Southeast Asia Climate Outlook: 2020 Survey Report

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SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT

The Southeast Asia Climate Outlook: 2020 Survey Report is published by the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and available electronically at www.iseas.edu.sg

If you have any comments or enquiries about the survey, please email us at [email protected]

Published on 17 December 2020

REPORT COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY: Sharon Seah Melinda Martinus Anuthida Saelaow Qian Qiu Jiahui

The authors of the report are researchers at the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme and ASEAN Studies Centre, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

We wish to acknowledge the contribution of Mr Glenn Ong Kok Hui for his research assistance.

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119614 Tel: (65) 6870 4509 Fax: (65) 6778 1735

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute (formerly Institute of Southeast Asian Studies) is an autonomous organisation established in 1968. It is a regional centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security, and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment. The Institute’s research programmes are grouped under Regional Economic Studies (RES), Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS) and Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS). The Institute is also home to the ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC), the Temasek History Research Centre (THRC) and the Singapore APEC Study Centre.

The Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme (CCSEAP) was established in 2020 to examine the phenomenon of climate change, its impact, and policy responses across the regions. The Programme hopes to cultivate a network of scholars at the forefront of climate change research and build on ISEAS’ thought leadership to advance climate discourse and knowledge in Southeast Asia through a series of publications and seminars.

The Programme conducts an annual Southeast Asia Climate Outlook survey. Inaugurated in 2020, the survey probes the attitudes and concerns of Southeast Asian citizens towards climate change, governmental actions, and the role of different stakeholders in climate action. It aims to obtain views on climate change impacts, mitigation, adaptation, food security, agricultural production, city-level climate measures, renewable energy and the transition to low-carbon economies.

The report can be cited as: Seah, S. et al., Southeast Asia Climate Outlook: 2020 Survey Report (Singapore: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2020)

Table of Contents

About the Survey 1

Highlights at a Glance 1

Section I: 6 Respondents’ Profile

Section II: 10 Perceptions of Climate Change Issues

Section III: 16 Perceptions of Climate Policy

Section IV: 26 Perceptions of Energy, Food Security and Cities

Section V: 34 Perceptions of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Climate Governance

Section VI: 38 Perceptions of Regional Cooperation

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 5 About the Survey Climate change ranked among Southeast Asia’s The survey, comprising 30 questions in total, top three security concerns in the annual State was also designed to draw views on climate of Southeast Asia Survey 2020 conducted by the change impacts, mitigation, adaptation, ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak food security, agricultural production, cities’ Institute. All ASEAN countries, with the exception adaptation measures, renewable energy and of Myanmar, placed climate change above the transition to low-carbon economies. terrorism, the region’s traditional security threat. This finding was further corroborated by 52.7% of The survey which was conducted online respondents viewing climate change as a “serious successfully drew a total of 502 respondents from and immediate threat to the well-being” of the all ten ASEAN member states. Those respondents region. represented 7 groups: (1) Academia, Think-tanks, and Research Institutions, (2) Business, Finance, Picking up from where the annual State of and Industry (3) Civil Society, NGOs, and Media, Southeast Asia Survey left off, the Climate Change (4) Government (5) Regional Organisations, Inter- in Southeast Asia Programme at ISEAS-Yusof Government, and International Organisations, (6) Ishak Institute decided to conduct a Southeast Students, (7) Others; Retirees and persons without Asia Climate Outlook 2020 Survey from 3 August affiliation. Only Southeast Asian citizens were 2020 to 18 September 2020. The survey was allowed to participate in this survey. The survey designed to analyse the attitudes and concerns of was promoted through various communication Southeast Asian citizens towards climate change, channels including direct email and social governmental actions and the role of different media in order to draw participation of the elite stakeholders in climate action. policymakers and non-elite groups.

Highlights at a Glance The survey findings are by no means representative of Southeast Asia’s views on climate change but these findings act as a barometer of general views and attitudes of Southeast Asian citizens. The survey comprises six sections:

Perceptions of Energy, Respondents’ Profile 1 4 Food Security and Cities

Perceptions of Perceptions of Nationally 2 Climate Change Issues 5 Determined Contributions (NDCs) & Climate Governance

Perceptions of 6 Perceptions of 3 Climate Policy Regional Cooperation

1 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT Top three climate change impacts in ASEAN

Floods, loss of biodiversity, and sea Evidently, these impacts are top of mind level rise are the top three climate among respondents as they deal with change impacts in ASEAN. the effects.

In your view, what are the most serious climate change impacts that your country is currently exposed to?

