From poverty to prosperity: The power of green entrepreneurship in Asean

POVERTY is a pressing issue that continues to impact millions of people across the Asean region. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Covid-19 pandemic led to a concerning increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty in Southeast Asia. In 2021 alone, the region saw an additional 4.7 million individuals pushed into the most severe levels of poverty, effectively reversing the progress made in poverty reduction.

In addition, Asean stands out as one of the most susceptible areas to the impacts of climate change. Its vulnerability stems from a combination of factors, such as its unique geography, densely populated coastal regions and other at-risk areas with bustling economic activities, and the crucial reliance on agriculture and other livelihoods dependent on natural resources, particularly in rural communities. Furthermore, Southeast Asia encounters considerable risks associated with climate-induced disasters, including cyclones, severe floods, heat waves, and prolonged periods of drought.