Prosperous Pig Or Lazy Swine?

Pigs in the Chinese horoscope are associated with wealth and a carefree life. But they can also be lazy, indulging in the “good life”. What fortunes or mishaps will 2019 bring? How can you capitalise on the Pig’s luck? Get a headstart with our 5 Trends for a Prosperous Pig Year!

First, how accurate were our predictions for the Year of the Dog? We said that China would flex its muscles and it did not disappoint with reforms to balance economy with environment. Don’t just take our word for it, read Prof. Asit Biswas’s views, he only advises 19 governments on all things water!

It’s not just China. Many now recognise that climate and water risks are real but wonder what to do. With systemic risks abound across Asia, are banks and pension funds protecting our piggy banks? Have they figured out their water and climate risk exposure? To get this right, we are banking on granularity.

With the clock ticking down on climate change action (now 11 years left), we should resort to radical ideas: the Green New Deal in the US is one. Launched on the first week, we could see the plan ride the Pig’s luck, albeit currently stuck in the mud.

We all know that “business unusual” is key for success in a changing climate. But we are hamming this up. Still corporates are taking a reluctantly reactive approach to regulatory change/NGO pressure, rather than actively disrupting. Hear from Redress CEO Anneleise Smillie about successes and blockages they faced over the years in turning fashion circular.

Science is also not immune. To make pigs fly, they must make their 600-700+ reports accessible to businesses to fast-track understanding of the risks plus the funding of research and solutions. Can scientists bring home the bacon? We speak to Prof. Kenneth Lee, a leading light in biomedical sciences, on his groundbreaking work – you may be dining on 3D-printed meat delicacies sooner than you think.

Ultimately, it comes down to us individually to save the planet. Each of us can make a difference if we stop pigging out. By changing our diets, reducing food waste and having fewer kids, we can cut huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Say bye bye to fatty “char sui”, and hello to good health.

Finally, remember, water is money to the Chinese; plus the Pig is represented by the “water element”. So no matter who you are, do not channel “lazy swine”, but the Pig’s intelligent nature. Use the Year of the Earth Pig to act and protect against water and climate risks and ride the Pig’s luck by betting on big ideas.

猪笼入水! May your pig baskets always be full of water! Happy lunar new year!