ISLAMABAD: The push for a sustainable future in Asia faces significant hurdles. Experts highlight that the region struggles with fragmented governance, weak enforcement, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. These issues are keeping economies locked into carbon-heavy growth.
Environmental and policy experts, talking to The Express Tribune ahead of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute’s (SDPI) major sustainability event, agree that stronger coordination is essential. Without better institutional links and accountability across borders, progress will remain uneven.
The upcoming event, featuring the 3rd Sustainability Expo and the 16th South Asia Economic Summit, among others, will take place from November 4 to 7 at Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad.
Coordination Challenges
Dr. Talha Yalta, an economics professor at TOBB University in Türkiye, pointed out that the core problem in the Asia-Pacific region is not a lack of ideas but a lack of coordination. The main barriers include low-cost fossil fuels, fragmented governance, inadequate enforcement capabilities, and poor data transparency, leading to inflated risks.
Dr. Yalta emphasized the need for regional partnerships to tackle these shared challenges. A notable example is the recent Türkiye-Pakistan initiative aimed at enhancing energy, trade, and digital connections. This could serve as a model for deeper cooperation across Asia.
Adapting to Climate Change
Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather. To build resilience, cities need to focus on long-term planning. This includes mapping risks like heat and flooding and enforcing strict building standards.
Dr. Yalta noted the importance of early warning systems and having backup power for essential services during crises. Using data-driven governance, along with digital tools and AI, can help monitor risks and ensure essential services remain operational.
Countries like Türkiye, which frequently experiences earthquakes, and those in South Asia facing floods, can learn from each other’s challenges. Shared vulnerabilities can foster collaboration and innovative solutions.
Poor weather can cause significant losses, with the frequency of extreme events on the rise. Dr. Paras Kharel, Executive Director of the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment (SAWTEE), stated that an effective early warning system, bolstered by regional cooperation and data sharing, is vital for minimizing these losses.
A Just Transition
Achieving a sustainable economy that works for everyone is essential, especially for marginalized groups and those in informal sectors, according to Dr. Yalta. He advocates for shared prosperity, emphasizing that progress must benefit all in a rapidly evolving economy. Key strategies include targeted social protection and improving education to prevent families from falling into poverty.
Moreover, there should be active labor market programs and retraining initiatives linked to available job vacancies. Financing options like carbon pricing can help reinvest in affected communities and support small businesses.
Abid Qaiyum Suleri, SDPI Executive Director, underscored the need for public and private sectors to work together. Governments should provide predictable regulations and credible carbon pricing to encourage green investments. Effective public-private partnerships require timely reform and transparency to ensure accountability.
Mikiko Tanaka from ESCAP highlighted the importance of integrated land and water management approaches. He advocated for solutions combining nature-based methods, infrastructure resilience, and community empowerment to advance sustainable goals in the region.
In summary, addressing sustainability in Asia requires heightened coordination, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and communities. By learning from one another and sharing resources, there is hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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