Natural Resources

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Thailand, like many countries, has developed various approaches to mitigate the climate crisis. One approach is forest-based offsets, which are seen as effective and may provide income for communities. This paper argues that due to the market-based orientation of such projects, these may have the potential for abuse and endanger community rights and justice, particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on the forests.

Amidst wider understanding on the need for urgent and decisive action in order to avert the worst of the climate crisis, there is a nascent global and intersectoral approach for the creation of policies to address climate change that goes beyond just the state-led international negotiations, which has become prominent in the last two decades. 

While there are more ways for the Deaf to access news and information today, the communication barriers they faced three decades ago remain. These persist at a time when a warming planet is causing extreme weather events, such as typhoons, to get stronger and cause more destruction – but basic public information about disasters do not reach the Deaf community effectively. Many among them also lack knowledge about the climate crisis.

The new Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD) aims to support climate-vulnerable countries against escalating damages. Despite meeting setup milestones, key questions on funding scale, the operational model, and access policies remain unresolved. Can the FRLD truly deliver?

Indonesia's vast tropical peatlands are crucial for global climate mitigation but are highly vulnerable to disturbance, leading to severe environmental and socio-economic impacts. This article explores how integrating local knowledge with scientific research through participatory decision-making can enhance peatland governance, addressing both climate challenges and the needs of communities reliant on these critical ecosystems.

As global demand for critical minerals grow, so too do standards and regulations to ensure the industry is more sustainable and transparent about its environmental impact on local areas and residents. The case of nickel mining in Indonesia highlights the serious damage and  inconsistencies of applied policy, and how we must keep open dialogue, respect for rights and demand action.

This is the conversation between Reporting ASEAN’s editor and founder, Johanna Son, and Stimson Centre’s Brian Eyler, edited for length and clarity.