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.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.
In line with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” low-income countries should be encouraged to implement policies that harness alternative strategies for reducing emissions.