Asian Response

Asian City Image from Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, emerging economies such as China and India have registered high-levels of emissions growth (Peters et al, 2012). The CO2 emissions in developing countries increased 4.4% in 2008, 3.9% in 2009 and 7.6% in 2010. The measures that Asian countries will undertake to mitigate CO2 emissions will likely come under close scrutiny in the coming years. 

Trade balance difference (shaded areas) between Annex B/non-Annex B production and consumption. Bunker fuels are not included in this figure. (Peters et al, 2012)

China, which is the world's largest CO2 emitter, has given strong emphasis on renewable electricity promotion in its 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) until 2020 (Yu and Qu, 2013). Hydropower will be a key focus given the maturity of the technology and its competitive cost. China will also be developing solar photo-voltics and promoting biomass production at a growth rate of 87.9% and 18.2% respectively. However, Yu and Qin (2013) assessed that China would need to consider measures to reduce energy demand in order to be effective in combating climate change in a sustainable manner.

Turning our attention to India, existing renewable energy accounts for around 33% of India's primary energy consumptions (Kumar et al, 2010). However, the energy supply will need to increase by 3-4 times in order to sustain the growth of its economy. Taking into account energy security and the need for economic growth in the face of rising energy prices, Kumar et al (2010) opined that Indian should consider adopting more renewable energy options such as biomass, hydropower, solar and wind technologies. 

Meanwhile, Reuters reported in Nov 2013 that the Japanese government drastically scaled back its CO2 emissions reduction target to 3.8%, due to uncertainty on the future of its nuclear power program. This represents a departure from its ambitious Mamizu climate policy where Japan commited to a 25% CO2 emissions reduction target. Media reports such as the Los Angeles Times suggests that wind power may likely be the key energy resource as Japan seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Rong (2013) surmises that more than three quarters of energy-related CO2 emission growth is expected to come from China, India, and the Middle East. However, China and India are unlikely to adopt a voluntary CO2 reduction commitments in the near future. Rong (2013) suggests that a post-2012 climate change regime to help improve mitigation capabilities could help draw them to the negotiation table, such as international support to boost efficiency of coal power plants in these countries

A BBC report in Mar 2013 suggested that demand in Asia will continue to fuel economic growth and consumption, supported by demand from the US and Europe. Moving forward, the joint effort of both developed and developing countries, under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, will be required to mitigate the impact of climate change.