Following the disappointing outcome of COP29, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a crucial opportunity to step up and lead the charge in reducing emissions from the region’s agri-food system.
With global leadership faltering, as evidenced by the lack of progress at COP29, regional blocs must take the initiative to implement the urgent actions needed to achieve climate goals. Southeast Asia, a region notably vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, cannot afford to delay. The region is already experiencing the devastating consequences of a changing climate, as seen in the Philippines, which recently endured an unprecedented six typhoons in a single month.
ASEAN is a significant force on the world stage. With a population of 670 million, it surpasses the European Union’s 450 million. Moreover,ASEAN is projected to become the fourth-largest economic bloc globally by 2030. Any positive impact achieved by ASEAN will have far-reaching implications for other regions.
Securing climate financing is paramount for ASEAN to realize its ambitions. Though, according to the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, food systems currently receive a meager 2.5% of global public climate finance. the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that Southeast Asia has historically received only 5% of the climate finance allocated to Asia. Of this, food and agriculture receive a mere fraction (see Figure 1).
Food/Agri Get a Small Slice of Pie
The ADB’s report, “Climate Finance Landscape of Asia and the Pacific,” identifies a major obstacle for Southeast Asia in accessing climate finance: a weak policy and enabling environment for climate action. This is compounded by weak institutional and planning frameworks that hinder the development of bankable, high-quality climate projects. The ADB recommends increased transparency, data availability, monitoring, and reporting. A crucial step in addressing this is integrating climate plans into sector plans, including those for agriculture and food.
“Under Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025, ASEAN will focus on people-centric measures, inclusivity, and sustainability,” the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade stated. This presents a unique opportunity for ASEAN to demonstrate leadership in tackling climate change within its agri-food system. By prioritizing climate-smart agriculture, promoting sustainable food production practices, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, ASEAN can not only mitigate its own emissions but also serve as a model for other regions grappling with the challenges of climate change.
As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, Southeast Asia is stepping up its efforts to build a sustainable and resilient agri-food system. Malaysia, the incoming chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is prioritizing this critical issue, recognizing the region’s vulnerability to climate change and its dependence on agriculture.
Malaysia’s focus aligns with ASEAN’s broader goals of enhancing trade and investments, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, and fostering integrated and connected economies. The bloc is committed to a “Vision of ASEAN Agriculture: Towards 2045″ and is developing a new five-year action plan on Food,Agriculture,and Forestry (2026-2030).
“with global governance lagging, as seen at COP29, it is time for regional blocs to spearhead the pressing actions needed to achieve climate goals. Southeast Asia, being particularly vulnerable to climate change, cannot afford not to do so.”
To accelerate progress, experts suggest that ASEAN should prioritize high-impact projects and provide guidance and tools to enhance their investment readiness and bankability.One promising area is low-carbon rice cultivation. Rice production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 36% compared to 9% from livestock and 3% from croplands.
“The mitigation potential for rice (48 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent or MtCO2e annually) is much higher than that of livestock (9.4 MtCO2e) and croplands (0.8 MtCO2e),” according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Currently, only Vietnam has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice by one million hectares by 2030 as part of its National Determined Contributions.
ASEAN can leverage existing climate finance mechanisms to support these initiatives.The Green Climate Fund, established at COP16, and the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), launched at COP28, are potential sources of funding. AIM for Climate recently increased its funds for climate-smart agriculture to US$29.2 billion, up from US$17 billion last year.
COP29 also launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, a platform connecting over 90 networks and partnerships to support farmers in developing climate action initiatives within the agri-food system. This initiative, with its focus on rural communities and women, is particularly relevant to Southeast Asia, home to 100 million smallholder farmers.
Malaysia plans to present the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change at COP30, which will be held in Belém, Brazil. The conference is expected to highlight the challenges of agricultural expansion into the Amazon rainforest, a situation mirroring pressures faced in Southeast Asia. As the incoming chair, Malaysia has an opportunity to promote greater inter-bloc climate cooperation before COP30, potentially minimizing any shortcomings at the meeting. This platform woudl also allow ASEAN to showcase its strong commitment to food, agriculture, and forestry, attracting much-needed investment and support.