77.1% 59.6% 58.0% 51.4% 51.2% 47.0% 29.9% 22.1% Floods Loss of Sea level Drought Heat waves Rainfall- Tropical storms Ocean biodiversity rise induced (hurricanes, acidification landslides cyclones, or typhoons) ASEAN youth advocacy promising Which of the following statements best describes ASEAN youths are more your level of participation in climate advocacy? likely than any other age groups to be All ages 12.7 21.1 58.6 7.6 actively engaged Under 21 50.0 34.6 11.5 in climate advocacy. 21-35 10.4 24.0 57.3 8.3

36-45 13.7 21.4 59.0 6.0

46-60 18.6 15.0 57.5 8.8 53.9% Above 60 11.1 9.3 75.9 of respondents under 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% the age of 21 are % of respondents within each age group Response involved in leading I don’t participate in and follow climate change issues a project, mobilising I follow news and share information about climate change I join climate movement groups and attend seminars on environment-related issues support or attending I lead a project and mobilise support on climate change awareness environment-related seminars.

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 2 Responsibility for addressing climate change National governments, individuals, and business and industries should be responsible for tackling climate change.

Who, in your opinion, is responsible for tackling climate change?

85.3% 82.1% 79.5% 76.1% 64.3% 59.8% National Individuals Businesses Local International ASEAN governments & industries governments organisations

Private sector has a role to play

93.6% of ASEAN respondents believe that the private sector can play an important role in addressing climate change by committing to green supply chain practices, promoting sustainable practices, and providing green investment and financing.

Do you think the private sector has a role to play in addressing climate change effects?

ASEAN 93.6

Brunei Darussalam 10.3 89.7

Cambodia 100.0 Indonesia 6.5 92.4

Laos 10.0 90.0 Malaysia 98.1

Myanmar 15.0 85.0

Philippines 97.8 Singapore 96.5 Thailand 92.8

Vietnam 91.9 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of respondents within each country

Yes Unsure No

3 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT What do you think the private sector can do?

% of all respondents Harness technology, skill Promote & research to Invest in sustainable address climate research & practices change development 79.7% 69.9% 67.7%

81.1% 79.1% 69.9% 63.9% Commit to Provide green Greater Create public green supply investment & transparency & awareness chain practices financing accountability through in corporate education sustainability campaigns

Cost of climate measures Businesses and industries and governments should bear the cost of climate measures. In your opinion, who should bear the costs of climate change measures? % of respondents within each country

84.3% 80.3% 54.6% 51.2% Businesses Governments Multilateral Individuals & industries organisations

Awareness of national climate policy is low

Awareness of Southeast Asian countries’ Nationally Determined Has your country submitted a Nationally Contributions (NDCs) to the Determined Contribution (NDC) under Paris Agreement is low among the Paris Agreement? respondents. This indicates a lack of awareness regarding 59.4 their country’s climate policy. 37.5 There is room for governments to raise awareness through public 3.2 consultation and education. Yes Unsure No

% of all respondents

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 4 Effectiveness of ASEAN divided Respondents are divided over whether ASEAN is effective as a regional organisation in tackling climate change.

ASEAN is working together effectively to tackle climate change. Do you agree?

35.9% 31.3% Neither agree 32.9% Agree or disagree Disagree

Covid-19 and climate crisis of equal importance Which of the crises - Covid-19 or the climate emergency - should governments prioritise?

Response ASEAN 61.0 5.8 32.9 None of the above 72.4 24.1 COVID-19 Brunei Darussalam Climate emergency Both are of equal priority Cambodia 61.5 23.1 15.4

Indonesia 62.0 32.6 Majority of respondents want 70.0 20.0 10.0 Laos governments to prioritise Malaysia 67.3 5.8 26.9 responses to Covid-19 and climate

Myanmar 55.0 40.0 change equally. Climate change is viewed as a very current crisis. Of Philippines 76.1 21.7 note, the countries that have seen Singapore 64.0 30.2 lower rates of Covid-19 infections Thailand 45.4 9.3 45.4 (at the time of writing), namely

Vietnam 59.5 40.5 Cambodia and Laos, prioritised climate emergency over Covid-19. 0 20 40 60 80 100

5 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT Section I: Respondents’ Profile

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 6 1. What is your nationality?

Brunei Darussalam 5.8 Cambodia 2.6 Indonesia 18.3 Laos 2.0 Malaysia 10.4 Myanmar 8.0 Philippines 9.2 Singapore 17.1 Thailand 19.3 Vietnam 7.4

0 5 10 15 20 % of all respondents within each country

Among the ten ASEAN member states that 19.3% participated in this survey, Thailand had the Thailand had the highest number of respondents highest number of respondents at 19.3%, followed closely by Indonesia and Singapore with 18.3% and 17.1% respectively. This is followed by Malaysia (10.4%), Philippines (9.2%), Myanmar (8.0%), Vietnam (7.4%), Brunei Darussalam (5.8%), Cambodia (2.6%) and Laos (2.0%).

2. What age group do you belong to?

Under 21 5.2 21-35 38.2 36-45 23.3 46-60 22.5 Above 60 10.8

% of all respondents

The survey drew participation from five age groups: (a) Under 21, (b) 21-35, (c) 36- 45, (d) 46-60 and (e) Above 60. The majority of respondents were youths aged 21- 35 (38.2%), followed by respondents aged 36-45 (23.3%), 46-60 (22.5%) and above 60 (10.8%). Youths under 21 made up the smallest group (5.2%).

