To some people, dealing with climate change might seem like an uphill battle and even be depressing. But to Melissa Low, an ExchangeAlumni who has been working in the field – and participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties, or COP – for over a decade, it’s not a zero-sum game.

In Part 1 of our two-episode series on climate action, Melissa talks about why she continues to do her best to tackle climate change, the importance of risk taking, the merits of nature-based climate solutions, and her love for books and beer. 

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Everyone has a story to tell. On Voices of Exchange, join us this season to hear how augmented reality can redefine a place and its inhabitants; see American identity through the eyes of those whose ancestors were forced to come to the United States; explore climate activism in tribal nations and elsewhere; and, experience how hip-hop artist-educators are promoting multilateral relations. 

“...so with all these issues, no one can really be an expert in everything. But I think just doing your best, um, keeping up to date, just making sure that you are kept, uh, on trend. Making sure that you know what's going on at the negotiations, and then making sure that any young person, or you know, someone who wants to go to a COP for the first time, they go prepared.”

To some people, dealing with climate change might be depressing. But to Melissa Low, an ExchangeAlumni who has been working in the field – and participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties, or COP – for over a decade, it’s not a zero-sum game. In Part 1 of our two-episode series on climate action, Melissa talks about the merits of nature-based climate solutions, her love for books and beer, and why risk-taking is so important.

Hi, my name is Melissa Low. I'm from Singapore, and I'm a YSEALI Professional Fellow of Spring 2016. I'm an ExchangeAlumni.

When I applied for the YSEALI or the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative some years ago right back in 2016, so this, if my math is correct, six years ago now, I didn't think of myself as a leader. I was, I was a young researcher in a career where, you know, I wasn't even sure whether I was gonna be an academic, but you know, you, you, you follow your heart. I took a risk, I applied anyway, uh, and obviously in order to get to, to be selected, you would have to beat out the rest of your cohort, right? Who's who? Um, and I took that leap of faith and I, I went for it and I, I've not, I've not reg- regretted a single moment of it because, um, for a lot of us women, we also have something called im- imposter syndrome.

And I think it's important to realize that ev-- no matter what contribution you make, it's still a contribution. It may not matter to other people as long as it matters to yourself, right? So you make that decision to do something, to, to click submit that application, right? To do an exchange program, or, um, you know, something like the YSEALI fellowship, whether there's a CAT or professional, just, just do it, right? Because you're doing it for yourself at the end of the day. Every experience counts. So as somebody who has, uh, subsequently been nominated for things, right? For leadership positions. So if you realize that in order to get to where you want to be, you need to take risks, first of all, you need to, to do the applications and you come to, you do come to a point in your career or your life where people then, um, have expectations of you and then you're called on to contribute again, more and more.

So the reward for doing a good job is more work at the end of the day, right? But I think, um, I like to think of it as a meaningful contribution back to society and, and for myself, right? So, um, even though it's quite tiring, it's exhausting, to be honest, um, to be, to be someone in the space, dealing with, you know, um, que- questions about how to ad- address climate change, but someone's gotta do it, and I quite often get upset when people say, you know, we need to do more of this or that, but at the end of the day, it's about us taking that s- first step, right?

So if we don't do it, you can't count on somebody else. So for those of you aspiring leaders out there, I would say, um, pretty much just get over yourself and, uh, just go for it. Uh, whatever you wanna do in life, you, you only have one life, so live it. Um, as long as you stay true to yourself, um, for me, as long as I wake up every day and look myself in the mirror and say, I've done, you know, something with my time and I've contributed back, um, to people and initiatives and, you know, things that I feel strongly about, I feel happy about that. So, um, you create the leader you want to be. Yep.

