CLIMATE justice group, 350.org Asia yesterday, July 17, launched the “REImagine Asia” campaign, advocating for community-led renewable energy and calling on wealthy nations and major polluters to fulfill their climate finance obligations to help developing Asian countries achieve energy sovereignty.
The climate advocacy group cautioned against trade agreements that could increase Asian nations’ dependence on U.S. oil and gas imports, particularly amid ongoing U.S. tariff negotiations. Reports indicate Indonesia has agreed to import $15 billion worth of U.S. oil and gas to reduce tariffs, while India is reportedly planning to boost imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas and crude oil as part of a trade deal.
“Our future is not for sale. Asian governments should not be arm-twisted into guzzling more US oil and gas when they have committed to phasing out fossil fuels and tripling renewable energy by 2030,” said Chuck Baclagon, 350.org Asia regional finance campaigner.
Baclagon added that disregarding climate commitments “puts billions of Asians at greater risk of climate impacts as the planet approaches the dangerous 1.5°C limit,” also hindering the region’s renewable energy potential and undermining long-term energy security.
During a webinar, 350.org Asia showcased successful community-led renewable energy initiatives across the region, highlighting their roles in providing clean, affordable energy, fostering climate resilience and improving livelihoods.
“Communities in Indonesia have shown that renewable energy can be harnessed to uplift people’s lives. With adequate government support and financing, these initiatives could be replicated at scale,” said Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia team lead.
Dewi emphasized that increasing U.S. oil and gas imports would move the region further from replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, a goal crucial for survival and energy independence.
As the COP30 U.N. climate summit approaches, 350.org Asia announced that groups across the region will participate in the global “Draw the Line” mobilization in September, demanding decisive climate action from governments.
In Nepal, Omkar Subedi, a research fellow at Digo Bikas Institute, discussed how a solar micro-grid boosted livelihoods in Dhapsung Village, an upland community in Sindhupalchowk District.
“Energy access is still a problem in Nepal. Having reliable, clean energy is the first step for communities to have a quality life. We need people-oriented energy systems where people have ownership over climate solutions, not 'solutions' by private corporations that profit from electricity generation,” Subedi said.
In Indonesia, Arbatuun shared how the Gunung Sawur Community Microhydro in Sumberwuluh Village, Lumajang, has contributed to women’s empowerment.
“Cooperation between the government and communities is needed for widespread adoption of renewable energy,” Arbatuun said.
Arbatuun said that the Indonesian government must take strategic steps to invest in green energy infrastructure, adding that they have proven that renewable energy can create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.
From Japan, Erina Imai of Sun Sun Suita Community Power explained how a nursing home in Suita City, Osaka, utilizes community-owned solar energy.
“Japan is facing serious climate impacts, especially typhoons. Even in a country with strong infrastructure, we need to prepare for more climate destruction, which is especially hard for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. They cannot easily evacuate during disasters and need energy resilience. Through community-led renewable energy, we can combine climate action with care, creating a new kind of energy community,” Imai noted.
