Health & Environment
‘Obvious abuse’: backlash grows against Japan festival after horse euthanised
Japan’s annual ‘Rising Horse’ festival sees the animals forced to run up a steep hill and clear a two-metre high ‘wall’ while being slapped, yelled at, and hit with ropes, sticks and whips.
Explainer | What to know about Japan’s plan to release Fukushima waste water into the sea
The plan to dump treated radioactive waste water from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea has stirred debates in South Korea, and led to boycotts of Japanese goods in China. Japanese fishermen have also vehemently opposed the plan.
‘Lack of trust’ between China-backed nations and West stymies UN climate talks
Negotiations in Bonn were dominated by arguments over who should be responsible for financing a ‘just transition’ to a clean energy-powered economy.
‘We will face a water crisis’: Malaysia makes it rain – by seeding clouds
As Penang officials focus on the level of two dams, partly to supply the semiconductor industry, experts say ‘we have to be prepared for the worst’ and everyone must conserve water.
‘Lot of harm’: Indian pharmaceutical reputation at risk over cough syrup deaths
To salvage the US$41 billion pharmaceutical industry’s reputation, the India government’s efforts to improve standard of exports should be comprehensive instead of ‘knee jerk’.
Talking trash: plastic waste treaty talks spur hope for Asia’s circular economy
Asia accounts for a huge chunk of all the plastic that is made globally each year, with tiny fragments that are believed to be harmful to human health found all over the world, from Mount Everest to the deepest seas.
Watt’s going on? Vietnam wants energy use to surge, amid electricity crisis
Vietnam’s government has approved a much-anticipated energy plan, but experts wonder how it will be implemented given it needs billions of dollars in vital funding.
Can Bangladesh’s garbage-strewn capital turn its excess waste into an asset?
Fast-growing Dhaka is struggling to deal with the mountains of trash generated by its 23 million inhabitants. But it has big plans to start turning its garbage into energy – and even dreams of being ‘zero waste’ one day.
From pets to pests: Japan prefecture declares war on ‘ferocious’ raccoons
Experts say it may be tough to stamp out these intelligent, highly adaptable creatures that also reproduce very quickly.
South Korean boy, 5, dies in Seoul after 4 hospitals refuse to admit him
The youngster, who’d developed breathing difficulties, died after being unable to get a bed; a lack of staff was also given as a reason for turning him away.
Singapore’s single women ‘not supported’ even as egg-freezing rules are eased
Singapore last year lifted restrictions on egg-freezing, allowing women aged 21-35 to do so, and recently raised the age limit to 37. But only those married are allowed to use them.
Can US be serious on climate, while coughing up for Indonesia oil refinery?
Jakarta is frustrated no cash has appeared since landmark green energy deal was announced at G20 summit in November. Now the US says it will help fund expansion of fossil fuel site in East Kalimantan.
Why a delay to South Asia’s monsoon is ‘bad news’ for global rice supplies
Climate change is increasingly impacting monsoon’s rainfall distribution with more intense rainy days interspersed with dry patches affecting crops.
Japan’s Hokkaido issues urgent bear alert after fisherman decapitated
The man’s remains were found by the banks of a lake in a remote party of the country’s northernmost prefecture on Monday. Observers say a decline in hunting and city dwellers’ lack of nature knowledge are fuelling the surge in confrontations.
‘This really hurts’: South Korea intensifies battle against suicide
The nation, which has one of world’s highest suicide rates, is starting to do more to tackle the tragic problem – but experts say it’s not enough.
Singapore schools relax rules on uniforms as brutal heatwave grips Asia
Singapore’s education ministry says schools can explore ways to help students manage the heat, such as allowing pupils to wear physical education attire.
‘Pandemic 2.0’ could hit Asia-Pacific economies hard: MSD report
Annual projected losses could hit US$11.8 billion for Singapore and US$13.8 billion for Hong Kong if Covid-19 infections were to worsen, the report said.
‘Super El Nino’ threatens India’s monsoon rains, critical crops
The arrival of El Nino could turn a not-so-great rainy season into a bad one, bringing hardship to nearly 60 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion population who depend on agriculture as their main source of income.
‘Extreme weather events’: Asia set for supercharged heat as El Nino looms
Record springtime temperatures have left millions across the region sweltering from India to Indonesia and Malaysia, as the first El Nino event in three years threatens to fan the flames.
Green hydrogen: Malaysia’s clean energy saviour or a ‘dangerous distraction’?
Proponents say it’s the best option for Malaysia to generate clean energy at scale – despite solar also being a ‘no-brainer’. Others argue the unproven, uneconomical energy source is just a costly diversion.