High-impact climate giving in Vietnam

BY SARAH TAM, PROGRAMME LEAD (APC CLIMATE COLLECTIVE), ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE Strap in for an adventure!  After a year of virtual meetings, APC Climate Collective members and friends from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam were thrilled to finally gather in Ho Chi Minh City for two days of learning and exchange. The trip was packed with all sorts of exciting highlights! One of the most unforgettable experiences was discovering the amazing climate work that Climate Collective members are supporting in Vietnam, which brought us from stunning rice fields to a bustling university in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City….

Protecting our climate frontiers: The Oceans of Southeast Asia

BY RAFID A. SHIDQI, SENIOR EXECUTIVE, ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE The Coral Triangle Region in Southeast Asia is home to some of the most diverse marine life on the planet. Comprising countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Timor Leste, and several Pacific Island nations, the region boasts over 70% of the world’s coral reef species and 37% of all coral reef fish. Its marine resources are crucial to the survival of over 120 million people who depend on them for food, livelihoods, and protection from storms. Despite its importance, the Coral Triangle Region faces threats from unsustainable practices, such as…

Carbon Markets: Challenges & Opportunities for Asia

As companies and companies turn to carbon offsets in order to achieve net-zero emissions, what role can philanthropy play in the carbon credit ecosystem?  BY SARAH TAM As companies and governments build out their net-zero roadmaps, many have turned to the promise of carbon offsets—measurable, verifiable emission reductions from certified climate action projects—to offset their emissions, while driving an economic model for conservation. If executed well, these projects can deliver benefits beyond reducing emissions, such as improving health, women’s empowerment, and conservation. Yet, while carbon markets appear to be a win-win for protecting public land and achieving net-zero. Critics argue that carbon…