Summary Reader Response (Clean Energy Transition)

Tim Daubach (2019) highlights the lack of urgency in Southeast Asia in the shift towards renewable energy and identifies possible solutions to the constraints that is faced by the region. According to the article, a major stumbling block to implement a widespread use of renewable energy is the heterogeneous collection of cultures in the region that means a calibrated approach to each specific area is required. For areas with land constraints, using nuclear fusion to generate electricity has huge upsides as it is free of emissions and requires little space. However, finding alternative sources of renewable energy is not enough if the region itself does not reduce its energy consumption to slow down the effects of climate change. Lastly, Southeast Asia can do more to encourage innovation in the sustainable energy sector which will promote more start-ups in the region and attract investors, which will help boost the economy as well. Southeast Asia is failing to keep up with the world in clean energy transition due to its unique demographics but it can be tackled by usage of nuclear fusion, having more efficient consumption of energy and implement policies to promote growth in the sustainable energy sector.