In a year marked by unprecedented climate challenges and social transformations, Diinsider Life’s top stories illuminated themes of empowerment, climate action, and community building in Southeast Asia.
From solution stories to green job transitions, here are the top 10 articles that resonated most with readers in 2024.
1. The Nature Conservation and Renewable Energy Conundrum
A wind farm project threatens Masungi Georeserve, a protected forest area in Rizal, Philippines housing over 500 species of wildlife. Singapore-based Vena Energy plans to install 12 wind turbines in the area, sparking debate about clean energy development in critical ecosystems.
2. Pangasinan Youth Lead the Charge in Disaster Risk Reduction
Hit hard by Typhoon Pepeng, young leaders in Pangasinan turned crisis into action through the Youth for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PYDRRM). The group now reaches 148,000 people with vital updates on weather, hazards, and disaster preparation across 48 areas. Their creative mix of science and social media shows how youth are making disaster response more effective and accessible to local communities.
3. I Fell for Greenwashing. Here’s Advice from Experts So You Won’t
A personal account of working for a supposedly sustainable fashion brand reveals the deceptive practices companies use to appear eco-friendly. Expert insights expose common greenwashing tactics, from vague terminology to misleading imagery, offering practical tips for spotting false environmental claims.
4. The Rise of Impact Jobs You Never Knew Existed in Asia
Green jobs are booming in Southeast Asia as renewable energy investments reach $1.8 trillion. The sector welcomes talent from unexpected backgrounds – journalists, architects, and business professionals who found new purpose in sustainability work. With Asia holding two-thirds of global renewable energy jobs, these diverse roles paint a picture of the region’s swift move toward a greener future.
5. A Southeast Asian’s Guide to Breaking Into the Impact Sector
As 98% of Southeast Asian workers seek purpose-driven careers, this guide reveals practical paths into the impact sector. Key steps discussed include honest self-reflection, understanding the expanding landscape of impact jobs, and leveraging existing skills for meaningful work.
6. How a Singaporean Science Channel Creates Reels that Get Up to 3M Views
Just Keep Thinking’s viral science videos prove complex topics can reach millions when presented creatively. The channel’s success stems from careful pre-production research, efficient content batching, and engaging storytelling that makes science accessible to broader audiences.
7. Is Your Tree Planting Program Heating Up the Planet?
A groundbreaking study reveals that poorly planned tree planting can worsen global warming instead of cooling the Earth. The research found that changes in albedo – how much sunlight surfaces reflect – can cancel out 20-81% of carbon reduction benefits from new trees. The findings are especially crucial for Southeast Asia as the region faces record-breaking heat waves reaching 44°C.
8. A Comprehensive Look at Social Enterprises in Thailand
Thailand emerges as a leader in social enterprise development, with a history dating back to farming cooperatives a century ago. The 2019 Social Enterprise Promotion Act marks significant government support for the sector, though challenges remain in funding and public awareness.
9. Teacher-Turned-Creator Biogirl MJ on Making Science Accessible
Former science teacher Kong Man Jing, known as Biogirl MJ, reaches millions through her quirky science videos. Wearing her signature yellow polka dot dress and glasses, she breaks down complex topics into engaging content that gets up to 3M views. Her journey from classroom to content creation shows how social media can make science education more accessible and fun for mainstream audiences.
10. Reaping Climate-Resilient Crops Through Peasant Science
In Bataan, Philippines, farmer Lauro Diego joins a million others battling El Niño’s devastating effects through traditional farming wisdom. Through the MASIPAG network, farmers develop drought-resistant crops and sustainable practices, demonstrating how local knowledge can build climate resilience.
