Ecology

Myanmar’s human, social and natural capital have been “rapidly diminishing” after the 2021 military coup, explains Win Myo Thu, a respected environmental campaigner who, for over three decades, has been working with local communities for better access to land, forest, water, food and a clean environment. 

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things everywhere in the world. For better or worse, it has altered the social and economic aspects of life in unprecedented ways. But it has also allowed the time and space for nature to take a breather and heal - presenting us with inspiration and the opportunity to build back better. But if there is one conundrum that remains ever-present in the life of an urban Malaysian, it would be the insufferable traffic congestion. It did not only persist; it intensified.

A Conference note from “Paradigm Shift in International Development towards SDGs and the 2030 New Global Agenda” on Friday, 17 June 2022 co-organized by Mae Fah Luang University and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia regional office.

The global youth climate movement was building momentum in 2019 and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Despite the many challenges faced, new ways to campaign, protest and gain further awareness are creatively adapting to the circumstances. But we must also not forget the ongoing difficulties faced by youth in the Global South, who are dealing with everyday difficulties that impact on barriers to wider participation in the movement.   

The slow implementation of urban waste solutions and wastewater treatment projects leads to environmental problems and the risk of unsustainable development in the near future on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.

The mineral industry sector is the cause of conflict in various karst regions in Indonesia as companies are keen to exploit natural resources to make cement. But the science of exploring caves – speleology – can help local communities understand the potential of their unique landscapes, contribute to furthering local solidarity, and empower them to make clearer decisions about mining in their areas.

A growing trend of environmental public interest litigation in the Southeast Asia region where communities across the region are becoming more aware of their rights and they are increasingly using the power of the law to hold governments and corporations accountable to uphold and respect those rights, protecting the environment for present and future generations.

This year, Indonesia holds the presidency of the G20. During the preparations for the upcoming summit in November 2022 in Bali, how does Indonesia navigate growing controversies amongst the G20 member states concerning the Russian aggression towards Ukraine?

Transboundary haze has plagued Southeast Asia for decades, with the most recent episodes occurring in 2015 and 2019. While COVID-19's constraints on economic activity delivered the qualified blessing of two comparatively haze-free years, the region is now bracing itself for the return of the almost annual haze as countries shift to endemic mode.