Regional Climate and Energy Project

Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Its effects are already being clearly felt in Asia through the increase in extreme weather events such as droughts, storms, or floods, as well as sea level rise.

A social-ecological transformation that promotes low-emission, resource-efficient and socially inclusive economies is one of the goals of FES work in the field of climate and energy in Asia. As a social democratic foundation, we are particularly committed to ensuring that the social question is given due consideration in the context of transformation.

A just energy transition

The highly dynamic and emerging market economies of Asia are experiencing strong growth in energy demand and consumption. Contrary to the global trend, some countries in the region continue to rely on coal for the urgently needed expansion of their power supply, despite enormous potential for renewable energies. Moreover, it is clear that a transformation of the energy sector away from fossil fuels to renewable energies will not only have a positive impact on the climate but will also bring with it a number of co-benefits for sustainable development. One focus of FES' work in Asia is therefore the critical examination of/ look at current energy policy. The transformation of the energy industry is not just a debate on technology, but a complex political and social process that must be shaped in a socially just manner in the sense of a "Just Transition".

Social-ecological transformation in cities

A second thematic focus is on Asia's megacities, which are additionally challenged by climate change, as existing social inequalities threaten to worsen further. On the one hand, cities have to adapt to climate change, but on the other hand they can also make an enormous contribution to mitigating climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. Socially inclusive and sustainable urban planning plays a central role in climate protection.

International climate justice

The regional climate and energy project in Asia is also committed to international climate justice and compliance with the Paris Agreement through the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions. Together with partners from politics, trade unions, sciences and civil society, we want to break up climate-damaging and socially unjust structures and promote climate policies that take into account the political, economic, ecological, technological and social future demands of the countries and the region as a whole.