While Melissa’s interest in climate action can be traced back decades ago, her time at the UN Biodiversity Conference, or COP 15, in 2009, opened her eyes to how countries come together to address global issues. She was fueled not only by the need to address this crisis, but also by a desire to keep learning…

Well, I wouldn't say it was a “eureka” moment. Um, I felt depressed enough, I would say, 'cause, uh, it was- it was a two-week long conference in Copenhagen. Uh, most of it was, uh, for us in the NGO space, nongovernmental organization space, we were kept out of the negotiations in week two. Uh, some may remember that, uh, NGOs had to get two tickets in order to get in, and the tickets just kept getting smaller and smaller, the numbers of tickets. So in week two I was- we were literally camping outside of the Bella Center in Copenhagen, or we were back in our accommodation, trying to follow up. And this was way before we had hybrid, you know, platforms where we could participate online.

So it was very depressing. Uh, we came- I came home, uh, to Singapore, and I missed the following COP meeting the- the next year in, I think it was in Cancun. It was also very far to travel for- for us in Singapore. Uh, I think it's more than 30 hours to get to Cancun, so we didn't go. Um, but I realized that I didn't have proper mentorship when I went. Um, and so I went to COP 15 feeling completely unprepared and overwhelmed. And if I could help and through research and through my work at the National University of Singapore, offer that capacity building, offer that knowledge to people, even marginally, to prepare before they even go to a COP meeting, um, that's what I wanted to do. And so I built on, um... So in order to do that I had to develop some expertise, right? So I read up, I went to the UNFCCC website, I have it as a bookmark on my browser, just so that I get updated on everything relating to COP.

I don't consider myself an expert, there's just so many moving parts. And of course, uh, the issues under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change have become pretty nebulous. Uh, anything from mitigation, adaptation technology, capacity building, we've even got loss and damage, so on and so forth. Um, so with all these issues, no one can really be an expert in everything. But I think just doing your best, um, keeping up to date, just making sure that you are kept, uh, on trend. Making sure that you know what's going on at the negotiations, and then making sure that any young person, or you know, someone who wants to go to a COP for the first time, they go prepared.

And so what we do, um, and what I've been doing with, uh, not just our university, but with the research and independent NGOs. So we call ourselves the RINGOs, uh, as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. We are the constitution. Uh, we- we are one of, uh, I think, nine different constituencies. Uh, there- there are others like business organizations, trade unions, farmers, uh, gender, youth, and so on. So the RINGOs, um, I'm part of the steering committee. I think we are now- we've expanded, so I think it's a 10- or 12-member committee right now. And what we do is that we offer free webinars, and we, uh, we- we've done one with Second Nature in the U.S., where we up- uploaded a YouTube video, uh, of ourselves explaining what COP is like, what shoes to wear (laughs) for example, 'cause you're walking around the COP venue.

And, um, I think, I'd like to think that this information has been helpful for people, especially when they go to COP for the first time. And I certainly felt that- feel that I could have benefited from something like that when I went to my first COP, COP 15 way back in 2009. And so I wanted to present that, uh, to the world, and to my community, and I think, um, I- I think I've done s- something with it, and, um, I've inspired some people, and that keeps me going.

Melissa has pursued a unique approach to climate action. It’s a “nature-based” strategy, which takes into account conserving, restoring, and better managing ecosystems to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

So nature-based climate solutions... Uh, and I'm very new to this, so please, please in- indulge me in- in my really bad explanation. Uh, I understand them to be forestry, and you- you could- you could, for example, preserve forest, you can conserve forest. And these avoided emissions end up potentially becoming, uh, options to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. And so, uh, it results in a lower amount of s- carbon dioxide, uh, concentration in the atmosphere, which is the cause primarily of climate change and global warming. Because the excess greenhouse gas, uh, results in heating of our atmosphere. So the more trees we have, um, the more forests we keep. And especially with the ecosystem services that forests provide, we can actually sequester a lot more carbon. But let's not forget also the blue carbon aspects of nature-based climate solutions. So mangroves, sea grasses, coral reefs, and so on, also contribute to sequestering carbon dioxide through the oceans and through the coastal areas. So these, uh, nature-based, or natural climate solutions, are really important in the way in which we fight climate change, because they not only provide sequestering opportunities, so removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but of course, going out into nature is always beneficial for the mind, for the heart, for the body. Um, and enjoying nature is something that we all appreciated during, uh, the pandemic. I'm sure we all went out to breathe fresh air. And nature-based climate solutions have the potential to provide all of that benefits to society and to countries, especially in our fight against climate change.

