APT-EMM: Japan Emphasises Action On Triple Planetary Crisis

LANGKAWI, Sept 4 (Bernama) --  The ASEAN Plus Three Environment Ministers Meeting (APT-EMM) today emphasised the need to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss through strengthened regional and international cooperation.

Japan’s Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao said there is a need to transform socio-economic systems into ones that are sustainable and resilient.

He said maximising synergies among initiatives would help tackle challenges on the ground while laying the foundation for long-term sustainable development.

“We are currently facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these challenges requires transforming our socio-economic systems into ones that are both sustainable and resilient.

“Furthermore, by maximising synergies among these individual initiatives, I am confident that we can make a meaningful contribution not only to tackling challenges on the ground but also to laying a solid foundation for long-term sustainable development,” he said at the meeting today.

Asao also said Japan would continue to work closely with countries and organisations worldwide to underscore the importance of cities in addressing the triple crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate targets, while leading global efforts to support their implementation.

“Japan will continue to strengthen its cooperation with ASEAN member states and, in close coordination with China and the Republic of Korea, make every effort to ensure that ASEAN Plus Three leads global efforts towards decarbonisation and the realisation of sustainable societies,” he said.

Meanwhile, Korea’s Environment Ministry Deputy Director-General Leejae Jang said the republic views ASEAN as a vital partner in addressing global challenges such as climate justice and in achieving the common goal of sustainable development.

“We are committed to strengthening cooperation in areas including climate change, biodiversity, and the circular economy,” he said.

Earlier, Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, in his opening remarks at the 19th EMM, said the discussions aims to further deepen partnerships and deliver concrete outcomes that benefit not only the region but also contribute to the achievement of global environmental and climate goals.

Johari said the EMM provides an opportunity to review the progress of cooperation, exchange views on emerging and cross-cutting environmental issues, and chart practical and forward-looking pathways to further strengthen collaboration.

“This meeting takes place at a time when our region continues to confront pressing and complex environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, marine plastic pollution, transboundary haze, and the urgent need to advance circular economy solutions,” he said.

In his remarks, Johari added that over the years, the ASEAN Plus Three framework has served as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in addressing these shared challenges.

“Through initiatives such as the ASEAN Plus Three Marine Plastic Debris Cooperative Action Initiative, the ASEAN Plus Three Leadership Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production, capacity-building programmes, and support for ASEAN’s environmental strategies, our Plus Three partners have demonstrated their steadfast commitment to advancing regional sustainability,” he said.

-- BERNAMA