Vietnam
On July 15, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam issued Circular No. 31/2026/TT-BNNMT, which stipulates methods for forest valuation, provides guidelines for establishing forest price frameworks, and …
India
On 22 September 2026, India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued a notification prohibiting the manufacture, import, transport, distribution, sale and use of highly toxic paraquat dichloride, an active …
Thailand, When Floodwater Becomes Toxic
Thailand
The 2026 floods killed 31 people and affected 4.14 million across 26 provinces. As the water recedes, a second problem is coming to light: factories and waste facilities that were …
Philippines
In the Philippines, DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-30 “Adoption of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Mainstreaming and Institutionalization of NbS …
China
On August 19, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published the Guiding Catalogue for Noise Source Classification. While noise-related complaints in China remain consistently high, resolving noise pollution …
Rooftop Solar Power Generation in the Philippines: Market Growth, Drivers, and Regulatory Developments
Philippines
Overview of Rooftop Solar PV Systems in the Philippines The Philippines has significant potential for rooftop solar power generation because of its high solar irradiation and high total building rooftop …
Vietnam
On 26 June 2026, the Vietnamese Government issued the Decree No. 243/2026/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing Decree No. 57/2025/NĐ-CP, which sets out the mechanism for direct power purchase agreements (DPPA) between …
China
On August 5, 2026, China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) released the China Green Fuel Development Report (2026). This report marks China’s first comprehensive overview of the green fuel sector, systematically …
Singapore
On July 27, 2026, the Interim Sustainability Standards Committee (Interim SSC) of the Singapore Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) launched a public consultation on the Singapore Sustainability Disclosure Standards …
China
On July 24, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), together with 18 other central government agencies, released the 15th Five-Year Plan for Climate Change Response. The plan outlines …
China
On July 28, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), together with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and six other central government agencies, jointly issued the …
Thailand
On 13 August 2026, the Thai government published the Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on the Data Center Business Policy Committee B.E. 2569 (2026) in the Government Gazette. The regulation took …
China
On July 22, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published the national ecological environmental standard Technical requirements for construction and networking of video surveillance system for pollution source …
China
On July 6, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), together with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), released the 15th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Environmental Monitoring. The …
China
On July 6, 2026, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) jointly released the 15th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development.
Vietnam
On 29 April 2026, the Government issued Resolution No. 17/2026/NQ-CP on the reduction, decentralization, and simplification of administrative procedures and the reduction and simplification of business conditions under the management …
China
On July 5, 2026, China’s State Council released the 15th Five-Year Carbon Peaking Action Plan. This plan serves as a crucial strategic roadmap for the Chinese government to ensure the …
Philippines
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) issued Department Circular No. DC2026-07-0016 on July 17, 2026, entitled “Prescribing Amendments to Department Circular No. DC2024-01-0001 Titled, ‘Providing a National Policy and General …
China
On June 13, 2026, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and other relevant authorities released the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Construction of a New Energy System. This plan …
China
On June 13, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China promulgated the Measures for the Administration of the List of Serious Violations and Discredit in Market Regulation. These …
China
On June 3, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) announced a new format for the duplicate copy of the Pollutant Discharge Permit. Starting August 15, 2026, the renewal …
Thailand’s First Climate Change Act
Thailand
Timed for World Environment Day, June 5, 2026 and now under Council of State review, Thailand’s Climate Change Act is the most consequential piece of environmental legislation in the country’s …
China
On May 26, 2026, the Ministry of Emergency Management of China promulgated the revised version of the Special Operations Catalog. The revised catalog will officially take effect on June 1, …
Malaysia
Malaysia has published the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2026 on April 30, 2026, an amendment to the 1974 Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Vietnam
On April 13, 2026, the Department of Innovation, Green Transition, and Industrial Promotion (Ministry of Industry and Trade) issued Official Letter No. 2542/BCT-DCK dated April 13, 2026,