I think everyone's trying their best. So the nature-based climate solutions advocates, they are mainly people who have been trained in the sciences in field ecology, in bi-, uh, biological diversity. And I think the fight to protect biodiversity is also something really important. Um, and, you know, in- in this part of the world in Asia, there's a lot of illegal wildlife trade, there's a lot of, uh, interest in, uh, certain species of animals and plants, and we exploit them because of medic- medicinal use, uh, or other sort of traditional forms of medication. Uh, which is- which is quite sad. And I think what we need to do is to protect all species through nature-based climate solutions that have the potential to do that.

Living in Singapore, Melissa has seen how climate change has affected her community *and* how it poses an existential threat to the global environment…

I think, I think one thing that us Singaporeans feel very strongly about also is we know that we're probably not getting it as bad as other countries in the region around the world. Um, because we're urbanized, uh, we live in, we live in comfort, thermal comfort in general, um, but not so much for other countries and even our neighbors to the north and south to Malaysia, Indonesia, we know, um, we get these videos, uh, from the news of when, when flood, floods happen, they happen. And these are floods that we can't even fathom because we don't have major rivers or mountains in, in our country, a tiny little country. Um, so, so I think what, what I, I have generally experienced is just higher temperatures, it's uncomfortable, but it's definitely not as much, um, you know, of discomfort compared to, I wouldn't even call it discomfort for some of these other countries. It's existential. Yeah.

They definitely should be doing something about addressing climate change 'cause it's gonna affect us one way or another, prices are gonna rise because crops will fail. Um, we're not gonna get these, you know, vegetables and meats and things that you've enjoyed, we've enjoyed all these years at the same prices because there'll just be a shortage of it, uh, all around the world. Um, you know, temperatures will get higher and higher, there'll be more frequent flooding, drought conditions and it will generally get more and more unbearable. And if not for us, for the future generation as well. And I think one thing to be really concerned about is that young people that I've spoken to are starting to think about whether or not they should even have children because they're worried that they're bringing in innocent lives into a world that's uninhabitable for them, for their, their own children and grandchildren and that's really worrying.

So we're not actually saving the planet, we're saving the human race if you think about it, right? So it's, uh, the human species has done so much in contribution to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and causing climate change and we're effectively killing off ourselves, and bringing down all the other species of flora and fauna while we're at it, which is very unfair. So we should absolutely do everything we can to reduce consumption, have more mindful consumption, uh, of products, services, uh, and we have the power, right? Those of us who live in an urban setting and we have the purchasing power as we call it, right?

So you can make conscious decisions about what you buy, uh, what you, what you eat, what you contribute to, um, in every aspect of your life, what kind of banks you go to or, or bank with. Um, when you go out, bring maybe a receptacle like a Tupperware or a, a bottle so that you can refill it instead of buying single-use plastic, you know, and you can also bring your own bag, uh, especially with, you know, a lot of places now charging for plastic bags. You definitely don't wanna be spending the extra money anyway, so you can save money and save the planet and save the human race while you're at it. I think that's a really compelling reason to address climate change.

From her YSEALI exchange program, to COP15, to her current work in climate action and policy, Melissa is dedicated to raising climate change awareness. But the work doesn’t stop there, and she is now pursuing a PhD at the National University of Singapore's Department of Geography.

