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Dr. Catherine Chong

@so_klim

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Climate economist. #Agroecology lobbyist and impact investing advisor on #climatechange #foodsystemchange. Advise C.L.E.A.R. Co-founded @farmstofeedus

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Thank you @britishvogue, @edward_enninful and @katharinehamnett for sharing your platform with us.

I'm proud to be representing *diversity in climate actions in the December issue of British Vogue, titled "Great Britain: Tradition And Revolution" promising to showcase some of the most captivating forces across British fashion, style, culture, politics and society.

The issue took no account of the main messages I wanted to spotlight: the links between agriculture and climate change, the role of food sovereignty, and very importantly - how we could 'vote' to support our climate-food system transition to agroecology, to a more sustainable and regenerative future.

For me, diversity is an asset of various approaches and perspectives in climate solutions and democracy.

I was asked if I could bring something I travel with to the shoot - like a makeup bag or headphones. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I always travel with and absolutely love to share agroecologically produced food with old and new friends.

I'm grateful that #TimWalker, the photographer was very gracious with the idea of me hugging the produce I brought with me, farmed by amazing agroecological farmers of course.

See the slides above on why I want to spotlight British agroecological farmers and producers.

I look forward to sharing with you how the transgressions of planetary boundaries translate to individual-level consumption choices and what sort of information on food and fibre production could empower everyone to be a part of the climate-food-fibre system change.

Love 🫶🏼, Catherine

*See the respective credits to the BV and onsite personnel in the previous joint post with Anjali @anjali.rm, Dominique @domipalmer, Joycelyn @climateincolour, Kaplana @ariasaleja, Liv @livsimpliciano.Thank you again to the amazing activists I met through the shoot. I learned so much from you all.

Thank you @thedavidjaypaw for encouraging me to go for it. And @poppyroyds for personally transporting Alma's braided baguette across town. by @so_klim

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3 years ago

The last time I wore this dress was ten years and a day ago. I broke up with a fiancé who seemed perfect in every aspects, but pressured me to stop working and be a trophy wife. I moved to a country 9,533km away.

I continued my path from corporate sustainability to sustainable development, headed an impact fund with 200+ projects in 18 countries, advised sovereign funds and governments in over ten countries, represented some of the largest consumer brands in the world, and finally returned to where my heart is, farming - linking farming to sustainable development.

This farmer's daughter is no one's trophy.

Too many flaws 😅.

It was time to wear her and re-spark her. Celebrated the day jumping around in the dress, had a couple of fantastic meetings and dipped in for the 45th day of #30dayswimchallenge. by @so_klim

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5 years ago

Dad was always a farmer first. Honest and hardworking. He was never that interested in mom or his children. The shutting down of our farm broke him to his core, and us too in many ways. Growing fruits was his redemption for the subsequent decades. In recent years, he went back to poultry farming in his fruit orchard. The regenerative way - the way he was taught by his ancestors. He was proud to earn a living as a farmer again.

The day I took this photo, dad dropped by mom's with the coconuts from his orchard. I was recovering from a bad spell of tonsillitis. I caught it during my short visit. Coconut water would help my body to cool down. Mom was having a go at me, like the days before - I shouldn't be unmarried, how come I can't be married, I must have eaten too much heaty food, I got ill to avoid talking to her, dad is responsible for our life failures...

Dad was about to crack the coconuts. Abruptly, mom stopped her rant. She went to get the coconut mug and monitored dad to make sure that dad spoons up just the softer bit of the coconut flesh. Dad and I enjoyed a moment of silence.

At that moment, I took a photo of dad. The first photo I ever took of dad and the last. It was also the last time I saw dad in person, a year ago.

Dad passed a few weeks ago amidst a period of unresting family affairs.

During COVID, working on Farms to Feed Us has helped us to connect. We talked about the amazing farmers in the UK, their struggles particularly - like the ones he had.

I had wanted to take the time to talk to him, without mom being there, about his regrets and the mammoth industry which continue to sucks in and sucks dry small-scale farmers like him. It wasn't his failures. It's ours, as a society.

I didn't get to see him this year. I didn't show him the finance magazine feature where I talked about him. My regret.

I saw a notice of dad's funeral near a market. A few women were talking among themselves. "who is that". "He's the farmer with the best chicken". I told them he's my dad. They said, "oh you're the one that sells organic vegetables in England".

If that is what dad thinks a climate economist does, I am happy with that. by @so_klim

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4 years ago

My second year at the Chelsea Flower Show through the Royal Horticultural Society’s invitation to the Green Futures Summit, an event about sustainability.

It’s fair to say my socioeconomic background has shaped a complicated relationship with spaces that feel performative or ornamental. I grew up being moulded by a society that believes strongly that a person earns their place through contribution. Add to that my work as a socioecological economist, and I instinctively look for the social and environmental rationale whenever large amounts of money are being spent. Opulence has its place in economics, but often as one of those irrational incentives attached to superficial wants.

So I came this year ready to have some of those biases challenged.

