Residential areas next to a major nickel processing site on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island recorded exponential increases in diagnoses of respiratory infections between 2020 and 2023.
The country is expected to leverage its Asean presidency to drive cooperation in the regional carbon markets. At home, Malaysia is looking to drive down emissions through a climate bill, energy sector reform and fuel subsidy cuts.
While some progress has been made, visible frustration was evident among member states negotiating the global plastics treaty as no text has yet been submitted for legal review. But the INC5 chair has responded that revised treaty text will be ready by Friday.
Global Witness warns that mining for green energy is fuelling conflict and human rights abuses in Asia and elsewhere, urging tougher standards and protections.