Does "carbon footprint" mean anything to you?
The term, which refers to "sets of greenhouses gas emissions caused by an organisation, event, product, or individual," happens to be relevant at the moment as world leaders are gathering in Paris this week for a climate meeting known as COP21.
Some people are still sceptical about whether there is such a thing as climate change or global warming. This is not to mention the fact that many tend to look at the issue in a poor versus rich countries framework and to think Thailand has no obligations.
Yet, extreme climate patterns, drought and severe storms show us that climate change is real and it's us who are being affected by the weather impact.
More importantly, climate change is an issue for Bangkok in particular, given that the city is under the mean sea level which exposes it to the risk of flooding.
For those who are not familiar with this carbon footprint thing, I would say the guidelines -- most of them -- are simple. I am certain that many may have applied them to their own lifestyles. Of those, some may do it without thinking about the climate. After all, following those guidelines means they can save a few baht in their piggy banks.
Like what?
Reduce, reuse, recycle is the most basic scheme that is a good start for those who are thinking of reducing their carbon footprint.
There are quite a few websites on the issue, for those who are interesting in adopting a low-carbon lifestyle.
And I believe we can start reducing our carbon footprint any time, without waiting for COP21.
While I think we should value individual efforts in carbon footprint reduction, it's the state that make things easier -- or harder -- for us to adopt a climate friendly lifestyle. This is especially true when it comes to transport -- the area directly involved with energy and carbon emissions.
We are well aware of the limitations, especially in public transport.
There is no question about the electric train system's efficiency. But it benefits those who live near or along the network more expensive fares mean the service is also not for the masses.
Then there is the inefficient bus service. We have to admit that private cars are still necessary for a large number of Bangkokians. Those who live on the outskirts of Bangkok, like in the Phutthamonthon area, do whatever they can to own a car as buses are simply inadequate for their needs.
But this does not mean those who drive their own cars cannot opt for carbon footprint reduction. Choices vary, starting from carpooling to adopting good driving habits (non-aggressive driving, keeping tyres properly inflated). On holidays, some should consider using public transport.
Biking is an ideal choice, but it's still too dangerous given the lack of practical bike lanes.
With regard to transport, we need infrastructure to enable us to cut back on carbon emissions in our everyday lives -- something the state, the city administration, as well as authorities in the provinces have failed to provide.
Cycling is a case in point. It's a shame that the current city administration under governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has not made good on the pledge of predecessor Apirak Kosayodhin that the administration would add bike lane strips to every new city road to support to this low-carbon mode of transport.
That pledge has been long forgotten and we are back to square one: cycling is unsafe and our roads are a vast area for enormous carbon emissions that are aggravated by heavy traffic.
Of course, one may argue that individual attempts to reduce our carbon footprint are too trivial to make a difference, as it's industry and the energy sector that are key. But I don't think we, as individuals, have an excuse not to chip in.
If cycling is a prime example of how those running the city and the country lack strong political will, on a larger scale, the state policy toward coal in the energy sector -- due to the determination of policy makers to go ahead with coal-fired plants in Krabi and Songkhla -- is another example that our commitment to combat climate change, with a pledge to slash carbon emissions by 20-25% from the 2005 baseline, is nothing more than lip service.
It's necessary that we keep a close watch on state policy and convince our decision makers that climate hypocrisy will not solve a thing.
Ploenpote Atthakor is Deputy Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post.