--- title: "Can Green Startups in Asia Help Mitigate Climate Change?" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-green-startups-asia-help-mitigate-climate-change/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [SEEDSTARS LIFE](/content-hub/life/) 4. CAN GREEN STARTUPS IN ASIA HELP MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE? ![Can Green Startups in Asia Help Mitigate Climate Change?](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/nagy-arnold-jFEH9GjZpZ4-unsplash.2e16d0ba.f.max-1500x500.jpg) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES ## Can Green Startups in Asia Help Mitigate Climate Change? Anurag Maloo OCTOBER 19, 2020 The Metronome, the famous Manhattan digital clock in Union Square, [started the countdown](https://www.fastcompany.com/90552230/manhattans-classic-digital-clock-is-now-counting-down-to-climate-disaster) to the next climate disaster. It now shows us how much time we have left before we burn all the carbon that will push the planet over the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. Such solutions remind us we’re in this together, and if we don’t take action now, the whole planet will face disastrous consequences very soon. But here’s a surprising discovery. The global COVID-19 lockdown turned out to be quite beneficial for our planet's well-being, [reducing](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0797-x) CO2 emissions and human mobility, improving air quality, and even encouraging wild animals to [walk freely](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52459487) in urban areas. Can the heavily polluted Asian regions also breathe a sigh of relief? Let’s find out the answer. ### **What Is the Impact of COVID-19 on Climate Change in Asia?** According to Marshall Burke, assistant professor at Stanford's Department of Earth System Science, the reductions in air pollution in China caused by the lockdown became a sort of environmental protection and probably [saved twenty times more lives in China](http://www.g-feed.com/2020/03/covid-19-reduces-economic-activity.html) than had been lost to COVID-19. Now, the professor isn’t saying the economic disruption it caused is good for the environment; he only presents this research to show the importance of air pollution control and its positive effect on life quality. We can also see that the lockdown in Southeast Asia has led to a notable decrease in pollution outflow. Of course, no one wanted the carbon emissions or air pollution level to be reduced this way. COVID-19 is not an environmental management model. The world pandemic has overloaded healthcare systems and significantly affected people’s lives. Nevertheless, it has also shown that we can improve environmental sustainability and proved the importance of taking care of each other as a community. And these two lessons can help us cope with climate change. ![PlanetB](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/planet_b.width-800.jpg) ### **How Do Organizations Worldwide Help Address Climate Change?** Before the Metronome even started its countdown, two speakers at the Global Seedstars Summit in 2019, [Maanasa Mendu](https://seedstarslife.com/interview/maanasa-mendu-access-to-clean-affordable-energy/?__hstc=242025565.c9a372498fb707241a59bbc2e7a08046.1603964344551.1604565501299.1604574317121.13&__hssc=242025565.6.1604574317121&__hsfp=3043511956) and [Amar Inamdar](https://seedstarslife.com/interview/amar-inamdar-clean-energy-as-an-opportunity-for-impact/?__hstc=242025565.c9a372498fb707241a59bbc2e7a08046.1603964344551.1604565501299.1604574317121.13&__hssc=242025565.6.1604574317121&__hsfp=3043511956), addressed the issue of an inevitable carbon disaster. In two different presentations, both of them said that access to energy is still a luxury for many, and proposed their ideas to solve this problem. But, as with any cleantech startup idea, their plans for providing energy for everyone need extensive financing. Besides taking responsibility for natural resource usage, one of the most effective ways to fight climate change is [climate finance](https://unfccc.int/topics/climate-finance/the-big-picture/introduction-to-climate-finance). Here’s some food for thought. Quite a few of the United Nations [Sustainable Development Goals](https://sdgs.un.org/goals) (SDGs) are addressing various environmental challenges. However, the UN estimates that we need $3-5 trillion annually to achieve the SDGs goals. That is why, as [the emergency intensifies](https://youtu.be/xVWHuJOmaEk), both public and private sectors need to unite to address the increasing threat of climate change. Stakeholders around the world need to focus on creating and funding the solutions of climate entrepreneurs worldwide. In February 2020, Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos [announced](https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rWKFnnQ5c) the Bezos Earth Fund launch and committed $10 billion to start. Just four months after that, Amazon also [announced](https://www.fastcompany.com/90520061/amazon-will-invest-2-billion-in-climate-tech) a $2 billion investment into climate tech. All this only nine months since deciding to make Amazon production [completely carbon neutral](https://www.fastcompany.com/90405854/amazon-announces-a-new-bolder-plan-to-tackle-climate-change-responding-to-activist-pressure) by 2040. ![smoke](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/smoke.width-800.jpg) Unilever, one of the biggest companies in the world, is [investing $1.1 billion](https://www.fastcompany.com/90516780/unilever-is-investing-1-1-billion-in-a-new-climate-fund-and-hopes-to-reach-net-zero-emissions-by-2039) in a new climate fund. And it seems very reasonable – in 2019, their carbon footprint was equivalent to about 60 million metric tons of CO2. Another serious climate change investment plan involves the financial titan Goldman Sachs, whose [CEO David Salomon pledged](https://www.ft.com/content/ffd794c8-183a-11ea-b869-0971bffac109?accessToken=zwAAAW8PE3zIkdP_15TIGDoR6tO4aQlxv_rBCQ.MEYCIQDRKr8oazVI1CUk_cQl_i4tegBrGATPX9D2kU5JupftlwIhAOQL27H0zz-zxnQbiOa81fhuNkxxbZUKESoXJhNf46hI&sharetype=gift?token=38b3e34f-18b9-4a5d-a654-392e24c63d51) the bank is investing $750 billion in the next ten years in initiatives that include battling climate change. Talking about private companies investing in environmental health is one thing, but we shouldn’t forget about the most influential stakeholders out there – governments. For instance, the Singaporean government has applied [a carbon tax](https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/singapore/current-policy-projections/) to industrial facilities emitting more than 25ktCO2e/yr starting from January 1st, 2019. This is said to encourage the usage of renewable energy rather than fuel energy. In general, Singapore’s climate change coping strategy is [focused on three areas](https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/1545Climate_Action_Plan_Publication_Part_1.pdf): increasing energy and carbon efficiency, reducing carbon emissions in power generation, and developing low-carbon technology. ![nature-wind](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/nature.width-800.jpg) ### **How Can Entrepreneurship Help Reach the Global Development Goals? Five Trends to Follow** Now, let’s see how the most well-known climate change investment plans align with the Global Development Goals 2020. We won’t go through the entire program (you can read it [here](https://sdgs.un.org/goals)); instead, we’ll review the most significant sustainability trends and how the Asian region follows them. #### **Transition to net-zero emissions** As dependence on alternative clean energy expands, investments into clean energy are meant to rise. By increasing the affordability of renewable power, organizations worldwide encourage more businesses to charge their own transport, buildings, and activities with clean energy. This trend is why we are interested in training and supporting startups like [Probus Sense](http://www.probussense.com/) \- an integrated IoT platform meant to help India achieve Smart Grids. #### **Investment into socially responsible projects** Financial gain can’t be the only goal for businesses anymore. And since the climate change crisis is a top social issue, every business’ responsibility is to make their environmental impact count. This rule creates opportunities for meaningful environmental startups like [Recyglo](https://www.recyglo.com/). In Myanmar, where this startup was founded, waste[ utilization](https://seedstarslife.com/article/fighting-trash-how-myanmar-is-tackling-the-waste-problem-in-the-country/?__hstc=242025565.c9a372498fb707241a59bbc2e7a08046.1603964344551.1604565501299.1604574317121.13&__hssc=242025565.6.1604574317121&__hsfp=3043511956) has become a major issue over the last decade. Luckily, Recyglo became the first-ever innovative recycling service in Myanmar and Malaysia and is currently improving the waste disposal processes in this amazing country. #### **More efficient governmental policy restrictions** So far, the government seems to be the biggest force in ensuring the welcoming conditions for a new, eco-friendly economic model. One of the UN Environment’s largest initiatives is [APAN](https://www.unenvironment.org/regions/asia-and-pacific/regional-initiatives/helping-countries-tackle-climate-change) or Asia Pacific Adaptation Network. This program provides government organizations with the essential knowledge to create climate change adaptation measures, access finance, and technologies, and create conditions to integrate climate change adaptation into national and regional development policies. ![Tech innovations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/tech_innovation.width-800.jpg) #### **Adopting tech innovations** We know the extent to which achieving climate targets depends on technological innovations. At Seedstars, we pride ourselves in supporting cleantech startups like the most advanced indoor air sensor [uHoo](https://uhooair.com/). The device developed by uHoo tracks air quality in a home or office. Its mobile app allows users to monitor each room, record their respiratory conditions, get alerts, and customize notifications. On top of that, it can automatically turn on an air purifier and even share its data with family and friends. The solution basically makes you in charge of the air you breathe. #### **Having strict deadlines** Quite a few countries have already [set targets](https://eciu.net/analysis/briefings/net-zero/net-zero-why) for reaching net-zero emissions on the Paris Agreement temperature goals schedule. To reach new numbers, economies need to face greater time pressure in achieving both long- and short-term goals. ### **The Bottom Line** Climate change is an undeniable and present threat that will disproportionately impact our lives across regions and continents. The Asian region has turned into [the biggest factory](https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/files/2020-09/World_manufacturing_production_2019_q2.pdf) in the world. The temperature that rises is not regional - it’s global, and the effects of climate change will be felt worldwide. As two of the most powerful forces for rapid impact and innovation, technology and entrepreneurship must play a leading role in developing solutions to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. So, yes, startups are capable of addressing climate change and alleviating the risks humanity is facing now. But to be able to create an impact, those ventures should have a favorable environment and solid support from the local and global community. The key ingredients that make it possible are the following: * Access to quality training and funding from government and private sector; * Startup-friendly policies encouraging entrepreneurship and making the process of establishing and doing cleantech business as smooth as possible; * Visibility for existing solutions to promote entrepreneurial lifestyle and make entrepreneurship attractive to the youth. At Seedstars, we believe that to ensure such an environment for entrepreneurs, we should work in tight collaboration with governments, private and public sectors. [ **Let’s partner up**](https://www.seedstars.com/partner-with-us-government/) and support climate entrepreneurs in Asia together to help build a sustainable future for all of us. ARTICLE THEORY OF CHANGE ASIA VIETNAM ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE ## More like this [ ![Entrepreneurs in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Entrepreneurs_in_Africa.