So while I'm doing all this work in nature based climate solutions, so having just switched jobs, uh, from one space to another, um, in addition to, you know, helping to, to build executive education courses for, for our center, um, I'm also trying to finish my PhD (laughs). Uh, so I'm halfway through, more than halfway through now and so the next step was really to get the qualifying exam done and become a PhD candidate officially, from a student to become a candidate and get that thesis written and submit it so I can finally call myself a doctor (laughs). Yeah. But, um, it's been a long time coming. I started the program when, uh, COVID hit, when the pandemic started. So I've been so very sheltered and, uh, but I realize that now, with social gatherings starting up again, uh, there's a lot of demands on my time so I've had to be a bit more selective and protect my time, set boundaries and so on. So, but, but I think, I think it'll work out. Yeah. I'm just looking forward to contributing where I can and while, you know, pursuing things that I find meaning in.

There's never enough knowledge about, uh, how to address climate change. And the honest answer is that I've been pressured, you know, a lot by colleagues, by people I, I consider as mentors as well. And I think the reality in, perhaps even this part of the world, right, out here in Asia, um, qualifications do matter. People perhaps don't see you as a qualified expert if you don't have the paperwork to show for. I know that sounds very superficial, but it is a cultural thing. Uh, I would say at least in my experience. Um, and so, you know, having a master's degree, you sit in rooms where people have, have years and years of experience where they don't perhaps look at you, um, as an expert because you, you're not a doctor, you don't have a PhD. Um, and I find that, um, you know, quite, of course it's very uncomfortable for me and I do, I obviously am not doing the PhD because of that only, but the pressure is one thing, and I've only decided to do it now at this time in my life because I feel ready for it.

So even though the pressure, uh, was there, you know, five, six years ago, you know, it was always on my time, right? So I decided to pursue it only in 2020 when I felt ready for it. Um, so again, you know, don't, don't let people tell you what to do, what you can't do or what you can do. Um, just know that because you're gonna have to get through it yourself, um, for the most part and it's, it can be a lonely journey, but you find support in, in, in things, you know, in people around you as well. So, um, the PhD, I suppose, is really more for me to, um, you know, also fulfill the academic qualifications to, uh, get better at my job, um, and to move up, uh, where possible in, in, in the ranks, right?

Uh, but you know, I think one of my passions is really teaching, also in capacity building and having a PhD would open some doors potentially for me to teach in, at the university level. Otherwise, typically at the master's level, uh, with that qualification, it only allows you to teach, um, at the pre-university or lower. So I think the universities are a great space to, to, to cultivate, uh, leadership and to cultivate better knowledge and if I can, I'd like to do that.

So being in the policy space is tricky because, uh, quite often you want to produce research and outcome, findings of your research in accessible, uh, platforms or through accessible platforms like, um, newspaper commentaries or policy briefs that quite often don't count towards your academic credentials, right? So these are journal, peer review journals, internationally ranked, uh, top tier journals as we call them. So, um, I find that, you know, I had to make a conscious decision and I constantly make this decision to publish, um, shorter, more accessible pieces and obviously your career trajectory takes a hit because, uh, you know, without peer review journals, it can be very challenging for others to put you up for promotions and so on, especially if you, if you conform to a traditional, sort of, academic setting, but I think things are changing and I'm hopeful that, um, you know, non-academic work and contribution back to policy making and society, uh, will count for something.

So it's really important to have a supportive network of colleagues where possible. It's not always the case, of course. Um, but do find mentors and do find colleagues who, who can, you know, sort of, prop you up instead of bring you down. Um, and I think what the pandemic certainly has taught all of us is that wellbeing and mental health is so important.

Um, so on top of all these work responsibilities, it's also about being true to yourself and being true to what you feel strongly about. And I think universities are, you know, they may not be changing as quickly as we would like them to, but I think in order to get the word out about public health and climate change and, and, and how important it is to address both, uh, at the same time is going to come from, a lot of it has to come from the universities, working together with doctors and public health professionals. Uh, and so we've got to work together and, and figure out how we can best, um, support both academics, but also medical practitioners. Yeah.

In addition to being an environmental advocate, Melissa is also an avid reader. Before the global pandemic put a pause on in-person social outings, Melissa ran – and continues to run – a book swap to encourage recycling and reading.

Back home in Singapore, before the pandemic of course - we had to pause it, but I run something called Books & Beer.

Uh, so it's a book swap where we swap books while drinking beer. And the idea really is to encourage people to read, outside of their go-to genre's. Obviously, right. Because you've- you've not purchased the book, you don't feel pain because it's really expensive. Um, and you can just pick up things that you wouldn't normally pick up at a bookstore, and while supporting local businesses. So, we go out to different bars and pubs, so it's a- sort of a pop-up traveling style. Um, so pre-pandemic we used to do it every month. And then when I, you know, got busy at work it's every quarter. But it- it works right, and people show up with a bag of books. And they trade them, and whatever is left, I just bring- keep them at home or donate them and organize the next event.

It's a not-for-profit initiative and it could be that in Singapore, people always think of extracurricular activities as a side hustle, right? And everybody wants to be able to make a quick buck of side hustles. But for me, it's really not about that, you know, it's about encouraging people to, to read and to read widely, um, and also recycling of books, right? One man's treasure is another man's, uh, well, one man's junk is another man's treasure as it, as we, to, we say.

So I, I like doing that very much and, uh, one of the, the, the c- co-founders of Books & Beer, uh, you know, we, we always like to joke that it's also a bit of a, a dating, sort of, platform. People can come and meet, uh, folks who read, uh, broadly similar genres to you, uh, could be very nice, could be exciting. And, uh, this obviously helps with the low birth rates in Singapore (laughs) - we like to think. Um, but yeah, so it's been quite exciting, we, we, we've been running it since 2011. It's been a number of years, um, say for when the pandemic was happening, but yeah, we're looking to restart it very soon.

Melissa’s exchange had a meaningful impact on her career and life, providing her with a new network of people from which she’s been able to draw inspiration and share ideas as she works toward her goal of addressing climate change.

So when I mentioned earlier, when I applied for the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative [YSEALI] back in 2016, I was really afraid I wouldn't get it. Um, and I, I also had to ask for time off from work, right? But thankfully, you know, I had such a supportive boss at the time, um, who said, you know, because I told him it was, it was a, you know, an important leadership program and it was fully sponsored for me to go to the U.S. For five weeks. And he said, "Go. Take your academic leave. Um, you know, as long as you just check your emails once in a while, it'll be fine, but don't worry. Just go." And I, I, I can't thank him enough because if I had another person, uh, who was leading this in- the Institute, who said, "No, you can't because it's eating into your time at work." I would've been devastated. Um, so personally I feel like I now have the responsibility to where possible if I have colleagues to support them in, in their, in their interests, right? Especially when it comes to exchange programs. And I've benefited from, not only the, the, the, the U.S., uh, exchange, but also in, in exchanges when I was in school, when I went to London to King's College, as part of my undergraduate degree, um, when I came back at the time, my dad said I was a totally different person.

Um, I've always felt that exchanges are really important because it exposes you to a different culture together, whether it's work or social, um, cultural experiences are so important because it opens your mind to possibilities. It opens, um, you know, all sorts of doors for you, especially professionally as well. And, you know, the networks that I've made and friends that I've made from around the world, uh, whether it's from the U.S. or from Southeast Asia, uh, because we have regular gatherings, whether it's on Zoom or in person, now that the pandemic is, we're at the endemic stage of the pandemic, um, has just been invaluable, right?

And, just this morning, we were at breakfast and we saw some, some friends that we've not seen in ages and it was just so nice and it just reminds us that, that what, this is all about, is about fellowship, right? And it's about community and making sure that we, uh, we understand each other and we can tap on our each other's expertise and networks to, you know, drive at a certain goal that we all want to achieve, a common goal, which is to help address climate change.

Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your story with us! In Part Two of this series on climate action, we’ll hear from Marie Christine Kolo, Mandela Washington Fellowship ExchangeAlumni, eco-feminist, and social entrepreneur from Madagascar.

Everyone has a story to tell. People. Places. And international exchange. Join us to hear the extraordinary stories of ExchangeAlumni and how their lives have forever changed.

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