Airlines came under intense scrutiny for suspect green claims this year, as did net zero targets, sustainability-linked loans and the UN-led COP process. Australia led the Asia Pacific region for penalising firms for greenwashing with fines.
Some startups have had to trade clean energy on a smaller scale “behind-the-meter” without the support of government policies. A key barrier is Thailand's centralised energy system which is in need of a reform, say experts.
The city's plans to halve emissions by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050 may be ambitious. But NGOs tracking its policy direction over the years are not convinced and demand a more measurable roadmap with interim goals – not just long-term pledges.