Eco-Business

Environmental defenders across Southeast Asia face threats, violence and legal hurdles in their fight for justice. Five share their struggles.

Scientist Rebellion_Aviation greenwash protest

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.

Ending the damaging price war may require fundamental reform. How did the industry get here, and how can it recover?

EB Studio A closer look at how these ‘energy transition’ deals are backed reveals gaps in the lending policies of banks in the Mekong subregion. A 1,460-MW dam, now under construction near the Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage Site, will see all its electricity sold to Thailand, but critics have pointed out that the nation is facing an oversupply of energy.

Thomson Reuters Foundation

By Rhick Lars Albay

By Hannah Alcoseba Fernandez and Samantha Ho

All Vietnam News →

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. By Julie de los Reyes and Katrina Navallo

Following the letdown of COP29, Asean needs to step up and lead the way in controlling emissions from Southeast Asia’s agri-food system. By Elyssa Kaur Ludher and Paul Teng

A street in South Jakarta, with exposed electrical infrastructure

To achieve net zero emissions in Southeast Asia, addressing the significant financing gap is crucial, requiring bold targets and more international support. By Trang Nguyen

While Vietnam manufacturer VinFast may be one of the first Southeast Asian companies to explore the United States electric vehicle market, how it is making inroads highlights untapped potential for deeper economic engagement with the US. By Angel Hsu

By Mirza Sadaqat Huda

By Christina Ng

By Lucky Susanto and Grace Wangge

By Dr Richard Friend, Dr Jutamas Kaewsuk and Dr Pakamas Thinphanga

All Vietnam Opinion →

Launched as policymakers lock horns with petrochemicals lobbyists over a treaty to end plastic pollution, the documentary produced by Eco-Business asks why opportunities to solve humanity's waste crisis are being wasted. It will premiere in Singapore and screen on the sidelines of the upcoming COP28 climate summit.

Vietnam's wind market is thriving, but more work lies ahead if the country wants to power its booming economy without imperilling its people and the planet.

Southeast Asian nations are racing to bring clean, affordable power to their people, but one country is outrunning them all. How can states make their renewable energy transition a success?

An e-jeepney in the Philippines. A growing movement is underway to electrify Southeast Asia's transport. Image: Eco-Business

In gridlocked, smoggy Southeast Asian cities, change is afoot to electrify transport and clear some of the world's most polluted skies. This video documents the pockets of hope for e-mobility around the most climate-vulnerable region.

All Vietnam Videos →

Asia lags the world in natural catastrophe protection. Part of the problem could be counting extreme weather losses only after they happen, industry insiders tell the Eco-Business podcast.

GoTo sustainability head Tanah Sullivan tells the Eco-Business Podcast that regulating net-zero claims would decarbonise Southeast Asia faster. Indonesia's biggest internet firm aims to cut emissions to zero by 2030 — a target critics say is unrealistic.

Eco-Business talks to Peter Kiernan, lead energy analyst for the Economist Intelligence Unit, to unpack a new landmark report from the International Energy Agency, which proposes an immediate ban on fossil fuels extraction to curb global warming.

Laos has announced the construction of two new coal plants for this year, despite growing evidence that coal power comes with significant financial risk. What is holding back the country from tapping its rich clean energy resources instead?

All Vietnam Podcasts →