ARTICLES

5 Jul 2022

Could Franchising Help Save The Planet?

Michael Schaper

The franchising sector has the capacity to play a lead role in reducing emissions, but appears to be a bit of a blind spot for climate change support and action by governments.

14 Jun 2022

Southeast Asia Caught Between a Commodity Crisis and a Climate Crunch

Melinda Martinus

Southeast Asian governments are facing inflationary and climate pressures simultaneously, against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. To back down from earlier climate promises, tempted by urgent domestic needs, would be counter-productive and short-sighted.

Climate Change Energy Environment Renewable Energy

30 May 2022

To Ban or Not To Ban? How Indonesia Can Overcome the Global Food Crisis

Maria Monica Wihardja|Arianto Patunru

Jakarta’s latest decision to briefly ban the export of crude palm oil has not helped Indonesians reeling from rising food prices. Rather than bending with the political wind, Indonesia’s leaders should steer its course by reconsidering fundamentals to improve its competitiveness in the global food economy.

Environment Food Security Indonesia Indonesian Economy International Trade

29 Apr 2022

Hydropower Development in Sarawak: Sensitivities over Sustainability and China’s Involvement

Tham Siew Yean

China has become the most significant foreign partner in Sarawak’s hydropower development, as its extensive knowledge and experience in this domain dovetails with Sarawak’s ambitious programme to develop hydropower for its own needs and for export to the region.

China-Malaysia Relations Environment Malaysia Renewable Energy Sustainable Development

27 Apr 2022

Liberation Technology? The Digital Era and Indigenous Survival in West Kalimantan

Irendra Radjawali|Maria Monica Wihardja

The survival of the Sungai Utik people and their customary forest needs deliberate imagining in this digital era. The community must think carefully about the future they want for themselves and their forest and seize opportunities to use digital technologies to their advantage.

Digitalisation Environment Indonesia

18 Apr 2022

Talk is Cheap: The 2022 Philippine Elections’ Climate Implications

Ruth Lusterio-Rico

President Duterte’s approach to environmental issues has been inconsistent. His declarations about solving environmental problems have been quite strong, but were not followed by concrete actions. The next President must strike a tough balance between fostering a business climate conducive to economic recovery, whilst moving ahead with climate action and environmental commitments.

Climate Change Environment Philippine Philippine Economy Philippine Politics Sustainable Development

14 Apr 2022

Palm Oil Certification Schemes: Putting Some Roar into Paper Tigers

Darren Cheong|Ryan Wong

Sustainable palm oil certification schemes are necessary, as they incentivise producers to improve their environmental practices. But a different tack centred on districts rather than individual producers should be considered.

Environment Indonesia Malaysia Sustainable Development

13 Apr 2022

Greenwashing: A Market Distortion Needing Serious Attention in Southeast Asia

Michael Schaper|Ryan Wong

Greenwashing is more than just a quirky marketing practice; it has the potential to seriously distort the effective expression of consumer and social concerns about environmental issues. This Long Read argues that consumers and investors can drive change through their purchasing and spending power. But this requires honest and accurate information to be made freely available so that properly informed decisions can be made.

Climate Change Environment Sustainable Development

24 Mar 2022

Resetting the Throw-Away Lifestyle

Ryan Wong

No politician in both developing and developed nations would be ready to condemn more consumption, more growth and more throw-away. But the alternative need not be anti-consumption. Innovations and nascent movements in sustainable consumption show us more options.

Environment Sustainable Development