Prioritizing environmental challenges beyond academia

MANILA, Philippines — The world’s biggest environmental problem, with the potential to severely harm humanity, is climate change. It is a multifaceted crisis that intensifies other ecological challenges and directly threatens the survival and well-being of people across the globe.

Global temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. This leads to severe weather patterns such as heatwaves, droughts and heavy storms. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers and ice caps contribute to flooding and displacement in coastal cities and low-lying countries, risking the lives of millions of people.

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, cyclones and wildfires. These events devastate infrastructure, ecosystems and human lives; impact food and water security and disrupt agricultural productivity through droughts, floods and shifting growing seasons.

Climate change also leads to water scarcity, especially in arid regions. Threats to biodiversity, rising temperatures and habitat destruction are causing mass extinctions of plant and animal species.

Loss of biodiversity weakens ecosystems, making them less resilient. Health risks include an increase in heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases (due to air pollution) and vector-borne diseases like malaria. This strains healthcare systems globally.

Millions face displacement, creating “climate refugees,” impacting economies, especially in vulnerable regions, through loss of livelihoods and increased disaster recovery costs.

While climate change is the biggest environmental threat, solutions exist. One solution is the transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Reducing deforestation and increasing reforestation efforts are equally crucial. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthening global cooperation through agreements like the Paris Accord, and advocating for sustainable practices in industries, communities and governments are key steps. Mitigating climate change requires international action, but with innovation, commitment and cooperation, it’s possible to minimize its impacts and build a sustainable future.

By equipping students with in-depth knowledge, practical experience and interdisciplinary skills, this curriculum ensures they are well-prepared to lead in environmental protection and sustainable development, benefiting their careers and contributing to a better future.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science in Environmental Management (MEM) is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary graduate degree program that taps into the deep expertise of six NUS academic units in areas pertinent to environmental and sustainability management. Since it was launched about 20 years ago, the MEM program has attracted students from around the world.

This program offers students multidisciplinary competencies from professors who are specialists in their fields, as well as experts from established local and international environmental agencies and organizations.

Students dive deep into various environmental management subjects during classroom lessons, turn theoretical knowledge into practical experience through the Capstone Project and gain a wider perspective (and possibly a wider network) via seminars featuring prominent practitioners and researchers from Singapore and abroad. Graduates receive an internationally recognized Master’s Degree that opens doors to influential roles at mid- and senior-managerial levels in both the public and private sectors, particularly in the ASEAN region.

A Master of Science in Environmental Management is critical for ensuring a healthier planet and equitable resource distribution by training professionals who can lead and implement sustainable practices across sectors.

Graduates of this program are change-makers poised to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and society. The curriculum provides numerous benefits for students, professionals and society.

An MSc in Environmental Management (MEM) is a postgraduate degree program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to address environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions. This degree is highly interdisciplinary, blending environmental science, engineering, law, policy, economics, business and management principles.