With one of the weakest carbon taxes globally, the region’s largest economy risks becoming the world's leading enabler of carbon leakage, where emissions aren't reduced, just outsourced to nations with weaker policies.
Asean's growing carbon trading initiatives present vast opportunities for emissions reduction and economic growth, but equitable frameworks and robust regulations are critical to their success.
Private investment in conservation is always welcome but the evidence suggests governments will need to do the heavy lifting when it comes to repairing nature.