News

A landfill in Cebu collapsed on Jan. 8, burying 36 people under tons of waste. As rescue teams dug through the debris, the tragedy exposed weaknesses in the Philippines’ waste management system.

Indonesia’s environment ministry is seeking 4.8 trillion rupiah ($284 million) in environmental damages from six companies it has linked to deadly floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Senyar in November.

Indonesia has confirmed a delay to its B50 biodiesel mandate, while Thailand pushes ahead with electric mobility, power sector planning, and CBAM compliance.

Vietnam has long struggled with severe air pollution, with its capital Hanoi frequently topping global rankings for the worst air quality. In response, both central and local governments are stepping up efforts to restore cleaner air.

Vietnam is preparing to submit an updated NDC, with a government official saying at a recent technical consultation event that the draft has been assessed based on socio-economic impacts, financing needs, and potential costs.

Thai Honda has unveiled its first electric motorcycle in Thailand, following approval under the country’s national EV plan. The model will be produced locally and is slated for export to Vietnam later this year.

As Taiwan’s plastic reduction rules continue to expand, the Ministry of Environment recently announced new goals that extend restrictions to e-commerce and retail packaging, while introducing incentives tied to the circular economy.

The Trump administration in the U.S. has announced its intention to withdraw from the UN’s landmark climate treaty, alongside 65 other international bodies that “no longer serve American interests”.

This week in Southeast Asia, renewable energy, carbon markets, and green industry investment take center stage.

Malaysia’s renewable energy sector is entering 2026 with a packed first quarter, as new policy frameworks take effect, fresh solar tenders approach, and large electricity buyers, particularly data centers, move closer to the market.