According to the Asian Development Banks’ 2024 Asia-Pacific Climate Report, developing Asian governments have begun working on policies and strategies to combat climate change. However, there is still room to raise ambitions.
A total of 44 economies in Asia, which contribute about 98% of the region’s total emissions, have signed the Paris Agreement and have all provided their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which state their commitments to reduce national Green House Gas emissions while adapting to climate impacts.
During COP29, countries were urged to update their NDCs, since current pledges only lead to a 3% reduction in emissions by 2030 as opposed to the 43% target under the Paris Agreement.
One item on COP29’s agenda was the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in addressing climate change. As global challenges presented by climate change escalate, the significance of HEIs has heightened in shaping leaders, encouraging innovation, and promoting sustainability. HEIs are pivotal in spearheading research, facilitating policy dialogues, and equipping future leaders to address the intricate challenges of climate change. HEIs around the world have already started this journey. Listen to a few of our professors discuss their research into urban sustainability in the Asian region on the City Perspectives Podcast.
What do the UN SDGs really mean and how do they work with each other?
Associate Professor Michelle Lim breaks down the complex language of the UN SDGs and highlights the importance of seeing them as a cohesive and interconnected set of goals.
How do typhoon simulations affect climate action?
Associate Professor Terry Van Gevelt delves into the nuances of climate change communication and outlines the necessary steps to raise awareness among urban dwellers about the challenges of climate change.
How informal urban labour creates value from waste
Aidan Wong, Assistant Professor of Urban Studies, sheds light on his research about the value creation process in e-waste recycling while exploring the role of karang guni (Malay for “rag and bone men”) in Singapore and Malaysia.