The ASEAN Climate and Energy Paradox
Brief about:
Journal Article (2021)
Written by:
Other researchers:
This article deals with the unique paradox of ASEAN countries: On the one hand, they are extremely vulnerable to climate change, probably more than anyone else in terms of regions, but on the other hand, their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change have been very limited.
The purpose of this article was to look at ASEAN countries (we looked at all of them and then highlighted 6 of them more psecifically) and show concrete cases where one can find this paradox. We also wanted to explain the paradox and propose solutions to it, in order to help the mitigation and adaptation efforts to climate change of the region.
Our first finding is that ASEAN countries see energy transition as a zero sum game, in the sense, for instance, that they view their efforts to cut fossil fuels as detrimental to their economic growth in the short term, and are therefore reluctant to operate the transition. We advocate precisely the opposite of that, and argue that ASEAN countries should view energy transition as an opportunity to ensure sustainable growth in the short and long-term. Energy transition and investments in renewable energies can be an even more important source of financial support and investment than keeping fossil fuels in their energy mix.
Another finding is that currently, governments of ASEAN countries subsidise fossil fuels and cover most of the cost (50 to 70%) for the consumers. This scheme keeps prices affordable, but it is quite unsustainable because it makes it much harder to phase out fossil fuels. ASEAN countries should make concrete pledges and put in the effort to attract investments and international aid, so that they can phase out fossil fuels and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Key findings
- Since 2006, the rate of investments in renewable energies and climate change policies in ASEAN countries has largely remained the same, to the exception of Vietnam, which is now seen as a success story in the region.
Proposed action
- ASEAN countries currently view energy transition as a zero-sum game, as a burden on short-term economic growth
They should start viewing it a an opportunity, because it can help achieve sustainable long-term economic growth but can also have tremendous benefits in the short term, in terms of financing and aid.
- ASEAN countries should start making concrete environmental pledges and put effort into attracting investments and development aid, so that they can implement policies to adapt to and mitigate climate change
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to ASEAN
These insights were made available thanks to the support of ASEAN, who are committed to the dissemination of knowledge for all.
Special thanks to Antoine Germain for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Antoine Germain, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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The ASEAN Climate and Energy Paradox
Cite this brief: Vakulchuk, Roman. 'The ASEAN Climate and Energy Paradox'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/the-asean-climate-and-energy-paradox/
Brief created by: Dr Roman Vakulchuk | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- I. O., Vakulchuk, R., & et al., ‘The ASEAN Climate and Energy Paradox’ 2 (pp. 1–10) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666278720300192. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666278720300192
Research brief:
This article deals with the unique paradox of ASEAN countries: On the one hand, they are extremely vulnerable to climate change, probably more than anyone else in terms of regions, but on the other hand, their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change have been very limited.
The purpose of this article was to look at ASEAN countries (we looked at all of them and then highlighted 6 of them more psecifically) and show concrete cases where one can find this paradox. We also wanted to explain the paradox and propose solutions to it, in order to help the mitigation and adaptation efforts to climate change of the region.
Our first finding is that ASEAN countries see energy transition as a zero sum game, in the sense, for instance, that they view their efforts to cut fossil fuels as detrimental to their economic growth in the short term, and are therefore reluctant to operate the transition. We advocate precisely the opposite of that, and argue that ASEAN countries should view energy transition as an opportunity to ensure sustainable growth in the short and long-term. Energy transition and investments in renewable energies can be an even more important source of financial support and investment than keeping fossil fuels in their energy mix.
Another finding is that currently, governments of ASEAN countries subsidise fossil fuels and cover most of the cost (50 to 70%) for the consumers. This scheme keeps prices affordable, but it is quite unsustainable because it makes it much harder to phase out fossil fuels. ASEAN countries should make concrete pledges and put in the effort to attract investments and international aid, so that they can phase out fossil fuels and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Findings:
Since 2006, the rate of investments in renewable energies and climate change policies in ASEAN countries has largely remained the same, to the exception of Vietnam, which is now seen as a success story in the region.
Advice:
ASEAN countries currently view energy transition as a zero-sum game, as a burden on short-term economic growth
- They should start viewing it a an opportunity, because it can help achieve sustainable long-term economic growth but can also have tremendous benefits in the short term, in terms of financing and aid.
ASEAN countries should start making concrete environmental pledges and put effort into attracting investments and development aid, so that they can implement policies to adapt to and mitigate climate change