Politics of Climate in Asia

Asia accounts for 60% of the world population while producing more than 30% of the global GDP. The region is also known for its hot spots of greenhouse gas emissions, water and air pollution, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss, all of which invite large-scale disasters and climate change. The region has special vulnerabilities, including extensive coastal populations susceptible to rising sea levels, large river basins prone to flooding, and many workers in climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and tourism. By dividing the topics into problems, perceptions, and solutions, we try to grasp how politics matter in climate change policy and what we can do about it.

Nonetheless, prioritizing the environmental agenda is a challenge, especially in countries still suffering from domestic poverty, inequality, and lack of basic infrastructure. It is estimated that China alone has more than 100 million people living under $1 a day. It is not surprising, therefore, that governments of developing countries emphasize economic development and infrastructure building at the expense of the environment. In this context, what role can relevant stakeholders, such as foreign donors, media, and civil society organizations/NGOs play in mainstreaming the climate agenda in local contexts where economic development or other political concerns are urgently sought after?

By delving deep into the context of societies in Asia, we explore the potential of existing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change and the dilemmas that decision-makers are facing. The first few sessions will be devoted to the developmental foundations of Asian societies that shape the range of climate and environmental policy choices. The second few sessions will focus on the “solutions” and the risk and unintended consequences they might incur. Greater emphasis will be placed on the use and conservation of natural resources (such as forests, minerals, water, and land) where “politics” affect the direction of climate mitigation and adaptation.