Asia harbours some of the biggest emitters and consumers of energy

 …So, where can we look for more hopeful climate news in the coming months and years? 

The battle to reduce emissions might be cooling in the US at a federal level, but other regions are seizing the opportunity to build on existing legislation to adapt their economies towards a zero carbon future.

Asia harbours some of the biggest emitters and consumers of energy and raw material, and it’s responsible for 45% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But it’s also home to critical drivers and innovators at the forefront of the transition, as well as low-lying or island economies that are among the most vulnerable to climate change. In many ways it’s a key region for climate action. 

China is by far the largest emitter of GHGs, accounting for 30% of global carbon emissions – but it’s also streaks ahead in the green technology race. It broke its own record in installing renewable power last year, adding roughly 277 gigawatts of solar – that’s almost 3.5 times the entire capacity of the UK grid in 2023 – and it’s expected that its EVs will outsell petrol and diesel cars this year, 10 years ahead of target.

China is by far the largest emitter of GHGs, accounting for 30% of global carbon emissions – but it’s also streaks ahead in the green technology race. It broke its own record in installing renewable power last year, adding roughly 277 gigawatts of solar – that’s almost 3.5 times the entire capacity of the UK grid in 2023 – and it’s expected that its EVs will outsell petrol and diesel cars this year, 10 years ahead of target.  

The recent launch of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek – allegedly far cheaper and less carbon-intensive than western alternatives – has cemented China’s image of producing competitive technology behind the scenes and catching the global market off guard. If China can do this on AI, does it have similar surprises in store on climate?

Elsewhere in the region, Indonesia has vowed to phase out its coal use over the next 15 years. Toy giant Lego has chosen to open their first carbon-neutral factory in Vietnam to be close to Asia’s major markets, thanks in part to the country’s support for renewable energy. At the same time, Japan still spends between $140-230 billion every year on importing fossil fuels from across the globe. This is money that Japan could invest in developing domestic renewable energy. Asia should look to maximise its central role in production, consumption, global trade and innovation.   ..
Helen Clarkson, Climate Group CEO