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER Designing Virtual Learning Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Africa [Q&A] If we say that COVID-19 has changed the world, it would be an understatement. COVID-19 disrupted our world. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/designing-virtual-learning-opportunities-entrepreneurs-africa-q/) [ ![Vocational Training](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Vocational_Training_.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • EDUCATION & CONSULTING Can Vocational Training Help the African Economy Soar to New Heights? When the time comes to make career choices, modern young people suddenly find themselves in a seismically active world, where rock-solid paradigms are cracking, new normals are forming, and opportunities are flowing like lava. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-vocational-training-help-african-economy-soar-new-heights/) [ ![Tracking KPIs is crucial for ensuring that your start-up dream stays on track](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Measuring_KPIs.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • INVESTMENT 5 Simple Mistakes Start-ups Can Avoid When Measuring KPIs Despite some fantastic ideas, brilliant products and passionate owners, it’s a sad fact that most start-ups never make it to their third year. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/5-simple-mistakes-start-ups-can-avoid-when-measuring-kpis/) [ ![Seedstars Index](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Efficient_Tool.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER New Seedstars Index: Efficient Tool for Data-Driven Decision Making The Seedstars Index (SSI) has been fully reworked for the 2020 edition with the aim of achieving a higher quality predictive indicator for the success of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Why SSI is a powerful tool for data-driven decision making: __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/new-seedstars-index-efficient-tool-data-driven-decision-making/) [ ![Prepare Younger Generations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Bridging_the_Gap_How_to_Prepare_Younger_Ge.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • OTHER Bridging the Gap: How to Prepare Younger Generations to the Future of Work Access without quality undermines investments in the sector and yields limited gains. Ivory Coast, and the continent more broadly, has witnessed an increase of the school attendance rates __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/bridging-gap-how-prepare-younger-generations-future-work/) [ ![Country of Innovation](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/switzerland.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • URBAN DEVELOPMENT How Switzerland Won Its Title of the Country of Innovation What makes Switzerland unique? How did the country manage to become the global leader in innovation? __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-switzerland-won-its-title-country-innovation/) [ ![Being a Better Leader](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Better_Leader.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • HR Being a Better Leader: 5 Skills Founders Have to Learn to Survive Their First Year It's not all doom and gloom. Founders have to realize that setting up a business is hard, but also that most challenges can be surpassed if tackled with the right mindset and skills. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/being-better-leader-5-skills-founders-have-learn-survive-their-first-year/) [ ![Civic Tech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Civic_Tech_Building_More_Transparent_Socie.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • URBAN DEVELOPMENT Civic Tech: Building More Transparent Societies in Developing Countries Our society is at a tipping point. Consequently, there is an urgent need for developing sustainable economic and social solutions for change. This is where transparency comes in. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/civic-tech-building-more-transparent-societies-developing-countries/) [ ![African startup funding](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_8.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES Future bright as african tech startup funding grows Africa has long lagged behind the rest of the world when it comes to investment, even in the continent’s most exciting tech areas. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/future-bright-african-tech-startup-funding-grows/) [ ![Agritech in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/agritech.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • AGRICULTURE Agritech in Africa: Paving The Way For a New Era in Farming Imagine a drone flying 100 metres over a section of Nigerian farmland, taking infrared pictures that will then tell the farmer if his crops are suffering from a disease – up to 10 days before the damage is visible to the naked eye. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/agritech-africa-paving-way-new-era-farming/) [ ![Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Omar_Christidis.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY Overview of the Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA by Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet [Interview] Recently, we had a chance to talk to Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/overview-entrepreneurial-landscape-mena-omar-christidis-ceo-arabnet-interview/) [ ![Fighting Trash - Myanmar](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/waste.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES Fighting Trash: How Myanmar Is Tackling the Waste Problem in the Country? At the forefront of the Myanmar waste discussion, the historic nation grapples with managing unwanted products like plastic and food __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fighting-trash-how-myanmar-tackling-waste-problem-country/) [ ![Migrant Workers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/passport-thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY Migrant Workers: Four Ideas On How Technology Can Support Skills Mobility In this article, we will focus on the question of mobility skills, because building the right framework and policies to enable the movement of people is primordial for a sustainable economy and social wellbeing of the world’s population. