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COP26: How Lack of Climate Finance Derails Coal Phase-out Agenda

The chaos around the last-minute change in the coal declaration by India, China and South Africa at COP26 has certainly made it harder to reach the 1.5-degree target. At the Glasgow UN climate summit, nations pledged to phase-out coal, reduce methane, end deforestation and support the energy transition, etc. With the USD 100 billion pledge of climate finance still not being fulfilled, small and developing countries called for climate justice. Many nations now plan to revisit their commitment by the end of 2022.

Denial by “Natural Gas Industry” and Greenwashing Practices

The oil and gas industry has been one of the most influential sectors over the past several decades, but there are signs that this may be changing. Public and private sentiment is shifting, and the spotlight is swinging towards renewables. In an attempt to slow this transition, many fossil fuel companies have increased lobbying and public outreach. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in greenwashing. The reality is that change is happening, and it is in the best interest of these fossil fuel giants to shift with it, capitalizing on the changing market.

The End of Internal Combustion Engine at COP26: The Glasgow Accord

The Glasgow Accord on Zero Emissions Vehicles is one of the major pieces of policy to come out of COP26. It unites governments, auto manufacturers, and fleet vehicle owners to phase out ICE vehicles by 2035. Signed by 34 countries, India is the lone signatory from Asia and will need to be a role model for the region.

COP26 – With No Financing to Go Around, Cancelling All New Coal Power Plant is a Practical Move for Host Countries

China’s recent pledge solidifies a global financial trend away from coal, as several private and governmental institutions, most notably from Japan and South Korea followed by all G20 countries, have made similar announcements. Recent announcements at the COP26 climate talks from national governments also raises questions about the future of new coal plants. With several countries pledging to phase-out coal in 2040 – or the equivalent conditional on financial support – building new coal capacity will be incompatible with these carbon neutral pledges and other climate commitments.

COP26 and the Future of Hard-to-Abate Sectors in Asia

The announcements during the COP26 can be a turning point in the global energy policy. Not only because of all the new initiatives and targets for renewable energy development and coal phase-out, but also thanks to commitments to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.

Vietnam’s Coal Pledge at COP26 – A New PDP8 and Net-Zero by 2050

Over the past year, Vietnam has been going back and forth in its energy roadmap. However, the country used the stage of COP26 to announce ambitious renewable energy targets and a commitment to phase out coal - a clear sign that it is getting back on the right track.

What the Future Holds for the Renewable Energy Industry in Asia

Asia is responsible for over 45% of the world’s CO2 emissions. The region counts 93 of the 100 world’s most polluted cities. As home to over 50% of the world’s population and 60% of the largest cities, Asia will also soon face a rapidly increasing energy demand. The way the continent will face it will be detrimental to the global net-zero efforts.

Samsung Renewable Energy and the Squid Game Protest at COP26

CSOs call upon Samsung to power all of its worksites on 100% renewable energy during a Squid Game-themed protest at COP26. This is in response to the global semiconductor manufacturer's failure to show sufficient progress in reducing emissions, despite claiming to be an eco-friendly leader in sustainability and smart technology.

A Close Look at China’s Five Year Plan for Coal (2021-2025)

Coal power is the anchor energy in the country, supplying around 70% of the electricity, also contributing roughly 43% of the country’s CO2 emissions. China has made promises in recent years to limit its coal power growth. But the world is still nervously guessing - how much coal power will be added to China’s domestic fleet before 2025?

Why Asia’s Transition to Sustainable Energy is Critical

Over the past decade, the renewable energy progress across Asia has started to pick up pace. However, due to how important the continent is for the global decarbonisation efforts, the world doesn't only need Asia to progress. The world needs it to lead the sustainable energy future.

Investing in the Future of Hydrogen: A Path to Net Zero

Green hydrogen still accounts for a small percentage of total global hydrogen production. But it is a valuable, and necessary, energy source for the world to reach net-zero by 2050. This makes it a lucrative investment opportunity that has the potential to provide substantial returns in the coming decades.

Cheap Green Hydrogen and its Impacts on Asia’s Oil and Gas Industry

Much has been said about the trouble in decarbonising sectors like shipping and aviation, but...

Fossil Fuel Industry and the Media’s Role in Greenwashing

The fossil fuel industry has long relied on greenwashing. And in the last decade social media and increased internet use has made it much easier for this misinformation to reach consumers. Now it can be challenging to interpret true claims from greenwashed facts. It falls on the shoulders of consumers, regulators, and industry to clamp down on these tactics.

Global Methane Pledge COP26: Its Impact on Asia’s Oil and Gas Industry

In the build-up to the COP26 conference in Glasgow, all eyes were set on global leaders to make meaningful progress in addressing methane emissions, the second leading cause of climate change. While the Global Methane Pledge is a necessary first step, governments and the fossil fuel industry will have to do more if we are to remain on track to meeting the Paris Agreement goals. In the meantime, the oil and gas landscape in Asia will have to change.

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