Tara Climate Foundation

"If we play our cards right, this moment could finally move the energy transition out of the 'climate issue' box — and into something much broader: about affordability, about security, about economic opportunity." That was the spirit in the room at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026, where the Just Energy Transition Community (JETC), including Tara, hosted an open conversation about what Asia's energy transition actually means for the people living through it. From farming cooperatives in Mindanao to fishing communities in Maluku to urban settlements facing extreme heat — energy rarely shows up as an energy problem. It shows up as a livelihoods problem, a food security problem, a health problem. And that's exactly where philanthropy has a role to play. In its first year, JETC has earmarked US$2.6 million in catalytic funding to support intersectional initiatives in Southeast Asia. The momentum, innovation and talent are already here in this region. Now is the moment to come together and accelerate a transition that is ambitious, inclusive, and grounded in the communities it serves. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gu3TVdTA Philanthropy Asia Alliance | The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet | Bloomberg Philanthropies | Tsao Family Foundation | Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory | New Energy Nexus | Forum for the Future | Clean Cooling Collaborative | Jamie Choi | Shaun Seow | Laura Lee | Sonia Tsao | Woochong Um | Stanley Ng | Sumi D. | Noah Horowitz | Gwendolyn Lim #PhilanthropyAsiaSummit #PAS2026 #JustEnergyTransition #JETC #EnergyTransition #CollectiveAction #TaraClimate

Farming cooperatives, fishing communities, rural households — across Southeast Asia, those who depend most on stable, affordable, clean energy are often the last to access it. That gap is what the Just Energy Transition Community (JETC) was built to close. Convened a year ago by Philanthropy Asia Alliance, Tara Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies and others, JETC announced at this year's #PhilanthropyAsiaSummit a commitment of US$2.6 million in catalytic funding — to be directed at the intersections of energy, agriculture, fisheries, jobs and resilience where the need is greatest. It is our hope that this is just the beginning. When funders align on what's at stake, capital can move where it's needed most — accelerating a transition that is not only faster, but fairer. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gsPp-wqB #JustEnergyTransitionCommunity #JETC #PAS2026 #PhilanthropyAsiaSummit2026 #TaraClimate

During the recent Yeosu Climate Week and Korea Green Transformation (K-GX) Week, our partner Coalition for Our Common Future (COCF) hosted an inspiring launch event in Seoul for its Industrial Climate Tech Acceleration Program, bringing together climate tech startups, industrial players, and key ecosystem builders to bridge the gap between high-readiness technologies and large-scale deployment in hard-to-abate sectors. The event discussed tangible pathways for cross-border collaboration and proof-of-concept partnerships. Tara is proud to have supported this event, and to see Korea stepping forward as a regional launchpad for clean industrialisation across Asia.

Across ASEAN, the urgency around energy is growing, and the stakes for getting the transition right have never been higher. Women represent just 8% of the energy workforce in this region - a figure that reflects real, persistent barriers, from limited access to training to hiring practices that continue to shape who gets to participate in the sector. Yet across the region, there is no shortage of local innovation driven by the knowledge, skills and leadership of women. Expanding that participation is essential to building the resilience and capacity our region needs. We're grateful to the Clean Energy Ministerial and ASEAN Centre for Energy for bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and regional stakeholders at ASEAN Energy Gender Week. Moments like these matter — for the partnerships built, the commitments made, and the shared vision they help move forward. #TaraClimate #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #ASEAN #WomenInEnergy #ASEANEnergyGenderWeek Kalayaan Constantino

Climate funding matters for Asia’s economic future - here’s why. Our CEO, Jamie Choi, together with Laura Lee, CEO of Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory, recently joined CNA938's Mind Your Money programme for a conversation on climate funding and what it means for Asia’s economic outlook. They shared perspectives on: • Why climate funding in Asia is closely tied to long-term growth, competitiveness and resilience. • Where credible climate solutions are already emerging, and what’s holding them back from scaling. • How philanthropy and early capital can help align policy, markets and people to unlock progress. One clear takeaway: the choices being made now will shape Asia’s climate and economic trajectory in the years ahead. Treating climate funding as a strategic priority - not charity - is essential if the region is to unlock new industries, strengthen energy access and protect long-term prosperity. Catch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/g965WUDD #TaraClimate

