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This week in ASEAN, energy transition remained in focus as the Bonn climate talks highlighted a push for a global electrification target ahead of COP31, raising attention on ASEAN’s grid development and renewable energy investment needs.

COP31's 35x35 target aims to raise electricity's share of final energy to 35% by 2035. ASEAN electricity demand grew 60% in a decade and needs USD 20B+ annually in grid investment to keep pace.

Countries attending a first-of-its-kind summit have walked away with plans to develop national roadmaps away from fossil fuels, along with new tools to address harmful subsidies and carbon-intensive trade.

From WW1 to COP31, next year’s co-presidency could provide the creative diplomacy and bridge-building climate negotiations need.

The COP30 climate summit has brought these minerals, and China’s central role, to the fore of just transition debates.

ASEAN member states can work together to strengthen their national agri-food sectors, building on the outcomes of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A decision to drill at the mouth of the Amazon drew criticism at the UN summit. But Brazil’s oil production still soars, as it hopes to consolidate its role as an exporter.

Ocean-based goals in submitted Nationally Determined Contributions overlook tougher targets including fossil fuel phase-out.

Ensuring funds reach countries most in need, quickly and equitably, is climate finance’s biggest challenge, writes academic Wang Bowen.

Indonesia reported modest results from its carbon-credit sales at this year’s UN climate summit (COP30), booking pledges for 2.75 million tonnes of CO₂ reductions amid criticism.