Countries should maximise cooperation on climate action

DESPITE the pandemic and economic downturn, many governments and larger companies across the world are still moving ahead with action against climate change. The European Union (EU) redoubled its commitment to green recovery from the pandemic with a 750 billion euro (S$1.2 trillion) budget boost. In Asia, China, Japan and Korea have committed to net-zero targets. Sustainability efforts in Asean are also growing in areas such as renewable energy.

A global effort is essential. Otherwise, improvements made by some might be undercut by others, especially the carbon emissions of Asia as the region recovers and grows. Yet signs of friction are emerging and points of collision, rather than inter-regional cooperation, can be seen.

One example arises from the EU's decision to phase out the use of palm oil-based biofuels by 2030. This is being challenged in the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the world's largest palm oil producers, Indonesia and Malaysia.