In 2023, the Earth's temperature was approximately 1.18 degrees Celsius, making it the warmest year in modern records. This increase in temperature has had severe consequences for much of the world. However, as Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate change, it was hardest hit, with approximately 79 weather-related disasters recorded in 2023. Storms, cyclones, and flooding accounted for around 2000 deaths continent-wide, with 26 disasters occurring in ASEAN.
As a result of such events, climate tech in Southeast Asia has gained significant attention from investors as a critical solution to the crisis. Indonesia has set ambitious targets to produce 2.5 million electric motorbikes and 600,000 electric cars by 2030. Gojek, in collaboration with energy company TBS Energi Utama, is working on a joint venture to produce two-wheel EVs and related components, aiming to transition to a 100% EV fleet by 2030 fully.
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to integrating technology into solutions that address the region's multifaceted challenges of global warming.
Renewable energy solutions
Southeast Asia's abundant natural resources make it an ideal region for renewable energy development, with solar and wind power emerging as significant options. The Indonesian solar industry has been progressing over the past few years. According to the country's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, rooftop solar panel users surged by more than 1,000%.
Beyond solar power, Southeast Asia's coastal areas and islands offer immense potential for wind energy. Indonesia and the Philippines, in particular, are exploring offshore wind farms as ocean waters benefit from stronger, more consistent winds than land-based sites due to the lack of obstacles like buildings and mountains that can disrupt airflow.
Sustainable agriculture
Precision farming is revolutionising the agricultural sector in Southeast Asia, offering a reassuring sense of resilience in the face of climate change. By deploying sensors, drones, and data analytics, farmers can monitor crop health, soil moisture, and weather patterns in real-time. This allows for the precise application of water, fertilisers, and pesticides, reducing the need for chemical inputs and minimising environmental impact.
In Thailand and Vietnam, precision farming enables farmers to adapt to changing climate conditions, ensuring more resilient crop production while reducing their environmental footprint. It also helps increase crop yields and improve the efficiency of agricultural practices, making farming more sustainable in the long term.
Green building technologies
Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and biochar are gaining traction as innovative solutions for mitigating environmental crises. CCU is a cutting-edge technology that directly removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere using direct air capture. The CO2 extracted from ambient air is stored and converted into valuable products.
This circular economy principle turns waste and byproducts into valuable resources. Integrating CCU in construction processes reduces greenhouse gas emissions and offers new opportunities for creating sustainable building materials.
Water management technologies
Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have developed a groundbreaking generator that converts rainwater—or even a leaky tap—into energy. It harnesses the kinetic energy of falling water droplets to produce electricity, with each drop generating 140 volts—sufficient to power 100 small LED bulbs. Where monsoon rains are common, like in Southeast Asia, such a generator could significantly contribute to the region's energy needs, especially in rural areas.
Researchers in China and the UK have developed a technique for harvesting energy from low-speed winds using anchored ionic droplets. This method overcomes the limitations of traditional wind turbines, which require strong and consistent winds to operate effectively. In areas where traditional wind power is not feasible, capturing energy from weak winds to drive conventional turbines provides a new means of powering electronic devices, thereby enhancing energy resilience.
Electric mobility and low-carbon transportation
Transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making the shift to electric mobility and low-carbon transportation essential for reducing emissions and enhancing air quality. Regional Governments are actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through various incentives, including subsidies, tax breaks, and the development of robust charging infrastructure.
The Malaysian Government has set ambitious targets, aiming for EVs to account for 15% of the total industry volume (TIV) by 2030 and 80% by 2050, in alignment with the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). These initiatives encourage EV adoption and stimulate the growth of the EV industry, creating new opportunities for investment and innovation in the transportation sector.
Integrating advanced technology is pivotal in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. The rise of climate tech in Southeast Asia is making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable development.
As ASEAN continues to invest in and adopt these innovative solutions, it is paving the way for a greener and more resilient future and creating new economic opportunities for the region's citizens.
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