Integrated Approaches for Air Quality Management & Climate Change in Southeast Asia – Preparation of a regional approach

CONTEXT

Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) of particulate matter, ozone, methane and hydrofluorocarbons are responsible for up to 45 % of current global warming and also affect human health and (agro-) ecosystems. Keeping global warming well below 2°C can only be achieved by reducing both CO₂ and SLCP emissions. Until 2060, emissions of SLCPs are expected to increase in Southeast Asia (SEA) due to rapid economic growth, urbanisation and industrialisation. Assessments of the economic effects of air pollution for particle matter alone are projected to rise from 0.3% of GDP in 2015 to 1.0% of GDP by 2060, with some high-emitting countries already now losing more than 4% of their GDP to this environmental threat. Hence, immediate, concerted regional action for the abatement of far-reaching, transboundary unintended negative impacts of SLCPs on climate, human health and agroecosystems is urgently needed for SEA.

OBJECTIVE

The project aims to support the process of developing a regional integrated approach for better air quality and climate protection in SEA and to prepare a medium-term commitment by the German government in the ASEAN region.

APPROACH

The project builds on existing and currently developed political guidelines and initiatives on air quality management and climate protection within the ASEAN region, also taking into account present global environmental and climate policy agendas (e.g., Global Methane Pledge) and tackles the following fields of action:

Policy Advice

• The policy framework for promoting integrated approaches to better air quality and climate protection at the ASEAN level is improved;
• The development of an integrated concept of coordinated national and regional action plans with measures to improve air quality and protect the climate is supported;

Capacity Building

• The technical capacities of project partners (mainly specialist ministries) have improved, and a regional network of active political decision-makers has been set up;
• Representatives from South Asia will also be invited to this network in order to promote professional exchange between these two neighbouring regions;

Awareness raising and knowledge exchange

• Awareness raising measures through the exchange of knowledge have been implemented;

EXPECTED RESULTS

Stakeholder Consultation “Integrated approaches to climate protection and air quality improvement – preparation of a regional approach for Southeast Asia”: Find the challenges/gaps of an integrating approach towards tackling air quality and climate change focusing on

(1) Policy,

(2) Capacity Building and

(3) Awareness

FINANCED BY

• Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
• Study and Expert Fund (SFF)

COUNTRY

ASEAN Member Countries

PROJECT PARTNERS

ASEAN Secretariat, Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand

PROJECT DURATION

08/2022 –01/2024