{"id":12278,"date":"2022-02-01T08:57:22","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T08:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/energytracker.asia\/?p=12278"},"modified":"2023-02-09T03:58:13","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T03:58:13","slug":"asia-pacifics-role-in-climate-diplomacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/energytracker.asia\/asia-pacifics-role-in-climate-diplomacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Asia-Pacific\u2019s Role in Climate Diplomacy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The world is undergoing an energy transition<\/a>, and with it comes a change in the world\u2019s climate diplomacy<\/strong>. Fossil fuel energy has served its purpose, but its consumption can\u2019t sustain today\u2019s massive scale of demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy Transition to Fight Climate Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The harm fossil fuels have inflicted on the planet has reached boiling point. The world cannot ignore extreme weather events. In search of respite, nations and manufacturers are looking for cleaner, renewable energy sources. International climate cooperation is enhancing for climate action to stop the climate crisis. As a result, the energy transition is well underway to serve this global ambition, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has an enormous role to play in this transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is climate diplomacy important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Climate diplomacy is important because energy transitions come with massive changes. Notably, countries with abundant fossil fuel resources traditionally enjoyed great political influence will no longer be as influential. No matter its resources, every country has some access to quality renewable energy sources. Consequently, countries, especially in Asia, now have an opportunity to be self-reliant with their energy needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the dependence on oil and gas decreases, so too does the geopolitical influences available to those in control of them. However, if oil-dependent economies don\u2019t prepare themselves for the energy transition, they will leave themselves and their citizens in a precarious position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Are the Winners\/Losers of the Climate Diplomacy Change?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to assume that those that will suffer from the energy transition will be oil-rich countries. Yet, while this may be the case, it doesn\u2019t have to be. Countries that diversify their economies and reallocate resources can put themselves in a prosperous position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Global Risk Insights<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken progressive action to position itself in an opportunistic place. In 2016, the oil-rich country announced that it would reduce its dependence on oil revenue from 30% of its GDP to 20% by 2021. Moreover, this is just one part of their strategy to decrease<\/a> the UAE\u2019s dependence on oil. Today, the UAE is heavily investing in renewable energies<\/a>, technology, health, and education<\/a> – all having importance in a post-fossil fuel world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Gulf News<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Winners of the International Climate Policy Change<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The winners of the international climate policy change will be the countries that fully embrace the transition sooner rather than later. Through this, they can position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that this change presents. Those left behind will be countries unwilling or unprepared for how quickly the shift will occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Role Does APAC Have in Climate Diplomacy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

APAC has long been reliant on oil and coal, both in terms of production and consumption. The region is home to some of the world\u2019s largest oil and coal producers and thus have a massive stake in the changing energy landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is unlikely that APAC will transition directly from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The infrastructure is not there to meet the massive growing energy demand in the region. Instead, experts point to natural gas as a transition fuel<\/a> to smooth the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Natural Gas Intelligence<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, APAC has a wonderful opportunity to observe what is happening in the rest of the world and prepare themselves for the energy transition. Being the region with the fastest growing demand<\/a> for energy globally, it could be a role model. In fact, the world is likely to benefit from this transition, as Asia is the production epicentre of the world. Investing in renewables to produce such goods is a win-win scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

APAC will play a massive role in the changing climate diplomacy landscape with its economic might and bilateral and multilateral partnerships. As the energy transition shifts geopolitical power, solid relationships will prove vital in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Geopolitics and the Importance of the Energy Policy Environment for the Net-Zero Transition<\/h5>\n Read more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n