SMEs form the backbone of Asia’s supply chains and labour force across Asia’s emerging markets, yet many struggle to access the finance and insurance needed to withstand climate shocks. Eco-Business speaks to UNDP’s Tom Beloe in Hong Kong, who explains what it will take to reach them.
Rising electricity demand from data centres is putting pressure on the country to expand generation and grid capacity, but shorter-term commitments from some operators could make it harder to recover the cost of those investments, said the country’s energy regulator.
AI, robotics, biotechnology and digital infrastructure could help the country boost agricultural productivity and resilience, but fragmented data, high adoption costs and uneven digital access remain barriers to scaling.
The Korean Zero Waste Movement Network has spent four decades mobilising citizens, government and businesses to prevent, separate and recycle food waste across South Korea, work that has earned it a place among the 2026 Earthshot Prize finalists.