7 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 3. What is your gender?

Do not wish to disclose 1.6%

This survey saw a slightly greater Male Female response from women (52.2%) than 46.2% 52.2% men (46.2%), with a difference of 6.0% between the two genders.

4. What is the highest level of education you have completed or are currently completing?

Highest level of education completed or currently completing

Secondary education & lower 3.4 Post-secondary non-tertiary education (including 2.4 trade, technical technical or vocational training

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 30.5

Master’s degree or equivalent 41.4

Doctoral degree or equivalent 22.3

0 10 20 30 40 50

% of all respondents

Majority of the respondents had a Bachelor’s degree qualification or higher (94.2%). Master’s degree holders were the most represented (41.4%), while those with post-secondary non-tertiary education were the least represented (5.8%).

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 8 5. What is your affiliation?

Academia, think-tanks & research institutions 33.9

Business, finance & industry 15.9

Civil society, NGOs & media 12.7

Government 14.5 Regional organisations, inter-government 7.2 & international organisations Students 6.4

Others 9.4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 % of all respondents

Academics and think tanks made up by far the largest group of respondents by affiliation (33.9%). Business communities, governments, and civil society organisations made up the next largest segments comprising 15.9%, 14.5%, and 12.7% of respondents respectively.

9 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT Section II: Perceptions of Climate Change Issues

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 10 6. Thinking of climate change, which of the following statements best describes your view?

Response ASEAN 82.3 17.1 Human activity does not Brunei Darussalam 72.4 24.1 play a part in climate change Cambodia 84.6 15.4 Human activity is partially Indonesia 79.3 20.7 responsible for climate change Laos 90.0 10.0 Human activity is mainly responsible for climate change Malaysia 94.2 5.8 Myanmar 80.0 20.0 Philippines 87.0 13.0 Singapore 83.7 15.1 Thailand 82.5 17.5 Vietnam 70.3 27.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

Majority of respondents at 82.3% felt that human activity is mainly responsible for climate change. A minority of 17.1% felt that human activity was only partially responsible for climate change, and a smaller minority of 0.6% felt that human activity did not play a part in climate change.

There is a slight variation in opinion between countries; for example, 94.2% of Malaysian respondents felt that human activity is mainly responsible for climate change, the highest of any ASEAN country. Only Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam had some respondents that did not feel human activity was at all responsible for climate change, while the rest of the countries agreed unanimously on the anthropogenic influence on climate change. SOUTHEAST ASIA 90.0% Laos 80.0% Myanmar 87.0% 70.3% Philippines Vietnam 82.5% Thailand 84.6% Cambodia 94.2% Malaysia Human activity is mainly 83.7% 72.4% responsible for climate change Singapore Brunei Darussalam

79.3% Indonesia

11 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 7. Which of the following statements best describe your level of participation in climate advocacy?

ASEAN 12.7 21.1 58.6 7.6 Brunei Darussalam 13.8 65.5 20.7

Cambodia 23.1 23.1 53.8

Indonesia 18.5 20.7 50.0 10.9

Laos 50.0 40.0 10.0

Malaysia 13.5 17.3 69.2 Myanmar 12.5 17.5 65.0 5.0

Philippines 23.9 47.8 26.1 Singapore 20.9 65.1 10.5

Thailand 16.5 11.3 66.0 6.2 Vietnam 5.4 21.6 64.9 8.1 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

Response I don’t participate in and follow climate change issues I join climate movement groups and attend seminars I follow news and share information about climate change on environment-related issues I lead a project and mobilise support on climate change awareness

Among all respondents, 33.8% stated that they participate in climate advocacy activities by leading a project and mobilising support on climate change awareness or joining climate movement groups and attending seminars on environment- related issues (in green). The majority adopt a more passive approach (in blue), either not participating at all, or only following and sharing climate news. The latter is the most popular option overall as it is chosen by 58.6% of respondents.

These patterns of climate advocacy vary between countries. Respondents from the Philippines are by far the most active (71.7%), both in terms of leading projects and joining movements. 50.0% of Laos respondents are active, all of which are involved in climate movements and seminars. 46.2% of Cambodia respondents are active, with 23.1% acting as leaders and mobilisers in climate advocacy. Respondents from Brunei are the least active with 20.7% who do not participate or follow climate news.

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 1712 Levels of participation by age

Response All ages 12.7 21.1 58.6 7.6 I don’t participate in and follow Under 21 50.0 34.6 11.5 climate change issues I follow news and share information 21-35 10.4 24.0 57.3% 8.3 about climate change I join climate movement groups 36-45 13.7 21.4 59.0 6.0 and attend seminars on environment-related issues 46-60 18.6 15.0 57.5 8.8 I lead a project and mobilise support Above 60 11.1 9.3 75.9 on climate change awareness 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each age group

There are also notable variations in climate advocacy between age groups. ASEAN youths (under 35) are more likely to participate actively in climate advocacy than other age groups, either through joining climate movements and attending seminars, or taking leadership in mobilising climate change awareness and other climate-related projects. This is especially true for Generation Z respondents under the age of 21, 53.9% of whom are active advocates — the highest proportion among all age groups by a wide margin. Most of them are participants in climate movements and seminars, but 3.9% of them are also young leaders. This number jumps from 3.9% to 10.4% for older youths aged between 21 and 35 (which includes most of Generation Y), steadily increasing with age before dropping to 11.1% for baby boomers above 60. The latter is mostly passive, with 79.6% either following and sharing climate news or staying uninvolved.

