Southeast Asia’s growing reliance on fossil fuels is a troubling development that threatens the region’s long-term sustainability and global climate commitments. As the world urgently pushes for decarbonisation, ASEAN countries are bucking the trend by increasing their dependence on coal, oil, and gas, prioritising short-term energy demands over environmental stability. This shift not only undermines global climate targets but also puts these nations at risk of worsening climate-related disasters such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss.
By continuing to lean on fossil fuels, ASEAN countries are making it more difficult to achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, further delaying the transition to renewable energy. While economic growth and energy security are critical, the over-reliance on dirty energy sources will have long-term consequences for the health, livelihoods, and ecosystems of millions across the region. The think tank’s warnings are stark: the region’s current trajectory risks locking Southeast Asia into a future dominated by environmental degradation and economic instability, as climate disasters become more frequent and severe.
ASEAN nations must reconsider their energy policies. The potential for solar, wind, and hydropower is vast, and the transition to renewables is not only necessary but increasingly feasible with current technologies. The region has a choice: either double down on a dying industry or lead the way in sustainable growth that preserves the planet for future generations. We all know what we'd pick if we were in their position.
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They should be made to understand the serious effects of climate change. Scientists have provided all the data necessary.
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1 w
The continued focus on fossil fuels could hinder the development of renewable energy industries
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5 w
Transitioning to these cleaner energy options is both necessary and feasible with current technologies.
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Southeast Asia's growing reliance on fossil fuels is a serious obstacle to achieving it's climate targets.
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Dear Munene Mugambi Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to ASEAN by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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5 w
This is such saddening new ... While the rest of the world is working to move away from fossil fuels others dependancy is going deeper... Its absurd and the governments responsible should do something to help these countries transition
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5 w
Why are we still betting on coal and gas?
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@ann_nyambura_542 i am also wondering how people still use traditional sources of energy in this era
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6 w
So saddening to see that in this age still this region is promoting and relying on fossil fuels.
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5 w
@joseph_githinji it is sad ... They need to do better
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6 w
This is so absurd!! Addressing this issue requires comprehensive policies and investments in renewable energy infrastructure to mitigate the environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability.
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5 w
@walter_lungayi well said... Its time for such a region to borrow a leaf from other countries who are fighting to curb fossil fuels
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6 w
This is a new era where we should all embrace green energy and do away with fossil fuels for good.
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@rosebellendiritu it's obvious that the countries and leaders of this region didn't get the memo... 😭 Sad
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6 w
It's about time that we did do away with fossil fuels for their effects on our climate are serious.
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@jane_wangui absolutely... This needs to be ASAP
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the region’s current situation is not good at all as there is a lot of environmental degradation and economic instability, as climate disasters become more frequent and severe.