sunda Shelves, we speak to Mimi Salleh, an author, illustrator and publisher of Casa Kids Book, a Malaysian children’s imprint known for picture books that explore environmental themes, social awareness, and the Sustainable Development Goals, all through stories created for young readers. We discuss the books that shaped Mimi’s own relationship with nature, how Casa Kids Book approaches storytelling about sustainability, and why stories for children can sometimes be one of the most powerful ways to change how we see the world.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is the show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. Together with co-host Jennifer Neoh Tan, bookshop manager of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/sundashelves">Sunda Shelves</a>, we speak to Mimi Salleh, an author, illustrator and publisher of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/casakidsbook/">Casa Kids Book</a>, a Malaysian children’s imprint known for picture books that explore environmental themes, social awareness, and the Sustainable Development Goals, all through stories created for young readers. We discuss the books that shaped Mimi’s own relationship with nature, how Casa Kids Book approaches storytelling about sustainability, and why stories for children can sometimes be one of the most powerful ways to change how we see the world.

Nature Reads: Raising Eco-Aware Kids Through Stories 

For decades, Dr. Jane Goodall inspired generations to believe that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through Roots & Shoots, that belief has grown into a global movement led by young people taking action in their own communities. We speak to TP Lim, President of Roots & Shoots Malaysia, and Keilly Lim, Project Manager of the Roots & Shoots Malaysia Award (RASMA), to discuss how that legacy continues here in Malaysia, and how youth can join the 2026 cycle of RASMA. RASMA was created to instill hope and encourage Malaysian youths to go beyond awareness and bring positive change to their environment and communities. 

For decades, Dr. Jane Goodall inspired generations to believe that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through Roots &amp; Shoots, that belief has grown into a global movement led by young people taking action in their own communities. We speak to TP Lim, President of<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rootsandshoots.my/"> Roots &amp; Shoots Malaysia</a>, and Keilly Lim, Project Manager of the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rootsandshootsaward.my/"> Roots &amp; Shoots Malaysia Award</a> (RASMA), to discuss how that legacy continues here in Malaysia, and how youth can join the 2026 cycle of RASMA. RASMA was created to instill hope and encourage Malaysian youths to go beyond awareness and bring positive change to their environment and communities.&nbsp;

There's No Planet B: Climate Justice Heroes: Yeb Sano

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