ARTICLES

13 Oct 2021

Southeast Asians Weigh In On Climate Issues

Sharon Seah|Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui

A climate outlook survey conducted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute shows that Southeast Asians expect their government to exert more effort in addressing the issue.

4 Oct 2021

Malaysia Goes Carbon Neutral, But With a Catch

Ryan Wong

Malaysia’s new target is more ambitious than any other target set by a Southeast Asian country so far. But the qualifier is achievement by 2050 ‘at the earliest’.

Climate Change Environment Malaysia Sustainable Development

A picture of the Mekong river in the northern Thai region of Nong Khai, bordering Laos

28 Sep 2021

Urbanisation – An Overlooked Issue in the Mekong River Basin

Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui

Rapid urbanisation and population growth have been overlooked factors contributing to environmental and ecological disruptions in the Mekong region.

Climate Change Environment Mekong River

27 Aug 2021

IPCC Report: No Time for Southeast Asia To Take it Easy

Sharon Seah

The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has some sobering data applicable to Southeast Asia. Whether countries muster up the political will to follow through on their commitments will be key.

Climate Change Environment

14 Jul 2021

ASEAN’s Covid-19 Recovery Measures: Missing Opportunities for a Green Future

Melinda Martinus|Sharon Seah

As of 28 May 2021, ASEAN countries had authorised a total of US$ 730 billion, equivalent to 7.8% of ASEAN’s total GDP, in stimulus dollars. But few ASEAN countries have prioritised green components to their Covid-19 stimulus packages.

ASEAN Climate Change COVID-19 Energy Environment

workers fixing a floater onto a solar panel as part of the construction of a floating solar power farm on Tengeh reservoir in Singapore

30 Jun 2021

Trade and Environmental Disputes May Persist Despite Promising Leaders’ Summit on Climate

Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui

At the recent Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change convened by the Biden Administration, several ASEAN leaders emphasised the principle of differentiating levels of economic development between states in their response to climate change. Finding a balance between this principle and ambitious climate targets remains a challenge.

ASEAN Asean Trade Climate Change E.U. Environment U.S.

22 Jun 2021

Thailand’s Hazy Problem – Challenges in Passing Clean Air Legislation

Wichuta Teeratanabodee

The Thai government’s approach to Thailand’s longstanding haze problem needs more than just short-term measures. But legislative and political obstacles stand in the way of successfully passing the laws required to address the issue.

Environment Southeast Asia Thai Politics Thailand

11 Jun 2021

ASEAN’s Climate Cooperation with China and the US: Challenges and Prospects

Sharon Seah

The US is back in the international climate cooperation game, but it has a lot to catch up on to make up for the last four years when it chose not to play.

ASEAN China Environment U.S.

Mekong River at Sangkhom district in the northeastern Thai province of Nong Khai

1 Jun 2021

The Mekong River Ecosystem in Crisis: ASEAN Cannot be a Bystander

Hoang Thi Ha|Farah Nadine Seth

Despite being the premier regional organisation in Southeast Asia, ASEAN remains a bystander in the imminent collapse of the Mekong River ecosystem. The successful mainstreaming of transboundary haze pollution in ASEAN’s legal and institutional frameworks are instructive for invigorating ASEAN’s engagement in the Mekong issues.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations Climate Change Energy Environment Mekong River