EarthOne Unveils a Green‑Powered News Hub
AsiaOne has rolled out EarthOne, a fresh corner devoted to all things eco‑friendly. Think climate, conservation, and the science that keeps our planet ticking. Tune in for stories that actually matter.
Dubai’s Expo 2020: A Desert Oasis in Disguise
When the heat in the UAE’s sand dunes goes off the charts, visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai can hop into Singapore’s mini rainforest pavilion for an instant chill.
- 80,000 plants spanning 170 species—yeah, that’s a lot of green.
- Multi‑layered design that turns the pavilion into a leafy cool‑zone.
- Self‑sufficient ecosystem: hanging gardens, vertical walls, and a robot that keeps an eye on plant health.
“We use sunshine to pull groundwater out of the pavilion’s own structure, then re‑use that water to water the plants and power everything else,” said Yap Lay Bee, deputy commissioner‑general at the Singapore Pavilion.
Other Green Gurus on Display
Singapore isn’t the only eco‑star. At Expo 2020, almost 200 exhibitors showcase sustainability in a location that used to be a desert.
Notable among them is the Netherlands Pavilion, an almost 100% self‑sustaining showcase that harvests water from air, powers itself with solar, and grows food in a vertical farm.
- 9,500 edible plants: mint, basil, asparagus, tomatoes, even mushrooms (yes, the floor tiles are mushroom‑made).
- Harvests 1,000‑2,000 litres of water per day from the air.
- Transparent rooftop solar panels cover more than 40% of its energy needs.
- Exports produce worldwide while proving you can literally do it yourself.
“We’re proud to grow and export food—yet we also want to show that anyone can harvest their own water, create their own food, and generate their own power,” Niels Bouwman, director of the Netherlands Pavilion, said.
Expo’s Goal: A Sustainable Future
The Expo organisers are serious about sustainability, having built the site on what once was a barren desert. They’re targeting 25 million visitors this year after a pandemic‑induced delay.
In short, if you’re at Expo 2020, drop by the Singapore or Netherlands pavilions and feel that green magic—or just get a good selfie with your plant!
