Make climate part of the anti-virus fight
The 2020 survey proposes a transition toward a growth path that ensures we bequeath a healthy planet to future generations, and calls for a shift in the paradigm of production and consumption, which is at the core of all economic activities.
To bring about this fundamental shift in the way we produce and consume, we need to adopt the motto of “no more business as usual” for all stakeholders in planetary well-being, namely governments, businesses and consumers. Policymakers should not lose sight of a looming climate crisis, but instead design economic stimulus packages with social inclusion and environmental sustainability built into every decision.
The survey identifies challenges and constraints to making this switch for each group of stakeholders. The good news is that it is possible to meet these challenges and align the goals of all stakeholders with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In particular, the survey urges governments in the region to embed sustainability in policymaking and implementation, transition out of fossil fuel dependency, and support the greening of finance. The region continues to provide $240 billion worth of annual subsidies to fossil fuels while investments in renewables remain at $150 billion.
Businesses can integrate sustainability by factoring in the environmental, social and governance aspects in investment analysis and decisions. Carbon pricing will be a key tool to reduce emissions and mitigate climate-related risks. And the region is already a leader in adopting emerging sustainable business paradigms of the shared economy and circular economy.
All of us, as consumers, must understand the importance of switching to sustainable lifestyles. This will begin with increasing awareness of the impact of consumer choices on people and the planet. Governments need to play a vital role in encouraging consumer choices through positive reinforcements, small suggestions and eco-labelling of products.
Integrating sustainability also requires international collaboration, given the interconnected world we live in. Asia-Pacific governments need to coordinate their climate action, particularly the development of climate-related standards and policies. Having achieved so much, yet also at the risk of losing so much, the Asia-Pacific region stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. The next phase of its economic transformation should be more sustainable, with cleaner production and less material-intensive lifestyles.
With headwinds to the region’s development journey strengthened by the pandemic, let us heed the United Nations secretary general’s call to mobilize for a decade of action to build a sustainable and resilient future.
The pandemic should also make us rethink our economic growth path that has come at a heavy cost to people and the planet... Integrating sustainability also requires international collaboration, given the interconnected world we live in.