Move away from fossil fuels, Asean! – Asian movements

An open letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Asean chair for 2025:

We address you in your capacity as Asean chair for 2025. We call for an urgent and decisive response to the climate crisis.

The Asean region is one of the most highly vulnerable regions to climate change impacts. Extreme weather events have become more frequent and more intense in recent years, significantly affecting communities, livelihoods and Asean economies.

Projections indicate impacts on human health, agriculture and fisheries, food security and the economy will worsen significantly in the coming years if action is not taken – that is, if the Asean region does not transition away from coal to renewable-based efficient energy systems.

We urge Asean member states, under Malaysia’s leadership, to end persistent dependence on coal, the most polluting power source, and pave the way for a swift, equitable and just transition direct to renewable energy systems.

Front-line communities in coal-affected areas in Asean, together with civil society organisations across the region, are calling for ambitious action on coal phase-out at the regional and national levels.

Specifically, we call for the following policy actions:

No new coal power plants

While coal expansion has slowed down globally, significant expansion is happening in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines – this, despite Asean’s strong commitment to achieving low-carbon development or carbon neutrality by 2050.

Member states have also made commitments to significantly reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy in the next 10-20 years. Ending the development of new coal-fired plants for power generation is a crucial step in fulfilling these commitments and rapidly reducing coal use and dependence.

Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Philippines are among the 10 countries that account for 96% of global coal plant development. Indonesia, which has one of the largest coal power fleets in Asia, has 13.4GW of coal pipeline despite a recent announcement to advance its coal phase-out target from 2056 to 2040. The Philippines also has a 3.6GW pipeline of new coal projects despite a moratorium on new coal in 2020.

Asean members must end the construction of new coal immediately. This should include captive coal plants built to serve specific industries and that are no less harmful than grid-connected plants. New coal power would lock in decades of emissions and hinder efforts to reach climate goals regionally and globally.

We call on member states to move beyond coal moratoriums to a permanent ban on new coal and outline their nationally determined contributions no new coal targets and timelines in line with the Paris Agreement.

Phase out existing coal power plants

We likewise call for nationally determined contributions to outline targets for the rapid phase-out of existing coal-fired power plants. A rapid reduction in coal use in line with the Paris Agreement means retiring currently operating coal-fired power generation by 2040 or sooner.

An analysis of how Southeast Asia and South Asia can transition away from coal to a renewable-based energy system compatible with the Paris Agreement and sustainable development goals finds that coal-fired power should have already peaked by 2020 and be rapidly decreasing at this time; and coal-fired power generation should be reduced by 60% (South Asia) to 70% (Southeast Asia) from 2020 levels by 2030 and phased out by 2036.

The peoples and communities in Asia call for a rapid and just phase-out of existing coal to be completed by 2035, including captive coal power plants.

In line with this, we call for the immediate shutdown, within the next three years, of coal plants past their operational lifespan and ageing plants that have become increasingly unreliable.

We likewise call for the immediate shutdown of mothballed plants or plants that have been deactivated but can still be used or sold in the future; plants financed by odious debt, incurred without the consent of the people and not benefiting the community; and plants that have made the most harmful impacts on communities.

We call on Asean to collectively urge Global North countries to deliver their fair share of climate finance for fossil fuel phaseout in Asia – through adequate, predictable and grant-based funding that enables a just and equitable energy transition.

Stop promoting gas as transition fuel

We vehemently object to gas being promoted as a transitional fuel in Asia to help countries move away from coal-fired power generation towards renewable energy sources. Gas as transition fuel reinforces continued reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure.

The ongoing expansion of gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) risks locking Asean countries into prolonged greenhouse gas emissions throughout the operational lifespan of gas power plants and terminals. Gas infrastructure can last up to 30 years, meaning three decades more of continued greenhouse gas emissions and no hope of reaching zero emissions by 2050.

There is no more room now for new gas, oil and coal in keeping global temperature rise to 1.5C, which means significantly reducing the risks of severe climate change impacts.

Renewables are crucial in meeting global energy demand and reducing carbon emissions.

Governments must ban new fossil fuel projects and begin a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry, while encouraging investment in clean energy alternatives.

Continued investments in fossil gas takes away critical resources from renewable energy alternatives. By switching from one fossil fuel to another, we risk wasting the narrow window left to transition to renewable energy and avoid a climate catastrophe.

Ramp up renewable energy and grid upgrades

Southeast Asia is primed for renewable energy development, primarily solar and wind energy.

Scaling up renewable energy systems and developing modern grid and storage infrastructure (utility-scale and decentralised systems), including cross-boundary transmission used exclusively for renewable energy and not for fossil fuel expansion, is essential to replace coal and fossil fuels and ensure universal energy access for people and communities in the region.