The World Bank has announced a significant financial commitment to address pressing climate concerns in the Sahel region of Africa. This crucial funding aims to bolster the region’s resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change, which are disproportionately affecting this vulnerable area.
“The Sahel is on the front lines of climate change,” stated [World bank Official Name], [World Bank Official Title]. “This funding will be instrumental in helping communities adapt to the changing climate and build a more sustainable future.”
The Sahel region, stretching across the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, is facing a multitude of climate-related challenges, including desertification, drought, and extreme weather events. These issues threaten food security, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions of people.
The World Bank’s financial support will be directed towards a range of projects designed to mitigate these risks and promote sustainable development. These initiatives may include investments in drought-resistant crops, water management systems, renewable energy, and early warning systems for extreme weather.
“We are committed to working with governments, communities, and partners to ensure that this funding has a tangible impact on the lives of people in the Sahel,” added [World Bank Official Name]. “This is a critical investment in the region’s future.”
The World Bank’s declaration underscores the growing international recognition of the urgent need to address climate change in vulnerable regions like the Sahel. This funding represents a vital step towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for the region and its people.
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## ASEAN: Leading the Charge on Climate Action in Southeast Asia’s Agri-Food System
**Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma, Professor of Environmental Science and Southeast Asian Studies, National University of Singapore**
**World Today News:** Following the disappointing outcome of COP29, many are looking to regional blocs like ASEAN to take the lead in addressing climate change. How can ASEAN contribute to reducing emissions from the agri-food system, a sector particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts?
**Dr. Sharma:** ASEAN has a crucial prospect to demonstrate environmental leadership. The region faces immediate threats from climate change – think of the recent devastating typhoons in the Philippines. ASEAN must leverage its size and economic power to implement enterprising climate action within its agri-food system.
**World Today News:** Transitioning to a climate-smart agri-food system requires important financial investment. How can ASEAN secure the necessary climate financing, given the current challenges in accessing funding?
**Dr. Sharma:** Precisely! The ADB report highlights a critical problem: Southeast Asia receives a paltry 5% of climate finance allocated to Asia, with the agri-food sector receiving a meager portion.
ASEAN needs to tackle this by:
* **strengthening its policy environment:** This means promoting openness, data availability, robust monitoring, and reporting mechanisms for climate projects.
* **Integrating climate plans into sector plans:** agriculture,trade,and infrastructure plans need to incorporate climate considerations to ensure coherence and impact.
* **Developing bankable projects:** ASEAN should prioritize projects with high mitigation and adaptation potential, providing guidance and support to make them investment-ready.
**World Today News:** You mentioned “high-impact projects.” What specific areas within the agri-food system offer the greatest opportunities for emissions reduction?
**dr. Sharma:** Low-carbon rice cultivation is a prime example. Rice production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in southeast Asia.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) estimates rice cultivation contributes 36% of emissions compared to 9% from livestock and 3% from croplands.
Promoting sustainable rice cultivation techniques,such as System of Rice Intensification (SRI),can significantly reduce emissions while improving yields.
**World Today news:** How can ASEAN leverage existing financial mechanisms to support these initiatives?
**Dr. sharma:** ASEAN can tap into established funding sources like the Green Climate Fund and AIM for Climate, which recently increased its commitment to climate-smart agriculture.
Moreover, initiatives like the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, launched at COP29, can provide platforms for ASEAN farmers to access knowledge, technology, and financial support.
**World Today News:** What message do you have for ASEAN leaders as they prepare for Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025, with a focus on sustainability?
**Dr. Sharma:** southeast Asia’s future hinges on decisive climate action. ASEAN’s leadership is vital not just for the region, but for the world. By prioritizing climate-smart agriculture, promoting sustainable food systems, and investing in resilient infrastructure, ASEAN can forge a path towards a greener and more secure future. Its success will inspire other regions grappling with the same challenges.
