Climate change in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries most affected by changes in the world's climate. Because of its many islands and long coastlines, Indonesia faces challenges from rising ocean levels and extreme weather like floods, storms, and droughts. The country's tropical forests help balance the climate by taking in carbon dioxide from the air.

Indonesia also creates a lot of greenhouse gas emissions because of cutting down forests and using coal for power. This can affect farming, the economy, and health. Indonesia has promised to cut down its emissions under international agreements like the Copenhagen Accord and the Paris Agreement. However, some people in the country still do not believe that climate change is happening.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Indonesia makes a lot of greenhouse gases because it cuts down many forests. Since 2010, Indonesia has joined the REDD+ program, which helps developing countries lower deforestation and protect forests. This program also helps biodiversity and supports local people. But there are challenges like poor governance and not enough money.

Indonesia can also fight climate change by using sustainable forest management and agroforestry. These methods help care for forests and keep their carbon. The government wants to cut emissions by 2030, but it needs stronger actions and better rules to make this happen.

Impacts on the natural environment

Temperature and climate change projections

Indonesia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity. There are wet seasons from November to April and dry seasons from May to October. Scientists predict that temperatures in Indonesia will rise by about 1.6 °C by 2050 and 3.9 °C by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow.

Changes in rainfall patterns are harder to predict because Indonesia's weather varies so much by region. We may see longer periods of heat and more extreme weather such as droughts and flooding.

Marine ecosystems

Indonesia has the world's largest archipelago, meaning many people live near the coast and depend on the sea for food. But climate change is harming these ecosystems. Warmer oceans and more carbon dioxide can damage coral reef areas, making them fade in color and die. This hurts many sea creatures that depend on coral reefs.

Higher sea levels are also a problem, especially for low-lying areas. This can erode coastlines, flood lands, and harm important habitats like mangrove forests, which are home to many fish and other sea life.

Terrestrial environment

Climate change affects land areas too. Indonesia loses many forests each year due to farming and logging. This removes trees that absorb carbon dioxide and harms animals that live in the forests. Extreme weather like forest fires adds more carbon dioxide to the air.

Many areas, especially around forests, are changing due to human activities. This puts pressure on wildlife and natural spaces.

Peatlands and fire

Peatlands are wet lands that store a lot of carbon, helping to reduce climate change. But in recent years, many peatlands in Indonesia have been damaged by fires and clearing for farms. These fires release huge amounts of carbon dioxide and pollute the air, harming health and adding to climate change.

Biodiversity

Indonesia is rich in plants and animals, but many are at risk. Loss of habitats, climate change, and other factors are causing some animal groups, like Sumatran elephants and tigers, to decline in number. Forests, especially mangrove forests, are also disappearing, which affects fish and other sea animals.

Sea level rise and land subsidence

Jakarta is sinking because of too much water being taken from underground and too little clean water available to everyone. As the ground sinks and sea levels rise, much of northern Jakarta could be underwater by 2050. Because of this, Indonesia plans to move its capital to a new city on the island of Borneo.

Impacts upon people

Indonesia's way of life for millions depends on farming. Important crops like palm oil, cocoa, coffee, rice, and tobacco help feed the country and bring in money. But warmer temperatures and long dry spells can hurt how much food grows. Some places may get too much rain, while others may not get enough, which also affects farming.

Indonesia has many people who work in fishing. But warmer water can mean fewer fish. Changing weather patterns can make traditional fishing ways unsafe. The country has many forests and mines, but climate change brings more fires, floods, and damage to the land. This hurts both nature and jobs.

Tourism and trade are important for Indonesia's economy. Rising sea levels may wash away beaches and islands that people visit. Hotter weather can also make travel less pleasant and hurt the number of visitors. Climate change can also make it harder to grow food and move goods, which affects trade both locally and across the country.

Health can also be affected by climate change. Hot weather, poor air, and dirty water can make people sick. This shows how important it is to act on climate change to keep people healthy.

Mitigation and adaptation

Indonesia has worked to lower its greenhouse gas emissions since the Conference of Parties in 2009, also called the Copenhagen Summit. The country promised to cut emissions by 2020. Indonesia created a program to support friendly environmental practices, especially in farming areas. The government also put a pause on giving out permits to clear forests, though some people are not sure if this will slow down deforestation. Indonesia set up protected parks and wildlife areas to conserve forests. In 2015, the country shared its plans to cut emissions by 2030 with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Indonesia is part of the Paris agreement and aims to cut emissions by 2030. The country also wants to reduce emissions from forests and restore damaged land. Indonesia is trying to use more clean energy, planning to reach 23% renewable energy by 2025 and 31% by 2030. The country has taken steps to better manage forests, but more effort is needed to reach the 2030 targets.

Society and culture

In 2019, a survey showed that 18% of people in Indonesia did not believe in climate change. This number is higher than in Saudi Arabia and the U.S..

Climate education is not part of the school curriculum.