South Korea
On February 27, 2026, South Korean National Assembly member Kim Wisang and 9 other lawmakers submitted a bill to partially amend the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth …
Vietnam
On February 27, 2026, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Plan No. 74/KH-UBND on the conversion of fossil fuel-powered taxis to electric and clean energy taxis in Hanoi. Under this plan, …
Vietnam
On 30 December 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) promulgated Circular No. 78/2025/TT-BNNMT amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 15/2014/TT-BTNMT regulating the formulation and …
Vietnam
On 13 January 2026, the draft Decree detailing a number of articles and measures to organize and guide the implementation of Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on mechanisms and policies for national …
Latest Trends in China’s ESG Reporting Policies and Regulations
China
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Its core philosophy encourages companies to integrate these three factors into their corporate development strategies while encouraging investors to incorporate them into investment …
Non-Renewable Energy Policies and Their Impact on the Power Generation Mix in the Philippines
Philippines
Overview of Philippine Energy Energy plays a crucial role in the economic development and industrial growth of the Philippines. As electricity demand continues to increase due to population growth and …
Philippines
On February 24, 2026, the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Administrative Order No. 2026‑05, titled Guidelines Governing the Establishment, and Monitoring of Voluntary Forest Carbon Credit …
Thailand
The Thai government published a royal decree in the Royal Gazette on March 2, 2026, granting an income tax deduction of up to 200,000 baht for the installation cost of …
The Philippines at COP30: Policy Proposals and Strategic Climate Priorities
Philippines
What is COP30? The Thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took place in Belém, Brazil from November 10-21, 2025, …
Singapore
On February 3, 2026, Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill was introduced in Singapore’s Parliament that would legally require coastal landowners to carry out protective and retrofitting measures to safeguard …
Philippines
On January 13, 2026, the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, series of 2026: Streamlined requirements and processing of permits, licenses, …
Philippines
On December 23, 2025, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 16, Series of 2025: Adoption of Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) on Sustainability Disclosures …
Thailand, Update on DIW Regulations on Environmental Personnel System
Thailand
Thailand’s industrial landscape is undergoing a substantial regulatory transformation aimed at enhancing environmental governance through digitalization. The shift from the manual, paper-based systems of the past two decades to the …
China Carbon Market Development Policy Dynamics Report
China
China’s carbon market development has evolved through three stages: local pilot exploration, national market foundation-laying, and institutional improvement. At the present stage, it has formed a dual-track framework of “mandatory …
China Recycled Plastics Policy Dynamics Report
China
Globally, plastic regulation is forming an internationally mainstream model of “graduated mandatory requirements.” The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), effective from February 2025, mandates phased increases in …
Indonesia
On September 15, 2025, Indonesia promulgated Government Regulation No. 40 of 2025 concerning the National Energy Policy (hereinafter “the Regulation”). The Regulation took effect immediately upon promulgation, thereby repealing Government …
Philippines
On October 2, 2025, the Philippines issued Department Circular DC2025-10-0019, titled “Framework for the Integration of Nuclear Energy in the Countries Generation Mix to Implement the Clean Energy Scenario under …
Myanmar
On 24 October 2025, Myanmar’s Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) issued a directive reinforcing its transboundary waste procedures under Basel Convention compliance, clarifying documentation and licensing requirements for the import and …
Overview of the Philippine Biodiversity and its Corresponding Policies and Regulations
Philippines
How Biodiverse is the Philippines? Being one of the most megadiverse countries in the world, the Philippines houses 70-80% of the Earth’s plant and animal species, ranking fifth in the …
Philippines, Summary of Notable Biodiversity Management Policies and Regulations
Philippines
The Philippines is recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, home to a vast array of unique species and ecosystems. However, the country’s rich natural heritage faces increasing threats …
Philippines
On July 30, 2025, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a draft memorandum circular (MC) outlining the application of the Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) to sustainability reports …
Japan
On June 30, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment promulgated two ministerial ordinances to strengthen the regulation of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), organofluorine compounds found in drinking …
Thailand
On April 24, 2025, Thailand’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued the “Notification: Standards for Issuing Renewable Energy Certificates, B.E. 2568 (2025).” This notification aims to ensure green electricity services comply …
