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, Pollution and Carbon Reduction Collaborative Action Plans and their Implementation
China
The pressures impacting the eco-environment in China are structural, deep-rooted, and ever-changing, and relief is yet to be sighted. However, the effort that is being extended to combat climate change …
Environmental Informatization Builds in China Developing Big Data for the Ecology and Environment
China
Recent years have seen the continued maturation of IoT, Big Data, 5G, AI and other new-generation IT technologies, and with that has come an accelerated rollout of informatization, Big Data, …
Plastic Tax, How Thailand Can Learn from Other Countries
Thailand
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a series of international meetings to negotiate …
Thailand, Carbon Tax
Thailand
Economic instruments (EI) can be considered as one of the most effective environmental policies since they provide incentives for actions without removing individual freedom of choice. From a policy viewpoint, …
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the Presidential Decree No. 112 of 2022 on the Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development for Electricity Generation was promulgated on September 13, 2022 and came into effect immediately. …
Vietnam
On June 16, 2022, the Vietnamese government promulgated Prime Minister’s Decision 726/QG-TTg on the Strategy for the Development of the Chemical Industry to 2030, which sets out a vision for …
Thailand, Department of Industrial Works Plan on Making New Regulations in 2022
Thailand
As Covid-19 pandemic subsides, physical (on-site) inspection has become possible for the first time in almost 3 years. During past months, Ministry of Industry has announced their plan for stricter …
Vietnam
On April 13, 2022, the Vietnamese government promulgated Prime Minister’s Decision 450/QD-TTg approving a National Environmental Protection Strategy for the period up to 2030 that sets out a vision for …
China
On March 23, 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration of China jointly announced the “Medium and long-term plan for the development of hydrogen energy …
Vietnam
On January 28, 2022, the Vietnamese government enacted the “Prime Minister’s Decision 149/QD-TTg on a National Strategy on Biodiversity for 2030 with a Vision for 2050” (hereinafter referred to as …
China
On Dec. 22, 2021, the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences released standards called “Terms of carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)” (T/CSES 41-2021), which came into effect on Jan. …
China
On November 8, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and other five government bodies of China’s Zhejiang Province announced a plan to develop the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle industry in …
Vietnam Environmental Impact Assessment – Environmental License
Vietnam
1. What is Environmental Impact Assessment? The concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was first introduced and defined in the Law on Environmental Protection (LEP) 1993 No. 29-L/CTN and the …
Environmental inspection in Vietnam
Vietnam
1. What is an environmental inspection? Under the Vietnamese legal framework, environmental inspections belong to specialized inspections, which are implemented by state agencies for two purposes: (1) to prevent, detect …
Outlook on Thailand’s Activities on GHG Emission Reduction
Thailand
Today’s global temperature has increased by approximately 0.85 degrees Celsius from the 1880s, when the world’s first coal-fired power plant begun its operation, with the high concentration of greenhouse gases …
China
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment on September 24 released two sets of draft rules — the Measures on the Management of Mandatory Corporate Environmental Information Disclosure and the Standards …
India
The Inland Vessels Act, 2021 was published in India on August 12, 2021. The Act replaces that of 1917, with the aim of introducing a uniform regulatory framework for ships …
Laos
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR published the “Decision on the list of prohibited goods for importation or exportation No. 0848 / MOIC” in the Gazette on 17 …
Indonesia
On July 21, 2021, the Government of Indonesia submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) which sets targets for …
Thailand
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand bans sunscreen agents which is harmful to coral reef. The Notification of the …
Indonesia, General overview of Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on Environmental Protection and Management
Indonesia
Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on Environmental Protection and Management: General overview Overview of Environmental Approval Mechanism Summary of Chapter 7 of the Govenrmental Regulation No. 22 of 2021: …
Overview of Environmental Approval Mechanism under the Govenrmental Regulation No. 22 of 2021
Indonesia
The most significant change made by the enactment of the Law No. 11 of 2020 is the simplification of the process to give permits to business entities. The Law has …
China (1,094) *Hong Kong (26)
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Brunei (8)
Cambodia (2) Indonesia (123) Laos (14) Malaysia (137) Myanmar (8) Philippines (166) Singapore (143) Thailand (233) Vietnam (353)
Oman (2)
Saudi Arabia (6) Australia (65)
New Zealand (22)
