Through a better understanding of environmental issues and political science, Terese Teoh hopes to devise policies that mitigate ecological damage while protecting vulnerable communities.

NTU ASE's Environmental Earth Systems Science and Public Policy (ESPP) double major programme was the only programme I had applied to for university. The combination of political science and environmental science immediately struck a chord with me, and I didn't see myself fitting into any of the other programmes in other local universities.

Throughout my three years of education, my perspectives on the environment have matured, from once being fiery and single-minded to a more nuanced and open-minded one. Studying environmental science reminds me of the complexity of ecosystem interactions and the many knock-on effects, for example, which warns us against developing policies independent of other considerations. On the other hand, political science has taught me how to think from different perspectives at the individual, local, national and international levels.

Throughout my years of study, the concept of environmental justice has grown close to my heart. To me, environmental protection involves designing good policies that regulate or limit ecological damage, but also ensure that these policies do not cause undue harm to people, particularly those from vulnerable communities. So perhaps it's unsurprising that I particularly enjoy the modules that draw an intersection between policy and the environment. I also try to make that link when the modules aren't explicitly related, such as when we have a freedom of topic choice in projects-based assignments. I am also grateful that my university education has refined my presentation and communication skills in expressing my passion and ideas, as I used to struggle with that a lot more.

In my second year, I took a module in environmental law, after presenting on how environmental legislation is formed at the highest levels in intergovernmental organisations, I became hooked on the topic. I am also grateful for the many field trips I attended as part of my environmental science course, which has made learning a lot more memorable and fun. I also enjoy attending Prof Hsuan's classes, as she designs lessons in interesting ways that make students genuinely want to learn. I don't feel like I'm studying in her classes, and I'm excited to come to class.

My education at NTU has helped me see environmental issues from a more multi-dimensional perspective, which has supported me in other civil society work outside of school. To my juniors out there considering this double major programme, if you’re captivated by the intersection of environment and global affairs, I encourage you all to join the programme and uncover the answers to your questions.

Written by: Terese Teoh, The Asian School of the Environment, Year 3

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