1813 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 8. In your view, what are the most serious climate change impacts that your country is currently exposed to?

Floods 77.1 Loss of biodiversity 59.6 Sea level rise 58.0 Droughts 51.4 Heat waves 51.2 Rainfall-induced landslides 47.0 Tropical storms (Hurricanes, cyclones or typhoons) 29.9 Ocean acidification 22.1 No impact 1.6 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents

The top three climate change impacts that respondents are concerned about are: floods (77.1%), loss of biodiversity (59.6%) followed by sea level rise (58.0%). These are followed by droughts and heat waves (51.4% and 51.2%), rainfall- induced landslides (47.0%) and tropical storms (29.9%); which means all of the impacts listed draw concern from at least a third of all respondents. Only 1.6% of respondents indicated that there are no significant climate change impacts on their country.

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 1914 Most serious climate change impacts by country

FLOODS ASEAN 77.1 Brunei Darussalam 86.2 Cambodia 46.2 Indonesia 82.6 Laos 90.0 Malaysia 82.7 Myanmar 92.5 Philippines 95.7 Singapore 48.8 Thailand 81.4 Vietnam 70.3

LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY ASEAN 59.6 Brunei Darussalam 44.8 Cambodia 53.8 Indonesia 67.4 Laos 80.0 Malaysia 73.1 Myanmar 55.0 Philippines 82.6 Singapore 52.3 Thailand 41.2 Vietnam 70.3

SEA LEVEL RISE ASEAN 58.0 Brunei Darussalam 27.6 Cambodia 15.4 Indonesia 78.3 Laos 20.0% Malaysia 51.9 Myanmar 17.5 Philippines 58.7 Singapore 80.2 Thailand 48.5 Vietnam 81.1 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

Focusing on the top three most serious climate change impacts, floods are a major concern for all countries except Cambodia and Singapore. For loss of biodiversity, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam were more concerned than the average ASEAN country (over 59.4%). Meanwhile, sea level rise had the greatest variation in concern between countries. Only 20.0% or fewer of respondents from Cambodia, Myanmar and landlocked Laos, were concerned. Meanwhile, a higher proportion of respondents from coastal states such as Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam felt it was serious (over ASEAN’s average of 58.2%).

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT Section III: Perceptions of Climate Policy

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 16 9. Who, in your opinion, is responsible for tackling climate change?

National governments 85.3 Individuals 82.1 Businesses & industries 79.5 Local governments 76.1 International organisations 64.3 ASEAN 59.8 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents

National governments (85.3%) and individuals (82.1%) have been given almost the same level of responsibility for tackling climate change by respondents, followed by businesses and industries (79.5%) and local governments (76.1%). Meanwhile, international organisations (64.3%) and ASEAN (59.8%) were attributed with the least levels of responsibility comparatively.

Most countries generally agree that national governments bear the responsibility to tackle climate change, with the exception of Myanmar (60.0%) which directed climate responsibility more towards businesses and industries (62.5%) and individuals (80%). There also appears to be a division of opinion within Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, in which only around 60 to 62.5% of respondents selected businesses and industries. However, respondents from all countries agree on the fact that individuals are one of the responsible players in climate change.

17 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT NATIONAL ASEAN 85.3 GOVERNMENTS Brunei Darussalam 72.4 Cambodia 76.9 Indonesia 84.8 Laos 80.0 Malaysia 84.6 Myanmar 60.0 Philippines 97.8 Singapore 91.9 Thailand 85.6 Vietnam 97.3

BUSINESSES ASEAN 79.5 & INDUSTRIES Brunei Darussalam 65.5 Cambodia 61.5 Indonesia 78.3 Laos 60.0 Malaysia 86.5 Myanmar 62.5% Philippines 89.1 Singapore 88.4 Thailand 80.4 Vietnam 78.4

INDIVIDUALS ASEAN 82.1 Brunei Darussalam 72.4 Cambodia 69.2 Indonesia 81.5 Laos 70.0 Malaysia 82.7 Myanmar 80.0 Philippines 89.1 Singapore 84.9 Thailand 80.4 Vietnam 89.2 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 18 10. “Not much more can be done to reduce carbon emissions. The only way for us is to adapt to the climate effects.” Do you agree?

