Learning with Partners CSO 2: Pathways to Inclusive Carbon Transition in Asia: Greening Agriculture and Local Climate Governance
by the Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA).
This session aimed to foster dialogue among participants and practitioners working on inclusive carbon transition in Asia. Nguyen Quang of the University of Economics Ho Chih Min City presented a policy review on inclusive low-carbon transition for sustainable development covering 10 countries in Asia. He discussed various strategies such as carbon pricing, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture that could be used to achieve an inclusive carbon transition. The study established, among others, that low carbon transition in the region can potentially reduce gender inequalities; and that the majority of global climate finance is flowing to developed and rich countries, while only 4% of financing from multilateral channels goes to developing Asia. Phumsith Mahasuweerachai of Khon Kaen University focused on scenario analysis to predict GHG emissions and farmers’ livelihoods from different rice practices in Thailand. Phumsith emphasized potential ways to make the benefits of greener agriculture more visible, as the evidence suggests that it can improve social welfare with minimal trade-offs. Gem Castillo from the Economy and Environment Group Philippines discussed strengthening community resilience through co-creation in the Iriga City Governance Model. He discussed the challenges facing local governments in implementing climate policies and the importance of building strong partnerships between local governments, communities, and civil society to ensure effective climate governance. The three presentations discussed practical pathways for how Asia can transition towards more sustainable, low-carbon economies while ensuring that this transition is inclusive and will benefit all members of society. Head of ADB’s NGO and Civil Society Center Haidy Ear-Dupuy recognized the research-based and practical solutions for low carbon transition presented by the panelists, the importance of considering the social and economic impacts of carbon transition policies on vulnerable communities, and the value of engaging with local communities in the design and implementation of climate policies.
CSO Panelists:
- Quang Nguyen, Research Fellow, EEPSEA, University of Economics Ho Chih Min City, Vietnam
- Phumsith Mahasuweerachai, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
- Gem Castillo, National Director, Economy and Environment Group Philippines, and President,
- Resource and Environmental Economics Foundation of the Philippines
ADB Panelist: Haidy Ear-Dupuy, Unit Head, NGO and Civil Society Center, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department
Moderator: Pham Khanh Nam, Director, EEPSEA