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

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”.

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.