Climate Action in ASEAN: A Call for Strengthened Commitments
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has urged ASEAN countries to step up their climate commitments and uphold the Paris Agreement, despite shifting global policies on climate action. As the world is perilously close to breaching the 1.5°C global warming threshold, it is crucial that ASEAN nations take a unified stance in mitigating climate change.
The Science is Clear
According to UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the science is clear: exceeding the 1.5°C threshold will have devastating consequences, including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and severe economic and social disruptions, particularly for vulnerable communities. She emphasized that ASEAN must remain steadfast in its climate leadership, even as some major economies have withdrawn or weakened their commitments to the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement: A Legally Binding Treaty
The Paris Agreement, adopted on December 12, 2015, is a legally binding international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. It entered into force on November 4, 2016. Although the United States has withdrawn from the agreement twice, the rest of the world, including ASEAN, must continue to uphold its commitments.
Regional Collaboration for Climate Action
Alisjahbana also called for greater regional collaboration in securing green investments and technological advancements for climate adaptation. ASEAN nations, particularly emerging economies like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, should take the lead in green investments and renewable energy adoption. ASEAN’s regional strength can be leveraged to attract investors and forge sustainable financing mechanisms.
ESCAP’s Role in Climate Financing
ESCAP is working closely with ASEAN nations to facilitate climate financing and ensure that developing countries can meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The responsibility is shared, and ASEAN must leverage its regional strength to send a strong message to the global community that this region is serious about climate action.
Meeting with Malaysian Leaders
Alisjahbana visited Malaysia for a two-day working visit from February 17, 2025, meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and the Ministry of Economy’s Deputy Secretary General (MACRO) Datuk V Valluvan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ASEAN’s climate action is crucial in the face of shifting global policies on climate change. The region must continue to prioritize green investments, renewable energy adoption, and climate financing to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Paris Agreement?
A: The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Q: What is the current state of global climate action?
A: Some major economies have withdrawn or weakened their commitments to the Paris Agreement, but ASEAN must remain steadfast in its climate leadership.
Q: What is ESCAP’s role in climate action?
A: ESCAP is working closely with ASEAN nations to facilitate climate financing and ensure that developing countries can meet their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.