Vietnam's transition to a market economy has led to significant economic growth, but at the cost of environmental degradation. The country is now prioritizing green growth, with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) playing a key role in promoting sustainable development. GGGI supports projects like solar power and electric buses, and collaborates with government ministries to develop green policies and infrastructure. Despite challenges such as high energy demand and climate change, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

The article highlights the severe impact of the Lower Sesan II (LS2) dam on the Bunong community in Kbal Romeas, Cambodia. The dam, funded by the Chinese company Hydrolancang, has caused significant flooding, displacing residents and threatening their traditional way of life. Despite government efforts to relocate the villagers, many refuse to leave due to cultural and spiritual ties to their land. The dam's environmental impact is also significant, disrupting fish populations and local ecosystems. Activists and local residents express frustration and concern over the lack of transparency and support from the government.

Internet freedom in Southeast Asia is rapidly declining, with seven out of eight countries in the region experiencing increased censorship and repression. Researchers highlight the role of China’s sophisticated surveillance system as an influential factor. Countries like Myanmar and Cambodia have seen significant setbacks, with journalists being arrested and independent newspapers shut down. Social media platforms, once safe havens for activists, are now criticized for cooperating with autocratic regimes. Upcoming elections in the region are expected to further test the limits of internet freedom.

The article discusses the plight of American Cambodians deported to Cambodia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These individuals, who have lived most of their lives in the U.S., struggle to adapt to a country they barely know, facing language barriers, unemployment, and social stigma. The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, aims to increase deportations, despite the significant mental health issues and trauma experienced by these deportees. The Cambodian government is hesitant to accept more deportees, recognizing their inability to integrate into society.

The Philippines is identified as the most dangerous country in Southeast Asia for journalists, with multiple killings linked to their work on political corruption, illegal gambling, and the drug trade. Despite a decrease in journalist deaths, impunity for these crimes remains high. President Rodrigo Duterte's administration is criticized for its stance on press freedom and human rights abuses, including the war on drugs and extended martial law in Mindanao. The International Federation of Journalists and Human Rights Watch emphasize the need for independent reporting and greater protection for journalists.

The Pacific island of Fiji is experiencing severe impacts from climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events threatening its communities. Togoru village has largely been submerged, with sea walls failing to hold back the advancing waters. Fiji's government has identified 60 villages in need of relocation, a significant number for a country with just over a million inhabitants. The country, which contributes only 0.01 percent of global carbon emissions, has faced devastating cyclones, including Winston in 2016, which caused damage equivalent to a third of Fiji's GDP. Climate change is also affecting agriculture and fishing, with traditional crops and coral reefs dying. Fiji has taken a proactive role in international climate discussions, despite its limited means to combat the effects of climate change. The European Union has provided financial support for the construction of disaster-resistant villages, but the loss of land and traditional lifestyles is a source of pain for the Fijian people.

Kumi Naidoo, a South African activist and former executive director of Greenpeace, emphasizes the need for youth to develop innovative solutions to address climate change and social injustice, criticizing current leaders for their failures. He highlights the importance of local innovation, such as small-scale solar grids, and calls for a shift away from excessive consumption towards community and equity. Naidoo urges young people to take immediate action, warning that waiting for the future may be too late.