2025 Asia Day of Action against Coal
Rallies were held on September 9 in more than 70 cities and provinces in 6 Asian countries calling for an ambitious action on coal phase-out. In a coordinated wave of mobilizations for the 2025 Asia Day of Action against Coal, protesters stepped up the call to end Asia’s persistent dependence on coal and pave the way for a just energy transition. They demand the immediate shutdown of 36 harmful coal plants in Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Most of these plants are aging, inefficient, and financially unsustainable yet they remain operational.
“This day of action is a regional initiative bringing together movements and communities in the forefront of the struggle against coal, the most polluting power source and primary driver of the global climate crisis. We demand a rapid and just transition out of coal. This involves a managed phase out of coal energy to renewable energy and creating a sustainable future for workers and communities dependent on the coal industry,“ said Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD).
Nacpil added that a rapid and just transition out of coal to renewable energy also means Asian governments must be firm in demanding the delivery of Climate Finance for the energy transition.
Analysis of how Asia can transition away from coal to a renewable-based energy system compatible with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) find that coal-fired power should have already peaked five years ago and be rapidly decreasing at this time; and coal-fired power generation should be reduced by more than half and phased out 11 years from now.
As of 2024, there are over 2,000 operational coal plants in Asia accounting for 78% of the global capacity of coal-fired power plants. Many of these plants are in China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. They provide 60% of energy consumed in Asia and are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. They emit about 7.2 gigatons of CO2 annually or about 20% of annual global energy-related CO2 emissions. They are major contributors to air pollution, causing millions of people to suffer from respiratory illnesses and premature deaths. They have also disrupted local livelihoods by polluting air, water, and soil, affecting thousands of farmers and fishers, and displaced communities from ancestral lands without adequate compensation or resettlement support.
Notes to Editors
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Waterkeepers Bangladesh led a visual protest at Shyamoli Park demanding to “Save the Sundarbans Hilsha and Salt” and the shutdown of Rampal, Barishal, Patukhuali, Matarbari, and Banshkhali coal-fired power plants. Co-organizers include Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), 350org, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Brighters, Centre for Atmospheric Pollution and Studies (CAPS), Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Climate Frontier, Environmental Research and Development Alternatives (ERDA), Equity BD, Global Law Thinkers Society (GLTS), Khasi Student Union, Mission Green Bangladesh, OAB Foundation, River Bangla, Riverine People, Shocheton Foundation, Sundarban O Upakul Surokkha Andolon, Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN), and Youth and Environment Development Organization (YEDO).
In India, the National Hawker Federation led more than 50 mobilizations in Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. mm&P (mines, minerals & People) led mobilizations by coal-impacted communities in Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh. Nadi Ghati Morcha demonstrated in Chattisgarh with members of the indigenous community impacted by coal projects in the region and demanding the end of coal use.
In Karachi, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum led a rally of community leaders, fisherfolk, trade union leaders and women activists calling for a coal phaseout . In Punjab Province, Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee led a press conference and demonstration in front of the Sahiwal Coal Power Project, a 1,320 MW imported coal-fired power plant.
In Manila, Philippines, Sanlakas and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) led a march from Bonifacio Shrine Heroes Park to Mendiola Street, near Malacanang Palace where they staged a dramatic action of people rising to shut down coal power plants across the country. Small protest actions were also held in front of coal power projects in six provinces – Zambales, Quezon (in Atimonan and Mauban), Bataan, Batangas, Cebu(Toledo) and Misamis Oriental.
In Thailand, Fossil Free Thailand demonstrated in Chachoengsao Province demanding no new LNG power plants and in Prachinburi Province calling for the immediate shutdown of coal power plants. In Sri Lanka, the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) led a demonstration in Kandy.
In Sri Lanka, the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) led a demonstration in Kandy.
In Nepal, members of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development-Nepal held a gathering for solidarity with communities fighting coal in Asia and expressing support for just transition and system change.