The summit opened up conversations about gardening as infrastructure for wellbeing: improving mental health through time outdoors, reconnecting with birds and biodiversity, spending less time death-scrolling, supporting cleaner air, strengthening communities, and even creating better local sourcing for restaurants.

I also shared my aspirations to see more installations and talks on bioremediation through plants, knowing well that the RHS has a massive science team. Some thought that topic is too niche for a gardening crowd. But for people like me, the Show itself - and all its grandeur - has always felt niche.

That said, few could disagree that Chelsea is a platform for inspiration across the UK and beyond. How exciting would it be, even as a fringe installation, to showcase what plants can do beyond beauty to our eyes and minds - restoring ecosystems and reshaping how we think about beauty?

Thank you @the_RHS.

On mental wellbeing and finding communities, follow @youngmindsuk @flocktogether.world.

It was a lovely day. The sun came out forcefully in between the rains. it rained in buckets only on my cycle back home. So I was able to do frilly things like turning up in a pretty floral dress. Oh and had a scrumptious curry puff at @mahaliandco

I haven’t posted socially for some time. I think I’m ready to hold space for sharing again.

How are you all?
💚
🌱 taken in Chelsea Flower Show by @so_klim

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5 months ago

Energy insecurity isn’t just about fuel.
It exposes how our systems are built—and who they fail. They were never designed for people, let alone nature, to thrive.

The disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints, once again expose how energy insecurity ripples through economies globally. While this is a global issue, it disproportionately affects Asia.

Several countries have introduced fuel rationing amid rising transport costs, while others have imposed travel restrictions for government agencies. The impacts are visible in everyday life - how people commute, how businesses operate, and how goods move.

But this is not just an energy story, not just a food systems story, but a whole human–nature economy story. This exposure is structural and extends beyond energy to agriculture and many industries.

These disruptions cascade quickly across systems, affecting food production and the wider food supply chains, community movement, cooling and storage for hospitals, and more. Affecting business continuity for many small enterprises.

What this reveals is how deeply interconnected and dependent we are on economic systems that were not designed around the realities of people or nature. When one part of the system is stressed, the effects ripple across livelihoods, health, and ecosystems, exposing the fragility of models that prioritise efficiency over sociological resilience.

At the same time, this moment presents a clear opportunity. #naturebasedsolutions are no longer just about conservation. It could be about resilience. From waste-derived biofuels that reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, to regenerative farming systems that minimise reliance on external agrichemical inputs, these approaches offer pathways to buffer against precisely these kinds of shocks.

As geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains, the case for locally grounded, nature-positive systems becomes not just compelling but necessary.

It is in this context that we have made the decision to move #NbSAsiaSummit2026 to 1–3 September 2026.

🦠🪲🫛 (Read the complete text in the carousel slide)
Follow @nbsasiasummit. by @so_klim

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5 months ago

Follow @nbsasiasummit and @regensoil_nbs.

This is what I've been up to.

In my career, the best projects are interdisciplinary, but it happens so rarely. Experts tend to work in silos. I've been dreaming about this gathering of experts in different disciplines that learn from nature, and even attempt to mimic nature. to address some of the most pressing challenges humanity faces.

It's happening this year! The Nature-Based Solutions Asia Summit is a unique series of events to unite diverse aspirations, knowledge, and views in nature-based solutions, from indigenous wisdom, scientific research, to new innovation to advance:

🍃 Agroecology (organic, biodynamic, permaculture, regenerative)
🍄 Bioremediation
🔆 Blue-Green Infrastructure
❌ Disaster Risk Reduction
🌍 Ecosystem Conservation & Restoration
🌿 Pharmacognosy
👛 Payment-For-Ecosystem Services
🥬 Phytotherapy
and more along with hundreds of environmental and social outcomes.

Taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 2-4 June 2026, the Summit go around Asia, gathering the most inspiring Academics, Activists, Architects, Artists, Assurance & Certification Bodies, Bakers, Chefs, Cooks, Creatives, Developers, Doctors, Farmers, Fund Managers, Landscapers, Inventors, Investors, Manufacturers, Policy Makers, Regional Development Agencies, Researchers, Retailers, Scientists, Surveyors, Wholesalers and more!

This is a grassroot event designed to foster cross- and inter- disciplinary and sectoral collaboration like never before.

More information at NbS-Asia-Summit.com

#NbSAsiaSummit
#NatureBasedSolutions
#PlanetaryBoundaries
#ClimateChange
#RegenerateAsia by @so_klim

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7 months ago

Happy 12th day Agri Calendar New Year! 農曆春節！

Couldn't get myself to post for months. Finally feels like celebrating. The Green's win of course! Hugs hugs hugs.

Also the first cold swim this year. Lasted just under 10min. Woo hooo. Will share one of my latest projects soon. Pssst key words are Nature-Based Solutions. 💚 by @so_klim

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7 months ago

𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘆’𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁 featured 100 recyclable cardboard stools, deconstructed from the exhibition 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, representing 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 and 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀. Each participants “harvested” a stool that led them to a specific table seat. At the table, they each received a climate action card that visualised the potential impact of their action if carried out individually and collectively.