China
On Aril 24, 2025, China’s National Development and Reform Commission published on its website the 2025 edition of the Market Access Negative List. It lists things and activities for which …
China
On April 25, 2025, All-China Environment Federation, a Chinese non-profit organization, published a draft group standard called the Guidance on Corporate Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Information Disclosure. The federation seeks …
China: Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Policy Trends Report
China
Carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology can achieve large-scale sustainable low-carbon utilization of fossil energy, help build a low-carbon industrial system, and when combined with biomass or air …
Thailand, Draft Promotion of Solar Power Usage Act
Thailand
Thailand, with its favorable geographic location and abundant sunlight, has faced challenges in adopting rooftop solar due to regulatory complexities, overlapping permits, and slow approval processes. Even small, non-commercial installations …
India
On March 28, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular revising disclosure requirements for the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). The revisions, effective immediately, …
South Korea
On December 18, 2024, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of South Korea announced that it has formulated the Improvement Plan for Biomass Fuel and Power Generation Market. …
Thailand, ESG Report for listed Companies
Thailand
The complete, accurate, and transparent disclosure of information by listed companies is a crucial to build investor confidence and attracting their interest. In addition to financial data, information on Environmental, …
Overview on the Newly Commenced Philippine Renewable Energy Market
Philippines
What is the Philippine Renewable Energy Market? About two years after the interim commercial operations in August 2022 of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), on December 26, 2024, Renewable …
Philippines
It was announced that trading in renewable energy certificates (RECs) began in the Philippines from December 26, 2024. This is based on “Department Circular No. 2024-12-0031: Declaration of the Full …
Australia
On December 18, 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a guide titled “Sustainability collaborations and Australian competition law.” The guide is designed to assist companies and other …
Singapore
The Workplace Fairness Act 2024 (WFA), which was tabled in Parliament on 12 November 2024 was passed by the Parliament, according to a press release dated 8 January 2025. The …
*Hong Kong
On December 10, 2024, the Hong Kong government launches the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure. According to the roadmap, Hong Kong government plans adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards-Sustainability Disclosure Standards …
India
According to a Securities and Exchange Board of India’s board meeting press release on December 18,2024 , relaxations were made for the ESG disclosures under the Business Responsibility and Sustainability …
Indonesia
On September 6, 2024, Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 13/2024 implementing Government Regulation No. 46/2016 on Procedures for Conducting Strategic Environmental Assessment (hereinafter “the Ministerial Regulation”) …
Thailand, Evaluation of Organization’s Carbon Footprint
Thailand
1. Introduction Global warming and climate change have become international threats making economic and living conditions increasingly difficult. These issues stem from human economic activities and consumption, which have continuously …
China
On September 24, 2024, the All-China Environment Federation released a draft group standard “Guidance on corporate environment, society and governance (ESG) evaluation” and started to collect comments. The group standard …
Indonesia
On September 4, 2024, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia promulgated the “Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 10/2024 on the Legal Protection of People …
India
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme on September 4, 2024, and is now seeking comments till September 27. As part of …
China
On June 6, 2024, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and 13 other central government departments of China announced a program for developing carbon footprint management framework in accordance with …
China
Close on the heels of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) and Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) issuing sustainability reports guidelines for listed companies, the Beijing Municipal Government …
Philippine, Responsibilities of the Proposed EPEB
Philippines
Enforcing Philippine Environmental Laws: What will be the Responsibilities of the Proposed Environmental Protection and Enforcement Bureau (EPEB)? The Philippines, known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources, faces significant …
China
On May 22, 2024, the China’s Ministry of Finance released a draft named “Corporate sustainability disclosure standards: Basic principles” and started soliciting comments. The deadline for comments is June 24, …
Philippines
On May 26, 2024, the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act No. 11995 of the Republic was promulgated in the Official Gazette. The Act shall enter into …
Thailand, Draft Climate Change Act.