Response ASEAN 77.5 12.2 10.4 Disagree Brunei Darussalam 79.3 13.8 6.9 Neither agree nor disagree Cambodia 76.9 7.7 15.4 Agree Indonesia 71.7 17.4 10.9 Laos 40.0 50.0 10.0 Malaysia 90.4 5.8 Myanmar 60.0 12.5 27.5 Philippines 95.7 Singapore 84.9 11.6 Thailand 73.2 14.4 12.4 Vietnam 73.0 27.0 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

Most respondents (77.5%) believe that reducing carbon emissions rather than merely adapting to a warmer climate is still the most critical climate action. This is also observed for all countries besides Laos and Myanmar, where almost half of respondents are either uncertain or believe that adaptation is the only option. Myanmar also had the greatest proportion of respondents who agree with the statement. Notably, Philippines and Malaysia respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of carbon emissions reduction (95.7% and 90.4% respectively), followed by Singapore (84.9%). Overall, optimism for mitigation is very strong in ASEAN.

11. Do you think the private sector has a role to play in addressing climate change effects?

93.6% of ASEAN respondents feel that the private sector has a role to play in addressing climate change effects. 4.8% were unsure while 1.6% felt they had no role to play.

There is a greater consensus around the idea that the private sector should be involved in climate action, than the idea that the private sector should be responsible in addressing climate change (79.5%) (see question 9), indicating that there may be a distinction in how the respondents perceive the role and responsibility of the private sector.

2419 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT ASEAN 93.6 Response Yes Unsure No Brunei Darussalam 10.3 89.7 Cambodia 100.0 Besides Brunei, Laos, and Myanmar, Indonesia 6.5 92.4 most ASEAN countries had over 90.0% of Laos 10.0 90.0 respondents feeling certain that the private Malaysia 98.1 sector has a role to play in addressing Myanmar 15.0 85.0 Philippines 97.8 climate change. In particular, all Cambodia Singapore 96.5 respondents unanimously agreed, followed Thailand 92.8 by 98.1% of Malaysia respondents. Vietnam 91.9 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

12. What do you think the private sector can do?

Commit to green supply chain practices 81.1

Promote sustainable practices 79.7

Provide green investment & financing 79.1

Greater transparency & accountability in corporate sustainability 69.9

Harness technolgy, skill & research to address climate change 69.9

Invest in research & development 67.7

Create public awareness through education campaigns 63.9

0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents

Respondents were generally supportive of all the listed actions that the private sector can take. The most popular options were committing to green supply chain practices (81.1%), promoting sustainable practices (79.7%) and providing green investment and financing (79.1%). The least supported option was creating public awareness (63.9%), indicating that a significant portion of respondents think this responsibility lies elsewhere.

Focusing on the top three actions that the private sector can do, Singapore has the most respondents who support the private sector in committing to green supply chain practices (90.7%), followed by the Philippines (89.1%) and Malaysia (86.5%). Meanwhile, the majority of respondents from Brunei (96.6%), the Philippines (91.9%), and Singapore (91.9%) believe that the private sector should promote sustainable practices. The majority of respondents from Brunei support the private sector in providing green investment and financial instruments (93.1%).

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 2520 Preferred private sector actions by country

COMMIT TO ASEAN 81.1 GREEN SUPPLY Brunei Darussalam 82.8 CHAIN PRACTICES Cambodia 61.5 Indonesia 80.4 Laos 70.0 Malaysia 86.5 Myanmar 52.5 Philippines 89.1 Singapore 90.7 Thailand 82.5 Vietnam 78.4

PROMOTE ASEAN 79.7 SUSTAINABLE Brunei Darussalam 96.6 PRACTICES Cambodia 69.2 Indonesia 71.7 Laos 80.0 Malaysia 80.8 Myanmar 60.0 Philippines 91.3 Singapore 91.9 Thailand 77.3 Vietnam 73.0

PROVIDE GREEN ASEAN 79.1 INVESTMENT & Brunei Darussalam 93.1 FINANCING Cambodia 61.5 Indonesia 73.9 Laos 80.0 Malaysia 84.6 Myanmar 60.0 Philippines 84.8 Singapore 80.2 Thailand 81.4 Vietnam 83.8

0 20 40 60 80 100

% of all respondents within each country

2621 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 13. “More public financial support should be allocated to transition to low carbon economies.” Do you agree?

ASEAN 10.8 9.0 80.3 Response Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Brunei Darussalam 13.8 20.7 65.5 Cambodia 23.1 7.7 69.2 80.3% of all respondents agreed that Indonesia 7.6 14.1 78.3 more public financial support should Laos 30.0 70.0 be allocated to transition to low

Malaysia 17.3 80.8 carbon economies, especially Myanmar Myanmar 7.5 92.5 respondents (92.5%), followed by

Philippines 10.9 87.0 Philippines respondents (87.0%), Singapore 9.3 8.1 82.6 Singapore respondents (82.6%) and Thailand 12.4 8.2 79.4 Malaysia respondents (80.8%). The Vietnam 8.113.5 78.4 greatest disagreement was from 0 20 40 60 80 100 Cambodia (23.1%), while Laos % of all respondents within each country respondents are the most ambivalent (30.0% neither agree nor disagree) about allocating public financial support to low carbonisation.

