Climate Change Drives Anxiety Across Asia, Exceeds 1.5°C Threshold Globally

Recent studies reveal a significant gap between public concern and political action on climate change, especially in low-income countries where the impacts are most severe. Research from the 2024 Indonesian election shows politicians often underestimate voter concern about climate issues, and even when informed, many remain reluctant to support strong policy measures due to factors like elite capture and competing voter priorities. A new book challenges the traditional emphasis on policy stability, arguing that politicization—through protests and public pressure—can be crucial for meaningful climate action, though such activism poses risks for marginalized communities. In Asia, climate change has not only caused environmental damage but also severe psychological distress, highlighting the importance of climate communication and education to foster mitigation behaviors aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the intersection of climate change and ongoing global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, underscores the complex relationship between military activities and environmental degradation, with militaries being significant greenhouse gas emitters and increasingly involved in disaster response. These findings collectively emphasize the multifaceted challenges of addressing climate change effectively amid political, social, and conflict-related constraints.