Webinar on “Climate Action in the United States and Implications for Southeast Asia”

In this webinar, Professor Paul G. Harris from the Education University of Hong Kong discusses developments and potential future steps in the United States’ domestic and foreign climate policy with the Biden Administration’s commitment to all-of-government climate action, as well as their implications for ASEAN countries in terms of trade and assistance.

CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA PROGRAMME WEBINAR

Thursday, 24 June 2021 ­­­— Professor Paul G. Harris, Chair Professor of Global and Environmental Studies at the Education University of Hong Kong and Senior Research Fellow in the Earth System Governance global research alliance, spoke on the recent pivot in US climate policy and its potential effects on the ASEAN region. The session was moderated by Ms. Sharon Seah, Coordinator of the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme and ISEAS Senior Fellow.

Prof Paul Harris
Prof Paul Harris noted that the US Democrat predecessors’ attempts at climate policy have been reversed under Republican administrations. Ms Sharon Seah moderated the webinar. (Credit: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute)

Professor Harris began by welcoming the dramatic shifts in US climate policy. However, these changes are too little and too late. This decade will see millions of climate-induced casualties, including in Southeast Asia. It is thus vital to recognise that any immediate US action may not change the trajectory of climate impacts within the region.

He went on to summarise the Biden Administration’s major steps towards greater climate action. Domestically, it has issued multiple directives to push for a whole-of-government approach to climate change, established a national climate task force, appointed experienced officials to high-ranking federal roles, integrated climate change considerations into infrastructure legislation, stopped new drilling leases on federal land and approved offshore wind schemes. It has also pledged to more than halve carbon emissions by 2030 – its most notable commitment due to its shorter timeline. Internationally, President Biden has promised to increase financial assistance to help developing countries decarbonise, and actively find diplomatic solutions to climate change.

Yet, he faces a hostile domestic political environment. His Democrat predecessors’ attempts at climate policy have been reversed under Republican administrations. As history shows, if Republicans regain the House or Congress, they will also block Biden’s initiatives, resulting in weaker climate policies – though Professor Harris observed that a pro-climate Republican caucus is beginning to form. Nevertheless, US climate action will be challenged by partisan domestic politics and the heavy influence of sunset industries.

US policy and programmes that affect Southeast Asia, such as the US Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury, Department of Defense, Agency for International Development, Trade Representative and more, will inevitably be adjusted by the climate agenda. ASEAN countries can expect increased pressures to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and improve their land use policies; and they may no longer be able to point to US inadequacy as an excuse for their own inaction. At the same time, the US may extend greater support via bilateral assistance (such as development assistance with climate conditions) and funding for multilateral agencies like the Green Climate Fund (as recently signalled by G7 leaders). ASEAN countries may also face climate-related tariffs and trade restrictions, as the US seeks imports that assist in meeting its greenhouse gas reduction targets and moderates the competition faced by its own businesses, who will be adjusting to new climate standards. Professor Harris also posited that affluent people in Southeast Asia and worldwide may find it increasingly difficult to avoid the regulations, taxes and lifestyle changes that will soon be expected of Americans.

During the Q&A session, Professor Harris addressed questions relating to international trade, role of sub-national actors, intellectual property rights and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.

About 80 participants attended the webinar. (Credit: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute)