ASIA
In Asia, we’re fighting the buildout of gas infrastructure and working towards an end to all finance for fossil fuels.
OVERVIEW OF WORK
One of the greatest threats to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement is the buildout of gas infrastructure in Asia. As campaigners move from successful campaigns to stop coal buildout, Oil Change is working with partners across the region and internationally to increase awareness that gas is dirty, expensive and undermines development.
We are working with the Fossil Free Japan coalition to stop Japanese public finance for overseas gas, coal and oil projects and are also working to push the Asian Development Bank to stop financing fossil fuels.
LATEST PROGRAM POSTS
This increases the number of signatories to 30 and the annual average of potential public finance shifted out of fossil fuels and into clean energy to at least USD 23.6 billion per year. This equals 37% of annual public finance for fossil fuels provided by G20 countries and the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) between 2018 and 2020.
Today at COP26, more than 20 countries and institutions launched a joint statement committing to end direct international public finance for coal, oil and gas by the end of 2022 and prioritize clean energy finance. This initiative could directly shift more than USD 18 billion a year of support out of fossil fuels and into clean energy.
“Kimiko’s courage and leadership in undertaking pathbreaking actions to influence Japan and address the climate crisis are an inspiration,” said Susanne Wong, senior campaigner with Oil Change International and facilitator of the No Coal Japan coalition.
The Asian Development Bank issued its draft energy policy on Friday following the conclusion of its 54th Annual Meeting and clarion calls from the United Nations to end financing for all fossil fuels including gas. This first draft has ruled out financing for coal but allows for continued gas finance which dominates the ADB’s fossil fuel lending.
LATEST PROGRAM RESEARCH
New analysis released today at the COP21 climate negotiations reveals that G7 countries along with Australia spend 40 times more on support for fossil fuel production than they do in contributions to the Green Climate Fund.
Combining all known public sources, and augmenting them with subscription industry databases, this report makes comprehensive information on public financing for coal easily accessible for the first time.