Articles

Beyond Busan – Will the Prolonged Push to Secure a Global Plastic Treaty Help Combat the Disposable Cups Crisis in South Korea?

The recent INC-5 negotiations in Busan spotlighted the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution globally, with a focus on reducing single-use plastics like disposable coffee cups, which contribute significantly to waste in South Korea and beyond. While the treaty negotiations ended without a binding agreement, discussions highlighted innovative reuse solutions, such as rental cup systems and “Bring Your Own Container” initiatives, as promising pathways to transition from a linear to a circular economy. As the world’s fourth-largest petrochemical producer, South Korea has a critical role in aligning government, business, and citizen efforts to curb unsustainable plastic use ahead of the next round of talks in 2024.

Fossil Fuel Projects Cost More Than Expanding Renewables, Analysts Say

Solar, wind and geothermal energy offer cheaper, faster-to-deploy and socially responsible solutions for the future of energy. Yet in Asia, these clear advantages are overshadowed by the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), where Japan advocates for a future that keeps fossil fuels in play under the guise of green innovation.

What is the Best Renewable Energy Source?

Renewable energy is more efficient and has lower environmental and health costs than fossil fuels. However, the best renewable energy source varies based on geographic and climate conditions.

Bangladesh Sinks in Crisis Acting on Japan’s Fossil-fuel-based Master Plans [Op-Ed]

Japan's fossil fuel-driven energy plans have left Bangladesh with skyrocketing costs, mounting debt, and doubled carbon emissions. Experts call for revising the IEPMP to prioritise renewables and align with the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan for a sustainable future.

What Asia’s Financial Industry Can Learn From Europe’s Climate Leadership

Through regulatory intervention and voluntary action, the EU and its financial industry are leaving the fossil fuel era behind. While Asian banks and investors remain deeply entrenched in coal, oil, and gas, in the potential absence of the US, they can lead global climate action alongside Europe.

How AZEC and Japan Are Pushing Fossil Fuel-based Solutions in Asia

The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), launched by Japan in 2023 to promote regional decarbonisation, has drawn criticism for prioritising fossil fuel-based technologies like LNG, ammonia co-firing, and carbon capture over renewables such as wind and solar. Experts argue that these "false solutions" perpetuate fossil fuel dependency, risk derailing emissions targets and harm frontline communities while offering limited decarbonisation potential.

Top 10 Solar Energy Stocks in India for 2025

India's solar energy market is poised for exponential growth over the next decade as the country aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This allows investors to capitalise on this growing market and support the country's energy transition.

COP29 Outcome Falls Short of An Ambitious Goal

After intense negotiations, the final text for the NCQG settled on USD 250 billion annually by 2035 – falling significantly short of the USD 1.3 trillion goal and exposing the gap in wealthy nations’ commitments.

COP 29 Urbanisation Day Outcomes: High-level Programme Launches

COP29's Urbanisation Day addressed how sustainable urban development can mitigate environmental impacts while fostering economic growth. This included a subfocus on tourism and transportation, which both rely on and result from urbanisation. The day's positive outcomes show global consensus on how urbanisation is critical to international climate action.

Best Renewable Energy Stocks in India for 2025: Top Picks to Consider

India's renewable energy capacity has been steadily growing over the last five years and is projected to continue growing in the coming decade. India's renewable energy market is following suit, with a growing number of companies rapidly expanding in the space, providing many good investment options.

COP29 Inaugural Digitalisation Day: Charting a New Course

The COP29 Digitalisation Day explored the links between the digital sector and climate change, highlighting the opportunities and risks within their relationship. While parties laid a good foundation for future progress through their ambitious pledges, it is now crucial to build on them.

The COP29 Energy Day: Key Pledges and Highlights

Despite some positive announcements on energy storage and grids, COP29 is shaping up to be yet another conference where the vested interests of the fossil fuel industry would decide the outcome. While there is still time for major developments, the ambition seems to be lacking.

What Is at Stake at the COP29 Climate Finance Negotiations?

Dubbed the "Finance COP," COP29 will focus on closing the gap in global climate funding. Tackling climate change, adapting to its impacts and addressing related damages require substantial financial resources. While global climate investments have risen, much more is needed, especially to support developing economies and the world's least-developed countries.

Mission Mausam: Why Is It Needed and Will It Be Successful?

Mission Mausam is India's new meteorological program to improve weather forecasting accuracy and speed. It has the potential to benefit several sectors and help the country strengthen its extreme weather early warning systems – a core component of climate adaptation.

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