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/migrant-workers-four-ideas-how-technology-can-support-skills-mobility/) [ ![Ventureburn editor Stephen Timm spoke to Heyl on the role that developed countries can play](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/keyways.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY Key Ways to Shape Africa's Tech Startup Sector: Media Perspective Heyl has also taken an undisclosed share in the company, which was founded in 2010 by the late media entrepreneur Matthew Buckland, who passed away in April. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/key-ways-shape-africas-tech-startup-sector-media-perspective/) [ ![Technology and Entrepreneurship](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_24.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • GOVERNMENT Delivering Public Services Through Technology and Entrepreneurship The delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, sanitation and criminal justice, is a key task for any government. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/delivering-public-services-through-technology-and-entrepreneurship/) [ ![Password Manager for Startups](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/password_manager.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES What Is a Password Manager, and Why Does Your Startup Need One When you’re running a startup, it goes without saying that you’ve got a lot on your plate: managing your team, updating all your social media channels, responding to user feedback. The list goes on. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/what-password-manager-and-why-does-your-startup-need-one/) [ ![Fintech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_20.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • FINANCIAL SERVICES Fintech and the Future of Your Money At the intersection of finance and technology lies a phenomenon that has been reshaping the world of money. The rise of the internet has brought about a high degree of disruption to almost all industries and financial services are no exception. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fintech-and-future-your-money/) [ ![Digital Health](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/digitalhealth.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • HEALTHCARE Digital Health: A Solution to Growing Problems in Healthcare The Healthtech industry spans a broad number of sub-sectors: hospitals and practitioners; insurance companies; consumer-facing services; pharmaceuticals; and government – to name a few. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/digital-health-solution-growing-problems-healthcare/) [ ![LATAM Startup](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/chile4.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • INVESTMENT Chile — the Leading LATAM Startup Ecosystem Known for its numerous breathtaking landscapes, wineries, and abundance of copper, Chile is a country that has so much more to offer. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/chile-the-leading-latam-startup-ecosystem/) [ ![Proven Methodologies](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/proven_methodologies.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY Proven Methodologies for Delivering an Interactive Workshop in the Tech Industry Hosting a workshop at a conference or an event can be strenuous __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/proven-methodologies-delivering-interactive-workshop-tech-industry/) [ ![Networking with investors, media, prospective business partners, employees, and customers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Networking_Event.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ENTERPRISE How To Make The Most Out Of A Networking Event Although some entrepreneurs out there attribute their success to luck, savvy startups know that real business opportunity is created through hard work and consistently showing up in the right place at the right time. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/how-make-most-out-networking-event/) [ ![Have you ever been to Astana?](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/group.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • FINANCIAL SERVICES The FinTech Stars Journey: An Insight on the Three-Month Acceleration Program Have you ever been to Astana? You would be surprised. Sky-high glass buildings, newly built smart quarters with entrances by a fingerprint scan, huge Expo area - firstly, a venue for the biggest Exposition “Future of Energy” __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/fintech-stars-journey-insight-three-month-acceleration-program-july-24-2018/) [ ![Mega Cities in emerging markets](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Mega_Cities_in_emerging_markets.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • MOBILITY Mega Cities in emerging markets: what are the perspectives on Smart Mobility? By 2030, almost 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. The rapid growth of cities in the developing world, coupled with increasing urban migration, has led to a boom in mega-cities. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mega-cities-emerging-markets-what-are-perspectives-smart-mobility/) [ ![Blockchain, Diaspora & Talents](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/venezuela.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES Venezuela as we see it : Blockchain, Diaspora & Talents It took us 5 years to finally set a foot in Venezuela. Last Friday, we organised a meetup at Impact Hub, founded in 2013 by Claudia Valladares among others, who is the current director. __ ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/venezuela-we-see-it-blockchain-diaspora-talents/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start