Constructing ASEAN cooperation on mitigating climate change

International Relations Department and Centre for ASEAN Study, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 57126, Surakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: agungsatyawan@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

Southeast Asia is one of the world's most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, including floods, droughts, typhoons, sea-level rise, and heat waves. This situation is exacerbated by high urbanization, deforestation, and pollution. Through ASEAN Vision 2045, member countries agreed to strengthen cooperation and be responsive to eradicate the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and lead the transition to a green and blue economy. Through constructivism lens and qualitative methods, the objective of this article provides an evaluation of institutional building for cooperation in mitigating climate change. The results of this study indicate that although the commitment of various institutions to cooperation is quite high, it has not yet shown maximum results due to several obstacles, including financial issues, human resource capacity, and coordination. Consequently, ASEAN must improve its rapid decision-making mechanisms and increase its members' capacity building in countering the impacts of climate change.