Posted on November, 01 2025
Complement to WWF’s global expectations paper ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30), November 2025, Brazil
Climate action in challenging times – holding the line on 1.5°C: Asia-Pacific context paper sets out the unique challenges and opportunities facing one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable yet globally significant regions. Produced as a complement to WWF’s global expectations paper for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP30), this report highlights why ambitious, integrated action across Asia-Pacific is critical to keeping 1.5°C within reach. It underscores the urgency of stronger commitments, the importance of cooperation across diverse economies and ecosystems, and the central role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in shaping just and resilient transitions.
Asia-Pacific: a region of challenge and opportunity
The Asia-Pacific region sits at the front line of the climate crisis, facing rising seas, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss. Home to 60% of the world’s population, two-thirds of Indigenous Peoples, and some of the planet’s richest biodiversity, it also contributes the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet it demonstrates innovation and resilience, with countries advancing renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and integrating climate justice into policies.
Indigenous Peoples and local communities, often the most vulnerable, are leading effective and equitable responses, with women and children frequently the most affected yet central to solutions. Realising the region’s potential demands moving from dialogue to action: governments must use COP30 to strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions and implement bold, inclusive policies that cut emissions, conserve nature, and uplift communities.
Cooperation is essential. Many countries share river basins, forests, and energy grids, making collaboration on sustainable water management, cross-border energy trade, and landscape restoration vital. Asia-Pacific’s diversity – from small island states to major economies, and from fossil-fuel producers to renewable-energy leaders – requires strategies tailored to varied contexts while embracing nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, reverse forest degradation, and build resilience.
Transformational finance is critical – bridging the nature-finance gap, restructuring debt, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and ensuring adaptation funds reach those most in need. Scaling renewable energy, halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, and supporting just transitions align national priorities with global climate goals while delivering economic and social benefits.
For millennia, Indigenous Peoples have stewarded landscapes and lived in balance with nature, offering knowledge and practices urgently needed to tackle today’s climate and biodiversity challenges. Elevating this legacy and fostering regional collaboration are key to shaping sustainable pathways forward.
The region’s actions will define global climate efforts. With courage, cooperation, and sustained investment, Asia-Pacific can deliver a climate‑safe, equitable, and thriving future, protecting its people and inspiring the world.
