By Nabilah Saleh and Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has called on ASEAN countries to step up climate commitments and uphold the Paris Agreement despite shifting global policies on climate action.
United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, stressed that ASEAN must take a unified stance in mitigating climate change, as scientific evidence indicates the world is dangerously close to breaching the 1.5°C global warming threshold.
“The science is clear. We cannot afford to exceed the 1.5°C threshold. If we do, the consequences will be devastating – more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and severe economic and social disruptions, especially for vulnerable communities,” she said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
She acknowledged that while some major economies have withdrawn or weakened their commitments to the Paris Agreement, ASEAN must remain steadfast in its climate leadership.
“Some countries have pulled back, but that does not mean the Paris Agreement is no longer relevant. It simply means that the rest of the world, especially ASEAN, must step up its leadership and push for stronger climate action,” she said.
The Paris Agreement, adopted on Dec 12, 2015, is a legally binding international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
It entered into force on Nov 4, 2016.
The United States (US) has withdrawn from the agreement twice, with the most recent withdrawal initiated by President Donald Trump on Jan 20, 2025, citing concerns that the accord undermines the US economy and places the country at a disadvantage.
On a similar note, Alisjahbana also called for greater regional collaboration in securing green investments and technological advancements for climate adaptation.
“ASEAN nations, particularly emerging economies like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, should take the lead in green investments and renewable energy adoption. ASEAN, as a bloc, has the leverage to attract investors and forge sustainable financing mechanisms,” she said.
Alisjahbana also noted that ESCAP is working closely with ASEAN nations to facilitate climate financing and ensure that developing countries can meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
“The responsibility is shared, and ASEAN must leverage its regional strength to send a strong message to the global community that this region is serious about climate action,” she added.
Alisjahbana visited Malaysia for a two-day working visit from Feb 17, 2025, meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and the Ministry of Economy's Deputy Secretary General (MACRO) Datuk V Valluvan.
-- BERNAMA
