How the region’s populations view decarbonisation as the energy transition occurs can inform stronger leadership and better policymaking at the elite level.
Energy systems that rely on coal are not inherently secure as commodity market fluctuations can challenge affordability, while tripling solar and wind capacity in Asean would only negligibly impact system operations.
For Southeast Asia, it need not be a binary choice between maintaining status quo or pushing for 'degrowth'. Reducing emissions without neglecting job growth imposes lower social costs, and can be a pathway to take for the region.