This drop in score appeared across the board in Asia, with China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia dropping between 1 and 3 points from the previous year. Only Laos is able to say it isn’t getting worse.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Myanmar puts Beijing-backed hydropower dam into limbo
Myanmar’s government said on Tuesday it had no plans to resume work on a Chinese-backed hydropower dam, currently halted, despite intensifying pressure to do so from Beijing.
Myitstone dam, a ‘death sentence’ for Myanmar
The Archbishop of Yangon condemns the possible resumption of the controversial Chinese project–attacks “the greed of a superpower”.
Can ASEAN Play a Greater Role in the Mekong Subregion?
Despite the Mekong subregion’s huge potential, ASEAN has given relatively less attention to the issues concerning this subregion.
Hanoi chokes as air pollution increases
Air pollution in Hanoi in recent days has been so severe that health experts have warned people to stay indoors.
Suu Kyi urges global investors to put their money into Myanmar
Until now, investors have complained the government has focused largely on ending the country’s myriad armed conflicts, neglecting economic reforms and their needs. Suu Kyi did not mention in her speech the Rohingya crisis.
Industry wants mine permits to be renewed under new gemstone policy
Law may do little to reform the notoriously corrupt, conflict-tainted, multi-billion dollar jade sector while allowing companies involved in illegal activities and human rights and environmental harm to access the valuable mineral.
Government, UN, NGOs meet to discuss Climate Change
To reduce the risk that Cambodia is facing, especially with children and vulnerable groups, the government should offer a higher budget to communes and Sangkats, so they can invest that money in an area to help them manage and adapt to climate change.