Panel Discussion

Yongping Zhai and Preety Bhandari emphasized that while institutions such as ADB can help mobilize financing towards low carbon and climate resilient development, the bulk of climate financing originates in countries where they are deployed. Ultimately, the greater role will lie on governments in ensuring that national policies are in place so that national budgets are allocated towards this purpose and incentives are provided to the private sector to channel funds in the right direction.

Remarks

In his remarks, James Lynch highlighted the need for new approaches and integrated solutions to achieve carbon neutrality in the region, generate new revenues from renewable energy, and channel more private investments into research and development.

James Lynch

James Lynch was the Director General of the East Asia Department of Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. He assumed office in February 2020.

Mr. Lynch managed ADB’s sovereign operations in the People’s Republic of China and Mongolia across multiple sectors and thematic areas, including transport, energy, environment, climate change, health, education, and public finance. He was also responsible for ADB’s relations with Hong Kong, China; Republic of Korea; and Taipei, China.

Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways and Climate Adaptation

Many investments and policy decisions in water management have significant and often long-term consequences. At the same, there are investments being made that influence adaptation requirements and long-term options to adapt. Therefore, making sound near-term decisions is critical—unfortunately, we live in an increasingly unpredictable dynamic world governed by competing and changing beliefs and preferences.

ADB Water and Deltares Seminar Series: Collaborating on Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for Integrated Water Management

Following a successful seminar series with Water Aid on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and health in the context of the pandemic, the ADB Water Sector Group is collaborating with Deltares, an independent Netherlands-based knowledge institute, to bring attention to the issues of water resources management.

Climate Litigation: The Fight Heats Up

Briony Eales explained the concept and types of climate litigation. She then discussed a few cases exemplifying the complexities of standing for public interest suits, holding governments accountable, permitting and judicial review, cases against private parties, climate adaptation, impacts on vulnerable people, and post-disaster and climate migration. She concluded by providing key takeaways on climate justice.