S2E14: Can Asean step up on climate action?

Mar 17, 2025

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Asean’s latest climate plans will face intense scrutiny as climate impacts worsen.

Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

Fast-growing South-east Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change.

As the climate risks grow, the region needs to lift its game to ramp up green energy investment and adopt stronger climate targets.

This year is a key test of the region’s climate resolve. All 10 Asean members are obliged to submit updated and more ambitious 2035 climate plans to the UN this year. Only Singapore has done so to date.

The question is, though, with the United States and Europe rolling back on climate finance and targets, does South-East Asia have the will to boost green investment? And where will the money come from?

Green Pulse podcast hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss SE Asia’s climate plans with Ms Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, Asean Studies Centre, at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

Have a listen and let us know your thoughts!

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

2:20 With the US and EU backsliding on climate commitments, are you seeing this in Asean, too?

4:21 Importance of Asean on global climate and energy policies

10:53 Efforts in in funding Asean net zero targets

17:10 Asean ambitions in new climate plans this year

21:54 Could China step in as a major source of climate finance for South-East Asia?

30:09 Why Asean should start showcasing climate investment opportunities with a pavilion at the annual UN climate conference

Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W

Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2

Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy

Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu