Background

The world is amid a climate emergency. This is a direct consequence of fossil fuel-heavy land use and agriculture, transport, buildings and industrial processes and polluting energy sources. It is affecting everyone. However, vulnerable and marginalized groups —such as women, children, the elderly, and the poor—are the ones who suffer the most.  

Asia and the Pacific is responsible for over half of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As such, the region plays a crucial role to reach the Paris Agreement target of keeping warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius. Climate change is also linked with other environmental issues, such as air pollution. All major air pollutants have an impact on the climate and most share common sources with GHGs, especially related to the combustion of fossil fuels. Without profound changes to these sectors, there is little hope of protecting people and the planet from the impacts of climate change and air pollution. Agri-food sector is also a prominent GHG contributor in the region and it is of outmost importance putting at scale solutions to support the transition to more sustainable consumption and production patterns. 

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises have a crucial role to play, given they comprise 90 percent of businesses and are responsible for more than half of global employment. Startups, through their innovation, can support in building technologies and businesses that can help in emissions mitigation as well as climate adaption.