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David Fogarty

Deputy Foreign Editor

David has been with The Straits Times since 2014 as a supervisor on the foreign desk and as climate and environment writer. Prior to this, he was a senior editor and then climate correspondent for Reuters for 19 years in Hong Kong and Singapore. David has been writing about climate change and the environment since the late 1980s, after finishing his science degree in Canberra. He is also a commentary writer and co-host of ST’s Green Pulse podcast.

Latest articles

Should we just give up on cultivated meat?

Cultivating meat in labs might be the way of the future, but ensure it becomes affordable and tasty enough to truly take off.

Extreme weather caused $288 billion in disaster losses in 2025: Reinsurer Munich Re

Survivor Helen Simare-mare, 48, stands at an area affected by a deadly flash flood in Batang Toru, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 6, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan

“Not entirely on the road to hell”: Will the world get real on climate action in 2026?

Entering 2026 might bring environmental optimism, but consider whether policies like the higher carbon tax will truly add wind to the sails of climate action.

Hydrogen is fuelling climate change – should we scrap plans to use it?

A new generation of gas turbines can generate electricity by using a blend of up to 75 per cent hydrogen and natural gas.. PHOTO: SIEMENS ENERGY

Unpopular Opinion: Some gifts are clutter and real Christmas trees are overrated

Diving into Christmas shopping might be exciting, but ensure your festive traditions truly spark joy instead of just adding unnecessary clutter and waste.

Floods, storms upended their lives in Bangladesh; work in Singapore gives them chance to rebuild

COP30: How it will affect lives, jobs and politics in Singapore, SE Asia

Gathering the world for climate COPs shows a global will to act, but this episode examines whether these massive summits are just "hot air" or can truly deliver vital climate finance and solutions.

CO2 to hit record in 2025, key temperature limit could be reached in 4 years: Study

The coal-powered Datang International Zhangjiakou Power Station at Zhangjiakou, China, in 2021.

UN road map seeks to crack $1.7 trillion climate finance puzzle

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during an interview ahead of the COP30 Climate Summit in Belem, on Nov 4, 2025. PHOTO: EPA

Can the insurance industry keep up with climate change in SE Asia?

Insurance is a critical lifeline against worsening climate risks, but South-east Asia must urgently close its vast protection gap to protect its vulnerable communities.