14. In your opinion, who should bear the cost of climate change measures?

Businesses and industries were identified by the highest number of respondents (84.2%) as being responsible for the Businesses and industries 84.2 cost of climate measures, followed Governments 80.2 by governments (80.3%), followed by Multilateral organisations 54.4 multilateral organisations (54.6%) and Individuals 51.0 individuals (51.2%). There is a fair gap (25.7%-33.1%) between the proportion 0 20 40 60 80 100 of respondents who chose businesses, % of all respondents industries and governments, and that of those who chose multilateral organisations and individuals.

Here, individuals are given the least responsibility for costs, compared to the responsibility of tackling climate change in general, which was attributed to them by 82.1% of respondents (see question 9). This could indicate that respondents believe individual responsibility ends at bearing monetary and financial costs. Among the countries, Philippines respondents are most expectant of the responsibility of governments, businesses and industries in bearing the costs whereas Brunei and Vietnam respondents placed the onus on multilateral organisations and individuals respectively.

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 2722 Responsibility of climate costs by country

BUSINESSES & ASEAN 84.3 INDUSTRIES Brunei Darussalam 86.2 Cambodia 53.8 Indonesia 83.7 Laos 80.0 Malaysia 92.3 Myanmar 75.0 Philippines 97.8 Singapore 89.5 Thailand 75.3 Vietnam 89.2

GOVERNMENTS ASEAN 80.3 Brunei Darussalam 75.9 Cambodia 84.6 Indonesia 81.5 Laos 50.0 Malaysia 88.5 Myanmar 67.5 Philippines 95.7 Singapore 84.9 Thailand 73.2 Vietnam 78.4

MULTILATERAL ASEAN 54.6 ORGANISATIONS Brunei Darussalam 69.0 Cambodia 53.8 Indonesia 57.6 Laos 60.0 Malaysia 51.9 Myanmar 50.0 Philippines 52.2 Singapore 55.8 Thailand 51.5 Vietnam 51.4

INDIVIDUALS ASEAN 51.2 Brunei Darussalam 58.6 Cambodia 53.8 Indonesia 47.8 Laos 40.0 Malaysia 53.8 Myanmar 35.0 Philippines 45.7 Singapore 58.1 Thailand 50.5 Vietnam 62.2 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % of all respondents within each country

2823 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 15. “Subsidies for fossil fuels should be cut.” Do you agree?

% of all respondents 65.1

23.0 12.0

Agree Neither agree Disagree or disagree

The majority of respondents (65.1%) agree that fossil fuel subsidies should be cut. In particular, 23.0% of respondents neither agree nor disagree, signifying some uncertainty among them.

Response ASEAN 12.0 23.0 65.1 Agree Brunei Darussalam 25.0 39.3 35.7 Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Cambodia 7.7 7.7 84.6

Indonesia 6.5 25.0 68.5

Laos 20.0 30.0 50.0

Malaysia 11.5 19.2 69.2

Myanmar 17.5 32.5 50.0

Philippines 19.6 15.2 65.2

Singapore 7.0 18.6 74.4

Thailand 12.4 23.7 63.9

Vietnam 10.8 21.6 67.6 0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

Among ASEAN countries, Brunei, Laos, and Myanmar respondents are especially against cutting fossil fuel subsidies (25.0%, 20.0% and 17.5% respectively). However, Brunei is also the most ambivalent on the issue (39.3% selecting neither agree nor disagree), more so than ASEAN as a whole. On the other hand, Cambodia respondents showed by far the most agreement for cutting fossil fuel subsidies (84.6%), followed by Singapore (74.4%) and Malaysia (69.2%).

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 2924 16. “Reduction of dependence on fossil fuels will be painful in the short term but beneficial to ASEAN economies in the long term.” Do you agree?

Response ASEAN 78.7 14.7 6.6 Agree Neither agree nor disagree 48.3 37.9 13.8 Brunei Darussalam Disagree

Cambodia 76.9 15.4 7.7

Indonesia 82.6 15.2

Laos 50.0 30.0 20.0

Malaysia 84.6 13.5

Myanmar 77.5 17.5 5.0

Philippines 84.8 10.9 4.3

Singapore 83.7 7.0 9.3

Thailand 75.3 16.5 8.2

Vietnam 83.8 8.1 8.1

0 20 40 60 80 100 % of all respondents within each country

Among all respondents, 78.7% agree that reducing fossil fuel dependence will be beneficial in the long term, which is reflected in most countries except Brunei and Laos, where opinion is rather evenly split. These two countries also have the highest level of disagreement at 20.0% for Laos and 13.8% for Brunei. Conversely, Philippines respondents are the most optimistic about reducing dependence on fossil fuels (84.8%), followed very closely by Malaysia (84.6%), Vietnam (83.8%) and Singapore (83.7%).

3025 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT Section IV: Perceptions of Energy, Food Security and Cities

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 26 17. “There is potential for ASEAN to tap into the renewable energy sector.” Do you agree?

