How Countries In Asia Are Fighting Climate Change, 6 Months After COP26 | CNA Correspondent

Summary

Asia faces severe climate challenges such as floods, heatwaves, and food insecurity, with some countries responding by turning the crisis into an opportunity for change. In China, efforts are being made to reduce meat consumption through plant-based alternatives, addressing both health and environmental concerns. Meanwhile, sustainable farming practices are gaining ground in Indonesia, focusing on rice cultivation to curb emissions. In Mumbai, flooding due to climate change is causing havoc, but initiatives like rainwater harvesting and climate action plans offer hope for resilience. These regional responses highlight the urgency of adapting to climate change for future survival.

Takeaways

• 😀 Asia is facing severe climate challenges, including floods, heatwaves, and food insecurity, but some countries are actively seeking solutions.
• 😀 China, as the world's largest carbon emitter, is addressing climate change by aiming to reduce meat consumption by half for both health and environmental reasons.
• 😀 The meat industry significantly contributes to global emissions, with animal agriculture generating about 14.5% of global greenhouse gases.
• 😀 Plant-based meat is being promoted as a solution, with companies in China using high-protein plants like soy and rice to create meat substitutes.
• 😀 The plant-based meat industry in China is growing rapidly, with the market projected to expand from $10 billion in 2018 to $12 billion next year.
• 😀 Despite the appeal of plant-based meats, the high cost of production, approximately $8 per kilogram, presents a challenge for broader adoption.
• 😀 The Chinese government is supporting alternative proteins and lab-grown meat as part of its plan to improve food security and environmental sustainability.
• 😀 Lab-grown meat in China is still in its early stages and not yet approved for sale, but it holds the potential to significantly reduce emissions from traditional meat production.
• 😀 In Indonesia, farmers are embracing sustainable rice farming practices to reduce methane emissions and improve harvests in response to climate change.
• 😀 In Mumbai, rising sea levels and extreme weather due to climate change have made flooding a major problem, but solutions like rainwater harvesting are being implemented to mitigate the effects.

Q & A

What are the main environmental challenges facing Asia due to climate change?

Asia is experiencing extreme weather events like floods, heatwaves, and worsening food security, all of which threaten the region's future. These challenges are compounded by rising sea levels and droughts, disrupting communities and economies.

Why does China want to reduce its meat consumption, and what target has it set for emissions?

China aims to reduce meat consumption to address both health and environmental concerns, as animal agriculture contributes significantly to global emissions. The country has set a goal to peak its emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

How is plant-based meat positioned as a solution to environmental concerns in China?

Plant-based meat is being promoted as a more sustainable alternative to animal-based products. It uses plant proteins like soy and rice, which result in far fewer emissions compared to traditional meat production.

What challenges does plant-based meat face in China, despite growing interest?

The main challenges include the high cost of production, which makes plant-based meat expensive compared to traditional meat. The goal is to reduce production costs and make plant-based meat more affordable and accessible to consumers.

What is China’s approach to cultivating lab-grown meat, and what barriers exist for its commercial sale?

China is investing in lab-grown meat, which is expected to reduce emissions significantly. However, regulatory barriers exist, as the government has stringent approval processes for new food products, and lab-grown meat is still in its early stages of development.

How does Indonesia’s rice farming contribute to climate change, and what efforts are being made to combat it?

Rice farming is a significant emitter of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Efforts in Indonesia include transitioning to more sustainable farming practices, such as intermittent irrigation and using environmentally friendly methods to improve rice yields.

What is the Jajada Lagoa planting system, and how does it contribute to sustainable farming in Indonesia?

The Jajada Lagoa planting system involves spacing rice plants in a way that improves yield and reduces the environmental impact. This method leads to healthier crops and a more efficient use of water, contributing to sustainability.

How has climate change affected Mumbai, and what are some projected impacts on the city?

Mumbai faces severe flooding due to climate change, with rising sea levels and more intense rainfall causing damage to homes and businesses. Projections suggest that by 2050, large parts of the city could be submerged during high tide.

What initiatives are being implemented in Mumbai to address the flooding and water shortages?

Mumbai is implementing rainwater harvesting systems and flood water tanks to manage excessive rainfall. These efforts aim to conserve water, prevent flooding, and ensure a more sustainable water supply.

What role does the local government play in mitigating the effects of climate change in Mumbai?

The local government has launched a climate action plan that includes measures like constructing flood water tanks, promoting electric vehicles, and investing in rainwater harvesting. These initiatives aim to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and address flooding challenges.