Features

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.

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.

What a Donald Trump Presidency Means For Global Action Against Climate Change

Trump’s win comes as a breath of fresh air to the fossil fuel industry. For many climate scientists and activists, it is no longer a question of whether the global climate crisis will get worse but how worse it will get. The new reality highlights the importance of climate multilateralism, where the EU, China and other nations take the lead.

APAC Data Centre Carbon Footprint to Escalate from Gas Usage

Data centre, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) investment in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is escalating, but so is the need to power that buildout. Natural gas will be the fuel of choice for producing electricity for the sector. However, more gas development means more greenhouse gas emissions. A better way forward must be developed.

Asia’s Renewable Energy Leaders and Laggards in 2024

The International Energy Agency's (IEA) Renewables 2024, published in early October, reveals Asia’s renewable energy leaders and laggards.

How the 2024 US Presidential Election Might Change America’s Climate Policy

On Nov. 5, US voters will elect Kamala Harris or Donald Trump as their next president. Aside from the global geopolitical stage, the outcome will also significantly impact the world's decarbonisation journey, the prospects of achieving Paris Agreement goals and the efforts to tame the climate crisis.

Indonesia’s Energy Policy Under The New President Prabowo Subianto

Environmentalists, human rights activists, and energy market analysts are wary of Prabowo Subianto's appointment as Indonesia's new president. However, the leader can prove them wrong in what would be a huge boost for Indonesia's and the global decarbonisation and sustainability efforts.

The State of Fossil Fuel Funding in 2024: The Biggest Corporate and State Backers

While unbearable heatwaves, catastrophic floods, and other devastating climate impacts are multiplying in frequency and severity, experts reveal that the top 60 largest private banks have provided USD 6.9 trillion to fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement.

What to Expect From COP29 in Azerbaijan?

The mounting climate disasters are an alarming sign that there is no time for another wasted COP. So far, the signs from the host and the parties' discourse on crucial topics indicate this is easier said than done.

Bangladesh’s Fossil Fuel Misadventure Offers Sobering Lessons on What Not To Do For a Proper Energy Transition

Bangladesh is focused on tackling essential socio-economic challenges following its recent political transition. Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, the Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), shares his thoughts on how Bangladesh’s power and energy sector's trajectory is far off course and calls for proactively transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Over One-third of AZEC Agreements Support Fossil Fuels, Risking High Emissions and Future Costs for Southeast Asia

Launched by Japan in March 2023, AZEC is a diplomatic initiative with eleven Southeast Asian countries and Australia to advance cooperation in Asia towards carbon neutrality and a platform for joint investment to develop zero-emission technologies across the region. However, according to Zero Carbon Analytics’ analysis, over one-third of those MoUs will promote fossil fuels or technologies that will prolong fossil fuels.

Laos’ Net-zero 2050: Renewable Power Generation Challenges and Opportunities

ASEAN member Laos has plans to increase renewable energy in its power mix, notably solar power buildout. However, it continues to rely on hydropower and coal-fired power plants to generate electricity, complicating both its way forward and decarbonisation plans.

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