ASEAN 11.0 89.0 Respondents generally agree that there is potential for ASEAN Brunei Darussalam 10.3 89.7 countries to tap into renewables; Cambodia 23.1 76.9 though there is a large gap in Indonesia 7.6 92.4 levels of agreement in Laos

Laos 30.0 70.0 (70.0%), Myanmar (72.5%) and Cambodia (76.9%) compared to Malaysia 96.2 that in the Philippines (97.8%), Myanmar 27.5 72.5 Malaysia (96.2%), Indonesia Philippines 97.8 (92.4%) and Vietnam (91.9%). It

Singapore 9.3 90.7 should be noted that none of the respondents disagreed with the Thailand 14.4 85.6 statement. All chose either ‘Yes’ or Vietnam 8.1 91.9 ‘Unsure’. This demonstrates that 0 20 40 60 80 100 no one will deny the potential of % of all respondents within each country renewable energy. Response Agree Unsure

18. Are you confident that adopting climate change measures and policies will drive innovation and competitiveness of your economy?

ASEAN 75.1 12.2 12.7 75.1% of respondents are confident that adopting climate 65.5 10.3 24.1 Brunei Darussalam change measures and policies Cambodia 76.9 15.4 7.7 will drive innovation and

Indonesia 75.0 14.1 10.9 competitiveness in their own economies. In particular, 89% 60.0 20.0 20.0 Laos of Philippines respondents Malaysia 86.5 9.6 were confident, while only 60% of respondents from Laos Myanmar 60.0 15.0 25.0 and Myanmar were confident. Philippines 89.1 6.5 4.3 On the other hand, Brunei Singapore 76.7 11.6 11.6 had the highest proportion

Thailand 72.2 10.3 17.5 of respondents who were not confident (24.1%). Across all Vietnam 73.0 18.9 8.1 countries, about 6.5%-18.9% 0 20 40 60 80 100 of respondents chose not to % of all respondents within each country comment. Response Not confident No comment Confident

27 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 19. “My country’s food security is threatened by climate change.” Do you agree?

ASEAN 7.4 20.3 72.3 Respondents mostly agreed (72.3%) Brunei Darussalam 10.3 37.9 51.7 that their respective countries’ food

Cambodia 7.7 30.8 61.5 security is threatened by climate

Indonesia 22.8 76.1 change, but this question also saw

Laos 30.0 70.0 a relatively high level of uncertainty.

Malaysia 11.5 25.0 63.5 Overall, 20.3% of respondents

Myanmar 10.0 17.5 72.5 were unsure; this proportion is

Philippines 8.7 87.0 at 37.9% for Brunei and 30.0%

Singapore 7.0 12.8 80.2 for Laos. Philippines respondents

Thailand 14.4 20.6 64.9 were the most concerned for their

Vietnam 21.6 78.4 food security (87.0%), followed by 0 20 40 60 80 100 Singapore respondents (80.2%). % of all respondents within each country Disagreement was highest for Thai (14.4%) and Malaysian respondents Response Yes Unsure No

20. Which city do you live in?

2.9% SOUTHEAST ASIA Hanoi 5.9% 1.7% Yangon Vientiane 4.8% 15.3% 2.5% Metro Manila Bangkok Metropolitan Region Phnom Penh 3.6% Ho Chi Minh City 2.9% Bandar Seri Begawan 7.1% Greater Kuala Lumpur 17.0% Singapore

13.0% Jakarta Metropolitan Area

Most of the respondents were concentrated in Southeast Asian capital cities. The most well represented cities were Singapore with 81 respondents, Bangkok Metropolitan Region (73), Jakarta Metropolitan Area (62) and Greater Kuala Lumpur (34).

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 3328 21. Which of the following climate change mitigation measures has your city implemented?

Bandar Seri Begawan Bangkok Metropolitan Region

100.0% Promotion of Public Transport 100.0% Promotion of Public Transport Land Use/Zoning Land Use/Zoning 80.0% Vehicle Emission Control 80.0% Vehicle Emission Control Regulations Regulations

60.0% 60.0%

Green Building Tax Incentives on Green Building Tax Incentives on 40.0% 40.0% Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles

Energy Efficiency Installation Energy Efficiency Installation Measures of Bike Lanes Measures of Bike Lanes

Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption prohibition of single-use plastics) prohibition of single-use plastics)

Ho Chi Minh City Jakarta Metropolitan Area

100.0% Promotion of Public Transport 100.0% Promotion of Public Transport Land Use/Zoning Land Use/Zoning 80.0% Vehicle Emission Control 80.0% Vehicle Emission Control Regulations Regulations

60.0% 60.0% Green Building Tax Incentives on Green Building Tax Incentives on 40.0% 40.0% Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles

Energy Efficiency Installation Energy Efficiency Installation Measures of Bike Lanes Measures of Bike Lanes

Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption prohibition of single-use plastics) prohibition of single-use plastics)

Singapore Vientiane

Promotion of Public Transport Promotion of Public Transport 100.0% 100.0% Land Use/Zoning Land Use/Zoning Vehicle Emission Control Vehicle Emission Control 80.0% Regulations 80.0% Regulations

