The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) was proud to serve as Climate Science Partner for AlterCOP30, a Singapore-led initiative that convened local voices to discuss key COP30 themes and catalyse climate solutions rooted in science and local contexts. Under the theme Cultivating Hope, Driving Impact, AlterCOP30 brought together researchers, practitioners, and community members through a series of talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. EOS scientists and staff shared the latest climate research and engaged with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating how science can inform action and support a more resilient future.
EOS representatives with the founders of AlterCOP after the interactive session ‘Singapore, Ready to Adapt to +3 degrees?’ (Credit: Earth Observatory of Singapore)
Sharing EOS research: From the lab to solutions on the ground
EOS researchers showcased how scientific insights can translate into tangible solutions for climate challenges in Singapore and Southeast Asia, to inspire and scale-up science-based climate solutions.
Climate mitigation remained a central focus of COP discussions, which emphasised the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to clean energy in order to stay on the lowest emissions pathway and limit climate impacts. Assistant Professor Luca Dal Zilio, from EOS and the Asian School of the Environment (ASE), contributed to the discussion by presenting the potential of geothermal energy in ASEAN. Drawing on his expertise in physics-based modelling to understand system behaviour, Asst Prof Dal Zilio explored how countries in the region can harness clean energy from the Pacific Ring of Fire. His talk addressed both the opportunities and challenges of unlocking geothermal resources to strengthen Southeast Asia’s renewable energy mix.
It is now recognised that loss of biodiversity and climate change are intrinsically intertwined, and that solutions addressing one can also help tackle the other. Bringing this topic to a regional level, Asst Prof Kyle Morgan, from EOS and ASE, highlighted the state of corals in Singapore and Southeast Asia. These coral ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity and protecting coastlines from erosion. Despite their resilience, even Singapore’s corals face increasing threats from land and coastal development. Asst Prof Morgan demonstrated how his data-driven research that combines ecological and geological datasets to assess how coral reef degradation affects coastal resilience can guide conservation strategies to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
Assistant Professor Kyle Morgan delivering an expert talk ‘The State of Corals in Singapore and Southeast Asia', during AlterCOP30 (Credit: Earth Observatory of Singapore)
Having the conversations that matter
A core objective of both COP30 and AlterCOP30 was to convene diverse sectors to examine the social, technological, and financial dimensions of climate action, as well as the challenges of translating ambition into implementation. Key enablers include responsibly harnessing new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). To discuss this topic, Dr Iuna Tsyrulneva, a Research Fellow at EOS, joined other panellists who shared insights on conscious consumption of AI, how it can support climate solutions when used responsibly through thoughtful regulation, ethical considerations, and awareness of its environmental footprint.
In an evening session focused on resilience and adaptation, Professor Adam Switzer, who leads the Climate Transformation Programme, tackled one of the most pressing questions in climate action: funding. He joined a panel discussion about the current mechanisms, emerging trends, and the challenges involved in mobilising finance for a resilient and climate-ready world. In a world that is by nature uncertain, Prof Switzer emphasised the need to invest in research to better understand the risks we are facing.
Professor Adam Switzer speaking during a panel discussion titled ‘How to find the 1.3 trillion a year to fund the adaptation gap?’ during AlterCOP30 (Credit: Earth Observatory of Singapore)
Imagining Singapore a hundred years into the future
Participants in the session ‘Singapore, Ready to Adapt to +3 degrees?’, creating a postcard from the future for a site near St. Andrews Rd and Coleman Rd (Credit: AlterCOP30)
EOS also hosted an interactive session designed to spark creative thinking about life in a warmer world. The session featured expert talks by Dr Timothy Shaw, a Research Fellow a EOS, and Asst Prof Perrine Hamel from EOS and ASE, who outlined the climate hazards Singapore is likely to face and shared solutions to keep communities safe and healthy.
This was followed by a speculative design workshop led by the EOS Community Engagement team, where participants were invited to imagine and design innovative and localised responses to future climate challenges. Working creatively and collaboratively, participants produced postcards from the future, showing what specific locations in Singapore could look like in the year 2122 after adapting to climate change and sea-level rise. These postcards will contribute to the ongoing initiative Adapting Waterfronts: Postcards from the Future, Singapore 2122.
Postcard from the future created for Site 10 of the initiative Adapting Waterfronts: Postcards from the Future, Singapore 2122 (Telok Ayer Rd and Cross St). Participants: Elyssa Ludher, Yeo Kai Ting, Meherwan Patel, Chua Siew Bee, Ren Junyao, Wing Yan, Kai Kim Chiang. Discussion led by Timothy Shaw. Artwork by Muhammad Hadi Ikhsan (Credit: Earth Observatory of Singapore)
Postcard from the future created for Site 16 of the initiative Adapting Waterfronts: Postcards from the Future, Singapore 2122 (St. Andrews Rd and Coleman Rd). Participants: Steven Libby, Zhuoyu Wang, Rominia Leonard, Joanna Boquist, Law. Discussion led by Emma Ramsay. Artwork by Felix Galistan (Credit: Earth Observatory of Singapore)
Postcard from the future created for Site 21 of the initiative Adapting Waterfronts: Postcards from the Future, Singapore 2122 (Rochor River and Kallang Riverside Park). Participants: Dan Fairweather, Carol Cherian, Rinat Musin, Anjali Venketram, Weilong. Discussion led by Fairul Idros. Artwork by Phuong Nguyen (Credit: Earth Observatory of Singapore)
By supporting AlterCOP30 and staying focused on strong climate science, open conversations, and locally grounded solutions, EOS continues to work alongside communities and decisionmakers to build hope and create meaningful impact for Singapore and the region.