COP28, hosted by the UAE in Dubai, concluded last week, spotlighting climate change and energy transition and drawing attention from 167 world leaders, including the Pope and King Charles III.
Using insights from Meltwater, we delved into over 2,000 COP28 media mentions across 11 markets to uncover insights into coverage trends and the most resonant topics within APAC media. The results offer unique perspectives on climate change narratives in the region, providing insights that can propel the region’s global conversation on climate change.
COP28 Sparks Highest Attention in These APAC Regions
*Meltwater News Search, Nov 30th – Dec 12th, Tier 1 & 2 (By Reach)
In APAC, despite its size, Singapore emerged with the highest overall number of mentions and an impressive average of 106 articles per source, reflecting its highly concentrated media pool. While not topping the list, Japan led in the number of media sources (86), indicating a vibrant journalistic landscape focuses on specific aspects rather than covering developments extensively.
*Meltwater News Search, Nov 30th – Dec 12th, Tier 1 & 2 (By Reach)
**Unique Source: Distinct media outlet counted once, regardless of its size or number of publications, as opposed to Source, which may include multiple outlets under a single entity or brand.
Pivotal Themes: Unveiling Core Concerns that Captivated Audiences in APAC Media during COP28
| Overall Top 10 Unified Headline | Count |
| Phase out fossil fuels | 515 |
| Narratives on Vietnam | 158 |
| Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber | 86 |
| Climate finance | 84 |
| Climate loss & damage fund | 72 |
| 1.5 Degrees Celsius Threshold: A Critical Limit in the Face of Climate Change | 63 |
| Climate and Gaza crises share spotlight as world leaders attend COP28 | 62 |
| Japan gets ‘fossil’ award again as climate action slammed | 61 |
| US leads call to triple nuclear power at COP28 | 50 |
| King Charles III tells COP28 summit ‘hope of the world’ rests on Dubai climate talks | 46 |
The discourse surrounding COP28 centred on a global media consensus to “Phase out fossil fuels,” emphasising a collective commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy. Vietnam’s robust engagement showcased the nation’s dedication to climate action. Additionally, the focus on “Climate finance” and the “Climate loss & damage fund” underscored the crucial role of financial mechanisms in addressing climate impacts.
Pursuing the “1.5 Degrees Celsius Threshold” remained a pivotal goal, while intertwining climate issues with the “Gaza crises” highlighted the intricate nature of global challenges. Critiques of Japan’s climate policies and the U.S.’s advocacy for nuclear power revealed diverse strategies for tackling climate change. In exploring specific markets, China’s narratives focused on global collaboration and geopolitical dynamics, emphasising its role in building a green, low-carbon future.
Indonesia highlighted local impact and leadership, aiming to be a proactive and independent actor in the climate dialogue. The convergence of climate action and the situation in Gaza in Indonesian media indicated an awareness of the interconnected nature of global issues.
Uncovering Unique Trends That Demand Brands’ Media Engagement Attention
In exploring specific markets, China’s narratives focused on global collaboration and geopolitical dynamics, emphasising its role in building a green, low-carbon future. Indonesia highlighted local impact and leadership, aiming to be a proactive and independent actor in the climate dialogue.
The convergence of climate action and the situation in Gaza in Indonesian media indicated an awareness of the interconnected nature of global issues. Vietnam’s headlines showcased a holistic and active approach at COP28, emphasising its energy transition plan and a $15.5 billion investment, reflecting a nuanced strategy that combines domestic efforts with international cooperation.
Conclusion
The analysis provides valuable insights into the APAC region’s climate advocacy and communication strategies. Understanding media dynamics in different countries, such as Singapore’s concentration, Japan’s diversity, and the focused coverage in Malaysia and the Philippines, is crucial for tailoring communication strategies effectively in each market and advancing global climate conversations.
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