COP29: ASEAN AT THE FRONTLINES OF CLIMATE WAR

From Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

BAKU (Azerbaijan), Nov 19 (Bernama) -- ASEAN, with its population of nearly 690 million people, is recognised as a critical region in the fight against climate change, said Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

He said the region faces immense opportunities due to its rapidly growing economies, but these are tempered by unprecedented risks from climate-related impacts.

"It is now axiomatic to say that Southeast Asia is a global economic powerhouse. By 2030, our region is projected to become the fourth-largest economy globally, with trade growth outpacing the rest of the world and the third-largest labour pool driving progress. Yet, this success story is overshadowed by the stark reality that we are also one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.

"The economic and human costs are staggering. Climate hazards could potentially impact up to US$130 billion of our gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050, with much of the population facing severe consequences if global warming reaches 2°C," he was speaking at the panel discussion titled "Nature, Tech and Collective Action: Advancing Southeast Asia’s Resilience", here today.

The discussion was held the BCG-Centre for Public Impact Pavilion at the ongoing United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP29), which is taking place from Nov 11 to 22 at Baku Stadium.

Nik Nazmi said according to the 2024 Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, four ASEAN nations - Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar - rank among the most vulnerable globally and the region is already grappling with transboundary climate hazards like floods, droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. 

He said for example, the Mekong River Basin, a lifeline for millions across Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, is increasingly at risk from droughts and floods.

Meanwhile the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that nearly six million children were affected by Typhoon Yagi recently which triggered floods and landslides - access to clean water, education, healthcare, food and shelter were all compromised.

"My home, Malaysia, has faced its share of crises. In Penampang, Sabah, devastating floods -the worst in two decades, highlight the critical need for sustainable land-use planning and effective climate adaptation measures. 

"Similarly, extreme weather events in the northern Peninsula states of Kedah and Perlis, Malaysia's largest granary area, have severely impacted the paddy farmers there, raising concerns over our food security. Supplying over 40 per cent of the nation's rice, the consequences of droughts and floods extend far beyond its borders," he said.

Nik Nazmi said with the region's role as an integral hub of the global supply chain, Southeast Asia's climate vulnerabilities also impact global trade. 

"The 2011 floods in Bangkok, resulted in a direct economic hit to Thailand impacting about 1.1 per cent of its GDP. However, its ripple effects were felt well beyond that country. Some 550 Japanese affiliated companies faced disruptions affecting factory operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam," he said.

Nik Nazmi said efforts must focus on three key areas in addressing these challenges namely nature-based solutions (NbS) such as mangrove restoration and urban green space, technological advancements particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and collective action within ASEAN.

He said ASEAN is blessed with unparalleled natural resources - the Heart of Borneo, a transboundary forest larger than England and Scotland combined, and the Coral Triangle, home to over 2,500 species of coral and reef fish, exemplify its natural wealth. 

"These ecosystems are not just treasures to be preserved, they offer solutions to our climate challenges. Studies show these solutions could save developing countries US$104 billion by 2030 and US$393 billion by 2050, while reducing the severity of climate hazards by at least 26 per cent," he said.

He said nature offers powerful solutions for climate adaptation through NbS initiatives like restoring mangroves to prevent coastal erosion or creating urban green spaces to reduce flooding can play a significant role to enhance climate resilience. 

"Beyond adaptation, they support biodiversity, food and water security, and job creation - offering a comprehensive return on investment," he said.

On technological advancements, particularly AI, Nik Nazmi said it has opened new climate adaptation and resilience frontiers.

"AI has the potential to quantify the cost of inaction and total impact across economic, social and natural dimensions, making adaptation projects bankable and help decision-makers deploy the right resources to the right solutions. 

"From early warning systems and predictive infrastructure maintenance to intelligent irrigation systems and rapid disaster response systems, technology equips us to address future uncertainties," he said.

Nik Nazmi said ASEAN's strength lies in its interconnectedness - geography, culture and trade - by uniting under a shared vision, the region can amplify its efforts and unlock greater funding, foster collaboration, and scale impactful solutions. 

"As Malaysia takes the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, I urge us to come together as an ASEAN Community and develop innovative solutions that not only protect our region but also bring hope towards a sustainable, prosperous and resilient future for all," he said.

-- BERNAMA