Thirteen countries submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions to the UN – including Singapore, the only Asian nation to do so – while the majority of Paris Agreement signatories missed a 10 February deadline. Countries could be holding back in light of uncertainties in a post-Trump world, say observers.
This marks a shift from the steady progress made by the region's top listed firms in integrity disclosures since 2020, as focus turns from governance towards climate reporting. Thailand retains its lead, followed by Malaysia and Singapore.
The year is likely to see cooperation between China and the European Union become more important, but both sides will have to carefully navigate developments that could lead to more trade friction. Transition finance is expected to grow.
The former CEO of Singapore carbon exchange Climate Impact X, who was known for his progressive views on conservation and transition finance, died last Thursday. He was 50.