Draft 1 - Summary Reader Response

In the article “How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up” (Daubach, 2019) addresses the issues faced by countries in the Southeast Asia region, possible solutions and the dire consequences of not taking the issue seriously. Southeast Asia is the only region that has not achieved low carbon emissions level but instead is increasingly contributing to it globally. For example, Singapore can apply nuclear fusion or the implementation of hydrogen as a “greener “fuel. However, such technology comes with a cost. The demand for power will not decrease due to the economic success in the region, and as such the policymakers and businesses have to seize this opportunity to make a change through “building an energy infrastructure”, improving quality of life as economies advance. Failing to do so will have an adverse impact on both the climate, region and world. Based on the article, it shows that the region’s effort is lacking and substantial at most.  To ensure that the region makes an impact in this transition, the government needs to start collaborating and implementing changes to make an impact.

First of all, the article should have included sufficient information on the low-carbon technologies and solutions available. A more detailed explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of implementing low-carbon technologies as a solution compared among the countries in the region. Moniz (2019) states that due to differences in various factor ranging from economies to population density, it is insufficient and non-beneficial to implement a common solution to tackle the region’s slow transition towards clean energy. To lessen emissions, the region must implement a variety of low-carbon technologies and solutions in energy production, storage and transmission.

Secondly, the article should have included a detailed report on it’s claim that the region is the biggest contributors in carbon emissions and that emissions are increasing. The article states that there will be adverse impacts on both a global and international scale if the region continues to be heavily reliant on coal for energy. Despite decreasing costs in green energy alternatives, the region was the only region in the world whose contribution to greenhouse gases increased.

Lastly, the region has yet to implement much renewable energy solutions, this in turn becomes an opportunity for businesses to enter the market with the support of government policies. Harris (2019) quoted that investors are attracted towards coal instead of clean energy, and access to these renewable technologies has become cheaper. Successful transition towards clean energy would lead to a decrease in air pollution and an overall improvement in health among the people. It would also lead to opportunities within the clean energy sector for businesses to enter and make a stand.

The main statement of the article was to raise awareness on the impact of lagging behind in the race towards an energy-efficient future for the world and the importance of the issue here in the Southeast Asia. There needs to be an increase in efforts for this to happen. Businesses can be motivated by government policies and incentives for their green initiatives and this can start moving economies towards a common goal which is to lessen our region’s reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. 

References:

Daubach, T. (2019). How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up? Eco-Business. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/

Harris, T. (2019). Asia undermining efforts to reduce coal dependence. Eco-Business. Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/asia-undermining-efforts-to-reduce-coal-dependence/