Global Witness warns that mining for green energy is fuelling conflict and human rights abuses in Asia and elsewhere, urging tougher standards and protections.

The initiative is philanthropy-led and will extend beyond traditional Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to cover conservation of more existing ocean ecosystems. Less than 3 per cent of the region's national waters are under formal protection but a deadline to meet a global conservation target looms.

Ahead of COP29, a study by International Institute for Environment and Development shows that Asia's least developed countries have debt growing at a faster rate than climate support.

Microfinance institutions in Cambodia, accused of predatory lending, are pivoting to green bonds while borrowers, burdened by debt and climate impacts, struggle to survive.