Thailand
Measures against Climate Change in Thailand Climate change stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, demanding urgent and decisive action from nations around the globe. In …
China
On April 12, 2024, the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) and Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) published guidelines for sustainability reports by listed companies. These set out requirements …
Indonesia
On January 30, 2024, Presidential Decree No.14/2024 on Organization of Carbon Capture and Storage Activities was promulgated in Indonesia. The Presidential Decree, which came into effect upon promulgation, provides comprehensive …
Progress in Offshore Wind Development: An Overview of the Philippine Roadmap and Current Status
Philippines
Global Expansion of Offshore Wind Power Over the past decade, offshore wind energy has experienced exponential growth, with countries across the globe investing in the development of offshore wind farms. …
Philippines
In the Philippines, DAO 2024-02: Interim Guidelines for Environmental Compliance Certificate under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System for Offshore Wind (OSW) Energy Projects was enacted on January 18, 2024. …
The Status and Progress of Nuclear Energy in the ASEAN Region
Southeast Asia
Importance of Nuclear Energy in a Nutshell Nuclear energy, a cornerstone of modern power generation, has been a subject of both fascination and controversy since its inception. Leveraging the immense …
Singapore
Following the announcement by the second Finance Minister of the introduction of mandatory climate-related disclosures for listed companies and large unlisted companies at the Ministry of Finance’s Budget Committee in …
Thailand, ESG Report for Business
Thailand
In recent years, there has been a seismic shift in the way businesses operate, driven by a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between corporate activities and their impact on the …
India
On February 22, 2024, the Indian Ministry of Power has promulgated the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2024, amending the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, and came into …
Philippines
On January 29, 2024, “Department Circular No. DC2024-01-0001 Providing a National Policy and General Framework, Roadmap, and Guidelines for Hydrogen in the Energy Sector” (hereinafter, the “Circular”) was promulgated in …
The Philippines at COP 28
Philippines
From November 30 to December 12, 2023, the COP 28, officially known as 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change …
The Philippines’ Legislative Initiatives on Carbon Crediting Systems
Philippines
In the global effort to address rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, numerous nations, organizations, and entities have implemented carbon crediting mechanisms. Carbon crediting mechanisms comprise a system in which carbon …
DENR Eyes Renewable Energy Transition as an Opportunity for the Philippine Mining Industry
Philippines
In September 2023, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Environment and Integrated Science Carlos Primo David stated in an interview at the sidelines of the Mining Philippines …
India
India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has promulgated the Green Credit Rules, 2023 on 12 October 2023, with immediate effect. In order to promote environmentally friendly activities, …
Malaysia
On August 11, 2023, a Malaysian industrial standard, “SIRIM 55:2023 Environmental, Social and Governance management systems – Requirements with guidance” has been published in the SIRIM website. This standard provides …
India
On July 11, 2023, Securities and Exchange Board of India has promulgated a circular on compliance of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, …
Thailand, Progress on Green Industry Program
Thailand
Thailand has set its mission for Sustainable Development since it ratified the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development (JDSD) in 2002, the Manila Declaration on Green Industry in 2009, and the …
Current Status of Environmental Human Rights in the ASEAN Region
Asia All
Every human has the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, as stated in the resolution of the UN General Assembly last July 28, 2022 and in the …
Overview of ASEAN’s State of Climate Change Policy
Southeast Asia
The ASEAN State of Climate Change Report (ASCCR) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations outlines the present status, outlook, and strategies to combat climate change impacts in the ASEAN …
Singapore
On July 6, 2023, the Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo), the regulatory arm of Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX), published a proposal to …
Malaysia
On June 6, 2023, the Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia announced Part II “LIP: Leading for Impact” of the Mandatory Accreditation Program (hereinafter referred to as “the Program”).
China, New Energy Vehicle Policy Report
China
The New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry has been rapidly developing thanks to their significant contributions towards alleviating the energy crisis and environmental governance issues, which are becoming more important as …
India
India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on May 11, 2023 published “Green Ports Guidelines” laying down a framework for all major ports in the country to take initiatives …
India
On February 27, 2023, the Ministry of Power of India issued a resolution imposing a Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO) on all commercial thermal power plants.
Vietnam
On December 30, 2022, the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam promulgated Circular No. 52/2022/TT-BGTVT on Environmental Protection in Civil Aviation Sector (hereinafter referred to as “the Circular”). The Circular stipulates …
Environmental Health Policy Shifts and Developments in China
China
China underwent many years of turmoil and rapid societal shifts during the latter half of the 20th Century, and the causes of disease and death have similarly varied wildly over …
ASEAN’s outlook on EU’s Deforestation-free Commodities and Products Regulation
Southeast Asia
Overview of the Regulation In December 2022, the European Union agreed on the implementation of the Regulation on banning products contributing to deforestation, both produced and consumed, in the EU. …
India
On February 16, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC) issued a draft regulation on the use of agricultural waste in thermal power plants, “Agro …
Indonesia
On March 3, 2023, Regulation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 02/2023 on Carbon Capture and Storage in Upstream Development Projects for Petroleum and Gas and Implementation …
China (1,177) South Korea (363)
*Taiwan (263) Japan (118) *Hong Kong (27) Vietnam (398) Thailand (249) Philippines (188) Singapore (155) Malaysia (147) Indonesia (133)
Laos (15)
Brunei (9) Myanmar (8)
Cambodia (2)
Saudi Arabia (6)
Oman (2) Australia (85)
New Zealand (31)