The 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ranges from individual daily activities to large-scale advocacy, gathered in collaboration with local residents in Hackney and experts, including climate scientists, a climate economist, council staff, designers, artists, and young students. 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

Quantifiable climate actions show their carbon savings at the 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲, while non-quantifiable actions, such as advocacy, draw on scientific research to convey their potential impact when carried out collectively. At the end of the banquet, participants were asked to vote on each action in terms of its impact and daily uptake.

See link in bio to find out more about the 100 Climate Actions.

Special thanks to all contributors of 100 Climate Actions:

Dr Alice Garvey & Dr Peter Walton at Priestley Centre for Climate Futures @universityofleeds
Climate Team @hackneycouncil @stephli401 @ander80
@so_klim at C.L.E.A.R
Rachel Bronstein @designcouncil
Alexie Sommer @design_declares
@usman_haque
Students at @gainsborough_hackney
Dr Andy Yuille at @lancasteruni

Photos by @the_nick_turpin

#ClimateAction #CollectiveAction #hackney #lowcarbonchinatown #foodsystem #lowcarbon #carbonfootprint #art #science #technology #foodculture #participatoryart #harvestingclima by @so_klim

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a year ago

Last 4 days to see 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 at Hackney Service Centre!

The exhibition will be open until this Thursday, 𝟲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, before it gets ‘harvested’ for the 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟬𝟬 members of the public at Hackney Town Hall.

Here are a few interviews with our brilliant collaborators on the project:
• Uyen Luu @loveleluu – Food writer and photographer
• Catherine Chong @so_klim – Climate economist, C.L.E.A.R.
• Rokiah Yaman – MadLeap
• Richenda Wilson – Growing Communities @growingcommunities

Photos and video by @the_nick_turpin

#hackney #lowcarbonchinatown #climateaction #sustainablefood #foodsystem #lowcarbon #carbonfootprint #art #science #technology #foodculture #newexhibition #participatoryart #harvestingclimateaction taken in London Borough of Hackney by @so_klim

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a year ago

"Your way of eloquently sharing your history and work is captivating and inspiring. I loved how you walked us through the broad impact that what we consume has and the existing misconceptions/ wrong narratives."
Luis, Research Scientist.

"I loved the talk! I particularly like the 3 strategies shared and how they could link to our work. I also like how you shared your story of how you go to where you are and why you are so passionate about it!"
Emma, Director of Collaboration.

"I enjoyed you talking about the context before we began to speak about strategies. I liked the conversation around each item and where they came from, and why it's important. It puts a story to the produce which makes it beautifully emotive."
Marlon, Collaboration Innovation Lead.

These were some of the feedback from the 'Dietary Strategies For Biodiversity' talk and lunch I was invited to deliver at Basecamp Research, a startup that recently launched the world's largest database for biological sequence-based model training in genomics and protein. Underpinning their efforts to build the database are two principles which promise equitable and bilateral partnerships with communities where samples were collected:
🫜Access and benefit-sharing at biodiversity hotspot
🥕Empowering biodiversity stewards through bioliteracy
These two principles are the telltale of a company that wishes to be a force of good.

So I started the talk by asking the staff - almost all PhDs, "your company sets amazing strategies that have great potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation and biodiversity recovery around the world. I wonder if you are living this potential personally? Are you Biodiversity Conscious when it comes to choosing what you eat? Are you eating in ways that are not reducing biodiversity or, better, help to conserve or recover biodiversity?"

And so I shared my top 3 Dietary Strategies to Conserve and Recover Farm-Level Biodiversity along with some of the most delicious and nutrient-dense food grown and produced by the agroecology network in the country.

Want to know my Top 3 or better, my Top 10 DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR BIOSPHERE INTEGRITY? by @so_klim

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a year ago

Old and new friends, remembering the greats we lost, friends who couldn't be there, laughs and tears. Lots of hugs. As with previous years, I didn't get to see and hug everyone.

I woke up saying thanks, to everyone and everything.

Groundswell 2025! by @so_klim

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a year ago

Mandatory Reporting of Healthy Sales; Protein; Fruit & Veg; and Climate.

This week, the CLEAR Consortium joins 4 other alliances with members over 200 organisations, plus 24 individual organisations, representing health, farming, environment, and animal welfare, in asking the government to ensure mandatory reporting goes beyond "healthy sales" to incorporate key health and sustainability criteria.

Nature-food accountability and transparency tools must be designed with a holistic, socioecological system approach. The journey to understand the linkages of food production and consumption with human and planetary health is incomplete without information on how our food is farmed, processed, and manufactured.

So, for us, other than nutritional and calorie profiles, 'healthy food' is also defined by the method of production and its implication to public health and ecosystem health.

In the industry, 'Healthy Sales' refers to the sales of products defined by Nutrient Profiling Model and content of High Fat Sugar Salt. The effects of toxic agrochemical from farming and food processing isn't considered. A common myopia in the food- health policy sphere.

Our task is to challenge and change that. Keep an eye on our response to DEFRA's latest consultation on Sustainability Reporting due in Sept.

Link to the paper and press statement in the bio. by @so_klim

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a year ago