60.0% 60.0% Green Building Tax Incentives on Green Building Tax Incentives on 40.0% Standardisation 40.0% Hybrid/Vehicles Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles

Energy Efficiency Installation Energy Efficiency Installation Measures of Bike Lanes Measures of Bike Lanes

Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption prohibition of single-use plastics) prohibition of single-use plastics)

Focusing on political and economic When asked which climate change capital cities1 (Singapore, Bangkok mitigation measures they have Metropolitan Region, Jakarta observed, respondents were able Metropolitan Area and Greater Kuala to choose from nine examples of Lumpur,Yangon, Metro Manila, Ho Chi climate change mitigation measures Minh City, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Bandar implemented in their cities: promotion Seri Begawan and Vientiane), there of public transport, vehicle emissions were variations in the percentage of control, tax incentives on hybrid vehicles, respondents who observed mitigation installation of bike lanes, renewable and adaptation measures in their cities. energy adoption, recycling measures

1 Aside from the cities included here, Tutong in Brunei Darussalam was one of the top twelve cities with the most respondents. Data on Tutong is available upon request.

3429 SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT Greater Kuala Lumpur Hanoi Promotion of Public Transport Promotion of Public Transport 100.0% 100.0% Land Use/Zoning Vehicle Emission Control Land Use/Zoning Vehicle Emission Control 80.0% 80.0% Regulations Regulations

60.0% 60.0% Green Building Tax Incentives on Green Building Tax Incentives on 40.0% Standardisation 40.0% Hybrid/Vehicles Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles

Energy Efficiency Installation Energy Efficiency Installation Measures of Bike Lanes Measures of Bike Lanes

Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption prohibition of single-use plastics) prohibition of single-use plastics)

Metro Manila Phnom Penh Promotion of Public Transport Promotion of Public Transport 100.0% 100.0%

Land Use/Zoning Vehicle Emission Control Land Use/Zoning Vehicle Emission Control 80.0% 80.0% Regulations Regulations

60.0% 60.0% Green Building Tax Incentives on Green Building Tax Incentives on 40.0% 40.0% Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles

Energy Efficiency Installation Energy Efficiency Installation Measures of Bike Lanes Measures of Bike Lanes

Recycling Measures (including Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption Renewable Energy Adoption prohibition of single-use plastics) prohibition of single-use plastics)

Yangon My city has promoted public transport

Promotion of Public Transport 100.0%

Land Use/Zoning 80.0% Vehicle Emission Control Regulations SOUTHEAST 60.0%

Green Building Tax Incentives on 71.4% ASIA 40.0% Standardisation Hybrid/Vehicles Hanoi

60.7% 87.5% Energy Efficiency Installation Yangon of Bike Lanes Vientiane Measures 39.1% Recycling Measures (including Renewable Energy Adoption 65.8% 75.0% Metro Manila prohibition of single-use plastics) Phnom Penh Bangkok 82.4% Metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City Region 28.6% (including prohibition of single-use Bandar Seri Begawan plastics), energy efficiency measures, 91.2% Greater 92.6% green building standardisation, and Kuala Lumpur Singapore land-use/zoning regulations (including farmland protection and greening 80.6% Jakarta Metropolitan Area of cities).

Among all ASEAN respondents, promotion of public transport was the top choice (64.5%), especially in Singapore (92.6%) and Greater Kuala Lumpur (91.2%). It was followed by recycling measures (55.6%) and vehicle emissions control (38.0%).

SOUTHEAST ASIA CLIMATE OUTLOOK: 2020 SURVEY REPORT 3530 Singapore, the city with the most public transport promotion (65.7%), respondents, had the most well- recycling measures (61.6%) and vehicle rounded response, with at least emissions control (41.1%). Next, Jakarta 44.4% choosing every option. Its top Metropolitan Area focused on public measures were promotion of public transport promotion (80.6%), recycling transport (92.6%), green building measures (66.1%) and bike lanes (56.5%). standardisation (77.8%) and energy It also had the greatest proportion of efficiency measures (76.5%). Forrespondents identifying the installation each of these measures, Singapore of bike lanes (56.4%) while Ho Chi was also the top city. The second Minh City chose renewable energy most represented city, Bangkok adoption the most (64.7%). Recycling Metropolitan Area, mostly identified measures were the most prominent in Bandar Seri Begawan (85.7%).

22. Which of the following climate change adaptation measures has your city implemented?

Bandar Seri Begawan Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Air Quality Measures Air Quality Measures 100.0% 100.0% Water Catchment Measures Coastal Protection Water Catchment Measures Coastal Protection 80.0% 80.0%

60.0% 60.0%

Climate Proofing of 40.0% Flood Protection Climate Proofing of 40.0% Flood Protection Infrastructure Infrastructure

Physical Conservation Physical Conservation Measures (i.e. building Disaster Early Measures (i.e. building Disaster Early restrictions in riverside Warning System restrictions in riverside Warning System and coastal areas) and coastal areas)