Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana

Opinion | How the Asia-Pacific can make a giant leap on its climate ambition

From renewable energy grids and green transport to risk management systems and climate finance, carbon neutrality must be at the heart of national development strategies

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Demonstrators hold a sign during a protest that reads “1.5 to stay alive” at the COP27 UN climate summit on November 12 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Photo: AP

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana

Published: 8:30am, 29 Nov 2022

Recent climate talks in Egypt have left us with a sobering reality: the window to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is closing fast – and what is on the table is not enough to avert the worst potential effects of climate change. The latest nationally determined contributions of Asia-Pacific countries, commitments meant to reduce emissions, will instead result in a 16 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 2010.

The COP27 UN climate change conference has reaffirmed actions towards a net-zero world. The historic decision to establish a loss and damage fund is an important step towards climate justice and building trust. But they are not enough, not without what UN Secretary General António Guterres calls a “giant leap on climate ambition”.

Carbon neutrality must be at the heart of national development strategies, and reflected in public and private investment decisions. And it needs to cascade down to the sustainable pathways in each economic sector.

We are working with regional and national stakeholders on these transformational pathways. Moving away from the brown economy is imperative, not only because emissions are rising, but also because dependence on fossil fuels leaves economies struggling with price volatility and energy insecurity.

A clear road map is the springboard needed for an inclusive and just energy transition. We have been working with countries to develop scenarios showing how a different energy future is possible.

The changeover to renewable energy requires improvements in grid infrastructure, especially cross-border grids. ESCAP’s regional road map on power system connectivity provides a platform for members to work towards an interconnected grid.