“What gives me hope is how quickly real change is taking root on the ground." As the year draws to a close, Sharon Lo, our Deputy Director of Program Strategy & Insight, reflects with ReNew2030 on what continues to inspire her about Asia’s climate future and energy transition. From families along the Indus lighting their boathouses with small solar systems, to farmers in Korea growing crops beneath solar panels, these are stories of progress shaped by people and place. Together, they remind us that beyond the megawatts, the energy transition is about people finding new ways to power their futures. As we close out this year and step into the next, we’d love to hear from you: what are your hopes for Asia’s climate future?

With communities across Asia experiencing mounting climate impacts, this transformative gift from Yield Giving for the ReNew2030 network comes at an important moment. It will help local and regional partners scale practical renewable energy solutions and strengthen the foundations of a fairer, cleaner power system. As echoed by leaders across the network, including Sharon Lo, Tara’s Deputy Director of Program Strategy & Insights and Chair of ReNew2030’s Implementation Partners Council, real progress is driven by the steady work of organisations closest to communities. With renewed support, their solutions can reach further and deliver meaningful benefits for people across Asia and beyond. Tara is committed to standing alongside them in this effort. More in this story: https://lnkd.in/eY6i7T5h #TaraClimate #ReNew2030 #EnergyTransition #Philanthropy

Understanding how we make sense of climate possibilities and risks is essential to grasping the transition taking shape across the region. The newly released Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey (2020–2024) from ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) and the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities offers a clear view of how public attitudes have evolved — capturing perspectives from a region that is increasingly engaged and informed about both the challenges and opportunities ahead. By bringing together five years of public sentiment, the study deepens the region’s knowledge base and helps anchor climate conversations in evidence, lived experience, and Southeast Asia’s own aspirations for a resilient and prosperous future. Tara is glad to have supported this important piece of independent research. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g3grJnjN

The region’s next generation is bringing sharp focus and fresh energy to Southeast Asia’s climate transition — a momentum we witnessed firsthand recently. Our CEO Jamie Choi joined an ASEAN Youth Fellowship 2025 panel discussion alongside regional experts and emerging young leaders from across ASEAN. The conversation explored what an inclusive and people-centred transition should look like for the region — from supporting workers and vulnerable communities to strengthening participation, access, and inclusive opportunities in the clean transition. We’re encouraged by the clarity and commitment shown by this cohort, and we appreciate the National Youth Council Singapore and the Singapore International Foundation for convening such a meaningful and well-curated programme. #ASEANYouthFellowship2025 #NYCSG #SIF #TaraClimate

Southeast Asia's clean energy transition is accelerating, presenting crucial opportunities to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably. At the Regional Climate Foundations Pavilion of COP30 Brazil, our Director of Singapore Program & Regional Diplomacy, Isabelle de Lovinfosse, joined experts from the International Energy Agency (IEA), JETP Secretariat Indonesia, ENERGIA - International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy, The Indigenous Peoples Rights International, SDG7 Youth Constituency, and International Trade Union Confederation - ITUC to share inspiring case studies from across the region and discuss the role played by indicators to guide a people-centred transition. The panel discussion underscored that decarbonisation is not only about emissions. In a region with rapidly rising energy demand, the shift to renewable energy is creating new jobs, improving energy access and strengthening resilience - and these outcomes need to be tracked and measured inclusively. The IEA’s new Southeast Asia Indicators Handbook offers a practical resource for policy leaders and stakeholders to track socio-economic impacts as well as embed fairness and community engagement into national energy frameworks. Read the Handbook here: https://lnkd.in/gF3AEUkn