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Compiled by Ms. Purnima Joshi
As we ushered in the ‘new’ year, South-East Asia was witnessing extreme weather with Malaysia providing USD336Mn in cash aid and other forms of relief for those hit by severe flooding. Negative environmental impacts of climate change continue to be felt and seen around the world; in some regions, the effect of climate change on mental health is less immediately obvious or visible. While the link between climate change and currencies may not be apparent, with many Asian countries being both importers and exporters of fossil fuels, their commitments to reduce carbon emissions will have knock-on effects on their current account and thus currency strength.
And there’s lot’s more, so happy reading!
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Extreme weather in South-East Asia is a harbinger of worse to come
The Economist, 1st Jan 2022
On December 16th, Typhoon Rai made landfall in Siargao in the south-eastern Philippines. With sustained winds of 195kph and gusts of up to 240kph, the storm barged westward and slightly northward, the eye making eight more landfalls in the Philippine
archipelago. Read further ...
Thousands more evacuated as fresh floods hit Malaysia
trtworld.com, 3 Jan 2022
Malaysia says it will provide $336.22 million (1.4 billion ringgit) in cash aid and other forms of relief for those hit by severe flooding this month. Read further ...
ENERGY
The Energy Transition in Central Asia: Drivers, Policy and Opportunities
jdsupra.com, 30 Dec 2022
Central Asia has sizeable deposits of gas and other natural resources. Turkmenistan has the sixth-largest proven gas deposits in the world,1 and Kazakhstan has significant deposits of oil and coal.
Is India missing the green hydrogen bus?
SundayGuardian, 1 Jan 2022
As India struggles to put wind and solar farms and dabbles with electric vehicles, the world is securely and surely moving onto an era of green hydrogen. Read further ...
Severe climate risk threatens 40 per cent of global fossil reserves
Eco-Business, 5 Jan 2022
Nearly half of the world’s fossil fuel reserves are vulnerable to extreme weather brought on by climate change, according to an assessment published last month by risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. Read further ...
HEALTH
Climate Anxiety Poses A Mental Health Risk Unless We Keep Talking About It
Greenqueen.com, 2 Jan 2022
As the climate changes, negative environmental effects are being felt and seen around the world.
The effect that climate change has on mental health is less immediately obvious or visible. Read further ...
SOUTH ASIA
‘Regional conflicts impediment to climate cooperation’
The News, 30 Dec 2021
"The conflict-ridden trajectory of the relationship between the two largest countries of South Asia is the biggest impediment in making meaningful progress on addressing the issue of climate change in the region" Read further ...
Pakistan to lead Asia in mission against climate change
Daily Pakistan, 30 Dec 2022
Pakistan is among the three countries to win the ‘Forestry Champion’ title on the back of its ambitious Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Plantation project launched by the Imran Khan-led government. Read further ...
Bangladesh: How climate-resilient farming is empowering women
dw.com, 3 Jan 2022
Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate catastrophes. But, there are several initiatives to help local communities, particularly women, overcome the effects of climate-related problems. Read further ...
FINANCE & GOVERNANCE
Climate change targets to have unexpected impact on Asia FX
capital.com, 3 January 2022
The link between climate change and currencies may not be obvious.
But many Asian countries are both importers and exporters of fossil fuels, and commitments to reduce carbon emissions will have knock-on effects on their current accounts and therefore currency strength. Read further ...
Taiwan fund to issue $2.3 bln climate change pension mandate, Asia's first -official
reuters.com, 6 Jan 2022
Taiwan's largest pension fund is set to issue what a top official said is Asia's first climate change-focused stock mandate, worth $2.3 billion, amid mounting pressure for the global financial sector to support green investing. Read further ...
CORPORATE
Lloyd's Asia launches new renewable energy consortium
Asia Insurance Review, 3 Jan 2022
Lloyd's, the world's leading marketplace for commercial, corporate and specialty risk solutions, has launched a new renewable energy consortium, to respond to the growing needs of the Asia Pacific region and supporting countries, as they transition to greener
energy solutions. Read further ...
Asia Securities goes green; becomes Sri Lanka’s first carbon neutral investment services firm
Daily FT, 4 Jan 2022
Asia Securities has become the first ZeroCarbon certified investment services firm in Sri Lanka. This major milestone is a result of the firm’s deep commitment to the future of its community and decisive management actions to significantly reduce the impact of its business operations on the environment.
PODCAST
Green Pulse Podcast: The climate crisis in Asia in 2022
The Straits Times, 3 Jan 2022
In 2021, climate change made its mark around the world. North America sizzled in an unprecedented heat wave. Floods inundated China and Europe. Super Typhoon Rai pummelled the Philippines, leaving destruction in its wake. Listen to podcast here ...
ADDITIONAL NEWS
How Singapore is serving up sustainable future-ready food
The Straits Times, 3 Jan 2022
Poll Finds 9 in 10 Koreans Feeling Climate Change Firsthand
Koreabizwire.com, 4 Jan 2022
Johor pushes for change towards green energy
The Star, 18 Dec 2021
CGM's Asia-Pacific Climate Digest is compiled by communications consultant Purnima Joshi.
With over two decades of experience in corporate communications, Purnima combines her skills in creative and communication along with her passion for working for the community. She has worked on a multitude of projects in waste management, circular economy, building active citizenship in the community, some of which have won awards. These also include a project on building climate resilience for UNICEF as well as some award-winning projects. She has been associated with several NGOs in an advisory capacity for over 10 years.