We call on Asean governments to harness the estimated 30 terawatts of solar and wind energy potential by setting and implementing more ambitious, quantifiable and actionable renewable energy targets within their national determined contributions and other energy plans towards a 100% renewable energy system before 2050.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources bolsters long-term economic resiliency by capitalising on their increasing cost competitiveness, thereby significantly enhancing energy security.

This shift eliminates the reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels and vulnerability to volatile global fossil fuel markets, and strengthens a nation’s control over its energy future.

Reject false solutions

We strongly oppose the promotion of hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage) projects as technologies for mitigation and decarbonisation.

We are deeply concerned that Japan is actively pursuing bilateral collaborations on these technologies in the guise of developing clean energy – this despite the lack of technological and economic viability and concerns about their negative impacts.

These technologies are false solutions to the climate crisis. They are designed to perpetuate the use of fossil fuels and hinder the decarbonisation of Asean member countries.

Biomass for energy is another false solution. As more biomass needs to be burned to produce the same amount of energy as coal, biomass power plants release more CO2 per unit of energy than coal-fired power plants. Additionally, harvesting trees for biomass power plants have destroyed forests and communities, disrupted livelihoods and affected water quality.

Coal downstreaming is another false solution peddled by the industry that wants to extend the life of coal. It is claimed that the application of advanced technologies, such as coal gasification and liquefaction, can improve the efficiency of coal and reduce air pollution. Unfortunately, these technologies have a high carbon footprint, water consumption and potential environmental risks.

We also reject claims that mega and large-scale hydropower projects are crucial in providing reliable and low-carbon electricity. These projects have a track record of displacing communities, disrupting ecosystems and releasing significant greenhouse gases during their lifespan.

Ensure an equitable and just transition

The transition away from fossil fuels towards 100% renewable energy systems must adhere to principles that address the various concerns, challenges, risks and possible harms that a transition may cause.

The success of this transition hinges significantly on adequate climate finance and reparations.

Therefore, Asean governments must demand that industrialised countries in the Global North provide substantially increased, adequate, accessible and non-debt-creating climate finance.

We urge Asean governments to ensure the social protection and empowerment of all workers, communities and sectors affected by the transition.

This can be done by establishing national mechanisms that facilitate and ensure the consultation and participation of all affected peoples in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of just transition measures and policies.

We likewise call on all Asean governments to outline just transition measures and policies in their nationally determined contriutions.

We appreciate Malaysia’s leading efforts to propose an Asean Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development.

With this declaration, we recognise Malaysia’s strategic responsibility to lead member states towards a transition away from coal as Asean chair 2025.

The phase-out of fossil fuels in the region is crucial in solidifying the right to development as an inalienable human right and guiding Asean’s future actions toward inclusive and sustainable development.

We thank you for your time and cooperation, and look forward to your leadership in providing sufficient, reliable and affordable energy to people and communities, and achieving sustainability in Asean’s power generation.

Signed by: Regional movements and networks, people’s organisations and civil society organisations in Asia

Regional

Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD)
Asian Energy Network (AEN)
Cansea Climate Action Network South East Asia
Friends of the Earth-Asia/Pacific
Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)
People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS)
Third World Network (TWN)
350.org Asia

