Tipping Point
As French president Emmanuel Macron reminded us earlier this year in his impassioned climate change speech to the US Congress, “There is no planet B.” With temperatures rising, icebergs melting, wildlife dying and plastic choking our oceans, it’s devastatingly clear the Earth is approaching its tipping point, so it’s now or never if we want to save our home.
In the face of this impending environmental crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do we make a meaningful difference? Where do we start? What should we do?
So when it came to planning our Green Issue, we decided to focus on practical, achievable and immediate ways to live more sustainably.
According to our cover stars—peggy Chan, the founder of vegetarian restaurant Grassroots Pantry, and David Yeung, the entrepreneur behind the world’s first plant-based eatery and retail chain, Green Common, a crucial first step is giving up meat. Not only will it reduce your carbon footprint, but it could also improve your health.
With more than 35 years of plant-based living between them, these veteran vegetarians certainly know their onions. Read their thoughts on veggie disruption, human evolution and culinary experimentation in Sowing the Seeds of Revolution on page 100.
If adopting a plant-based diet is a step too far, check out alternative ideas in How To Save The Planet on page 106. From reducing your plastic consumption and shopping more sustainably to growing your own vegetables and starting a beehive, these eco life hacks will help you tread more lightly on the Earth.
Those willing to go the extra mile and throw themselves into activism could end up on our 50 Eco-warriors list alongside some of Asia’s most committed environmentalists. Turn to page 114 to learn more about the remarkable people fighting for our future.
Those wanting to get involved on a more philanthropic level can consider supporting conservationist Markus Shaw’s scheme to reduce pollution in central Hong Kong by pedestrianising Des Voeux Road (page 126). Volunteers and donations are also welcomed by Douglas Woodring, the founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance (page 128).
Planet A is the only one we have. Let’s fix it.