Carbon Taxation and Forest Sustainability in ASEAN and East Asia: Challenges and Policy Responses

Abstract

This chapter explores the integration of carbon taxation within forest sustainability frameworks across ASEAN and East Asia, identifying both challenges and potential opportunities. The analysis addresses key barriers to effective policy implementation, such as economic concerns, policy coherence, and technological adoption. Moreover, the study highlights how carbon taxes can incentivize sustainable forest management and broader conservation efforts. Emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks, regional collaboration, and the promotion of green technologies, the findings suggest that policy reforms are crucial for enhancing carbon market structures, advancing sustainability research and development, and engaging local communities. This synthesis underscores the central role of carbon taxation in aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, advocating for a proactive approach to achieving regional climate goals and sustainable development.