National

Fonsu Probolin, Indonesia
Jala PRT, Indonesia
KRuHA (People’s Coalition for the Right to Water), Indonesia
Madani Berkelanjutan, Indonesia
Pilar Perjuangan Nelayan, Indonesia
Riung Hijau, Indonesia
Semata Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Serikat Nelayan Indonesia, Indonesia
Serikat Perempuan Sunggal (SPS), Indonesia
Solidaritas Perempuan, Indonesia
Suluh Muda Inisiatif, Indonesia
Trend Asia, Indonesia
Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi/ Friends of the Earth Indonesia), Indonesia
Yayasan Indonesia Cerah, Indonesia
Artivist Network, Malaysia
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Friends of the Earth Malaysia), Malaysia
Sustainability of Globalisation (MSN), Malaysia
Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (Kesan), Myanmar
Aniban ng Mangagawa sa Agrikultura (AMA), Philippines
Angat-GenC – Generation Climate, Philippines
Atimonan Power for People, Philippines
Break-free Pilipinas, Break-free from Fossil Gas, Philippines
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP-Workers Solidarity), Philippines
Camarines Norte Movement for Climate Justice, Philippines
Concerned Citizens of Sta Cruz, Zambales, Philippines
Gitib Inc, Philippines
Kanlungan Inc., Philippines
Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union, Philippines
Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralita ng Lungsod (KPML), Philippines
Limpyong Hanging para sa Kaugmanon sa Tanan, Philippines
Oriang Women’s Movement, Philippines
Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM, Philippines
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc (PMPI), Philippines
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Philippines
Piglas-Batangas, Philippines
PMCJ-Cebu, Philippines
PMCJ-Davao, Philippines
PMCJ-astern Visayas, Philippines
PMCJ-Western Mindanao, Philippines
Quezon for Environment (Queen), Philippines
Tagapagtanggol; ng Kalikasan sa Pagbilao (TKP), Philippines
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFD), Philippines
S.A.V.E Luna, Philippines
Sanlakas, Philippines
Youth for Climate Justice – Mindanao, Philippines
Youth for Climate Justice – Tacloban, Philippines
Zambales Lingap Kalikasan (Zalika), Philippines
Zambales Movement for Climate Justice, Philippines
350 Pilipinas Philippines, Philippines
Climate Watch Thailand, Thailand
Northern People Forest and Foundation (NPFF), THAILAND
RE Generation, Thailand
Bangladesh Adivasi Samity, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bacolight Shramik Federation, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bhumiheen Samity, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Jatra Sabha, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Jatyo Shramik Federation, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Kishani Sabha, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF), Bangladesh
Bangladesh Rural Intellectuals’ Front, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bhasaman Nari Shramik, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bhasaman Shramik Union, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Sangjukto Shramik Federation, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Shramik Federation, Bangladesh
Charbangla Bittoheen Samobay Samity, Bangladesh
Dhoritri Rokhhay Armra (DHORA), Bangladesh
Emarat Nirman Shramik Bangladesh, Bangladesh
EquityBD, Bangladesh
Ganochhaya Sanskritic Kendra, Bangladesh
Gorjownn, Bangladesh
Jago Bangladesh Garment Workers’ Federation, Bangladesh
Motherland Garment Workers’ Federation, Bangladesh
National Federation of Technical and Industrial Workers, Bangladesh
Ready Made Garment Workers’ Federation, Bangladesh
Voice, Bangladesh
Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Indian Social Action Forum (Insaf)
Centre for Financial Accountability, India
National Hawkers Federation India, India
All India Women Hakwers Federation, India
Nadi Ghati Morcha-India, India
River Basin Friends, India
mines, minerals & People, India
ANPFa, Nepal
South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE), Nepal
Jagaran Nepal, Nepal
Rural Reconstruction Nepal, Nepal
Akhuwat Kissan, Pakistan
Anjuman e Muzareen e Punjab, Pakistan
ASR Resource Center, Pakistan
Beaconhouse National Uni, Pakistan
Cholistan Development Council, Pakistan
Clean and Green KhaI, Pakistan
Climate Activists Collective, Pakistan
Community Developers Association (CDA), Pakistan
Community Initiatives for Development Pakistan (CIDP), Pakistan
Crofter Foundation, Pakistan
Feminist Collective Pakistan, Pakistan
Gilgit-Baltistan Social Welfare Organization, Pakistan
Haqooq e Khalq Movement, Pakistan
Home Net Pakistan, Pakistan
Indus Consortium, Pakistan
Kissan Ikkat, Pakistan
Kissan Karkeela, Pakistan
Kissan Ravi Club, Pakistan
Labour Education Foundation, Pakistan
Labour Qomi Movement, Pakistan
Lok Sujag, Pakistan
PakAid, Pakistan
Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee (PKRC)
Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), Pakistan
Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler), Pakistan
Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (Pried), Pakistan
Progressive Student’s Collective, Pakistan
Sanga, Pakistan
Sawera Foundation, Pakistan
Sindh Hari Porchat Council, Pakistan
Sindhyani Tahreek, Pakistan
South Asia Partnership Pakistan, Pakistan
Sukaar Welfare Organization, Pakistan
Tameer e Nau Women’s Worker Organization, Pakistan
Textile Powerloom Garments Workers Federation, Pakistan
Vision Building Future, Pakistan
Visionary Forum, Pakistan
Young Reformers, Pakistan
Centre for environmental justice (CEJ), Sri Lanka
Endorsed by:
International Rivers
Action Aid International
Fossil Free Japan
Jubilee Australia Research Centre, Australia
Green Camel Bell, China
Climate Clock, Democratic Republic of Congo
South Durban Community Environmental Alliance
Urgewald, Germany
Mekong Watch, Japan
Kiko Network, Japan
Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society (Jacses), JAPAN
Friends of the Earth-Japan, Japan
Oyu Tolgoi Watch, Mongolia
The Groundwork Trust (groundWork), South Africa
Uplift, UK