In a powerful statement against governments and polluters who have failed to deliver a cleaner, fairer world, thousands across Asia are joining the global ‘Draw the Line’ movement. Kicking off on September 19 across 97 countries, this massive mobilization demands that world leaders prioritize funding for a sustainable future rather than exacerbating the climate crisis. This initiative is spearheaded by 350.org, a key organization dedicated to transitioning the world to clean, renewable energy.
Upcoming global summits, including the UN General Assembly in New York and the UN climate summit (COP30) in Brazil, represent critical opportunities. Activists aim to hold wealthy nations and major polluters accountable for their role in the escalating climate crisis.
The Asian leg of this movement is particularly robust, with events planned in 58 cities across 12 countries. Initial protests have already taken place in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, with further actions expected in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, and Mongolia throughout the week.
Norly Mercado, 350.org’s Asia Regional Director, highlighted the dire consequences of climate inaction: “Political upheavals across Asia demonstrate how climate breakdown intensifies inequalities and fuels social unrest. With global heating threatening to surpass the crucial 1.5°C limit, Asian communities bear the brunt, losing lives, livelihoods, and precious ecosystems. We are drawing a firm line against our leaders’ failures, especially as ordinary people grapple with devastating climate impacts and soaring living costs. It is imperative that rich nations and large corporations cease fossil fuel expansion and honor their climate commitments to those least responsible for this crisis.”
Chuck Baclagon, 350.org’s Asia Regional Finance Campaigner, emphasized the urgency: “As we approach COP30 in Brazil, a decade after the Paris Agreement, the stakes are higher than ever. We insist on a fair, ambitious, and binding commitment to allocate substantial funds for a just transition to renewable energy. By drawing the line today, we send a clear message to our leaders: the value of life, dignity, and our planet is non-negotiable.”
In Manila, activists from 350 Pilipinas marched before Malacañang Palace and organized a Festival of Climate Solutions at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Their demands included an end to government corruption of flood-control and climate funds, showcasing how communities are actively transitioning to renewable energy in defiance of fossil fuel projects.
Jawo Jayme, a 350 Pilipinas Campaigner, stated, “Throughout the Philippines, communities are spearheading the shift to locally-owned renewable energy solutions, demanding accountability from those in power. We urge financial institutions to cease investments in destructive practices and instead support initiatives that build a sustainable future.”
Youth activists from 350.org Indonesia faced police obstruction during their attempt to march towards the State Palace in Jakarta. Their appeal to President Prabowo Subianto includes setting ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), implementing taxes on billionaires and polluters, and eradicating corruption.
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, 350.org Indonesia Team Lead, powerfully articulated their demands: “We draw the line when innocent lives are lost to flash floods, and when public dissent against governmental failures is suppressed. For too long, oligarchs and polluters have dominated this nation, misusing public funds meant for climate action and devastating natural resources vital for future generations. We insist on concrete, decisive action. President Prabowo must fulfill his commitments by pledging to 100% renewable energy within a decade and outlining an immediate, transparent plan to phase out coal plants.”
In Bangladesh, communities deeply affected by climate change, including farmers and fisherfolk in Kurigram, Barishal, and Chattogram, organized local actions. Residents in Cox’s Bazaar vociferously condemned the proposed revival of the JICA-backed Matarbari Coal Plant 2. Additionally, an event in Dhaka urged the Asian Development Bank to cease its financing of fossil fuel projects.
Amanullah Porag, 350.org’s South Asia Mobilizations Coordinator, voiced concerns from Bangladesh: “With at least 57 million people enduring extreme heat, we must draw the line against this profound injustice. Funding for fossil fuels from major institutions like the Asian Development Bank traps us in debt and perpetuates our reliance on expensive, polluting energy sources that intensify global warming. To gain public support, the government must transition to community-driven renewable energy.”
From Matarbari, youth leader Shahrukh Karim passionately declared, “Our lands are parched, our rivers dwindling, and we are burning. We emphatically draw the line against constructing yet another coal plant, especially when existing ones have already displaced thousands of families and transformed our homes into desolate landscapes. This destruction must end.”