The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a joint report aimed at advancing the transition into a green economy for Southeast Asia, supporting initiatives that build a more sustainable and climate resilient future.

The report identifies gaps in regional policies as well as investment or job opportunities that support growth in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, green construction, and the circular economy.

It also offers recommendations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies to attract green investments, track sustainability goals, and expand employment in climate-friendly industries.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, speaking at the launch, said that Southeast Asia faces both economic opportunity and climate risks.

“Southeast Asia stands at a crossroads. We are on track to become the world’s fourth largest economy, yet we are also on the front lines of the climate crisis,” Roque said during the launch, held as a side event of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat.

Roque pointed out how extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels are threatening both supply lines and job opportunities across the entire region. She emphasized that a green economy is no longer a choice, but a necessity in such times.

“The shift to a green economy is no longer optional but a necessity that we cannot ignore,” she said.

Roque added that embracing the transition could help position ASEAN as a global hub for sustainable manufacturing and green technology innovation.

“By embracing this transition, ASEAN positions itself as a global hub for sustainable manufacturing, green technology innovation, and resilient energy security. This is not just about protecting the planet, it is about creating high-quality jobs and attracting the next wave of global investments,” she said.

The Marcos administration considers the green economy transition as a key driver of growth and a pathway to climate-resilient development.

How can Southeast Asia balance economic growth with climate resilience as it accelerates the transition to a green economy?

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