Thailand to affirm climate credentials in Madrid

Thailand to affirm climate credentials in Madrid

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thailand will affirm its commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid.

Paitoon Mahapannaporn, the deputy director-general of the Department of Asean Affairs, said Thailand will urge all parties to enhance their mitigation and adaptation actions by implementing Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement at the climate talks on Dec 10.

"Asean will also call upon developed countries to provide assistance and support to Asean member states and other developing countries for technology development and transfer, scientific research and capacity building," he told a forum held on the theme of "Climate Change Imperatives and Impediments: Regional Responses and Local Reactions" at Chulalongkorn University yesterday.

Referring to the UN Climate Action Summit in New York in September, Mr Paitoon said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as the Asean chair this year, also expressed the bloc's commitment to energy transition.

In this regard, Niall O'Connor, the director of the Stockholm Environment Institute's Asia Centre, urged Thailand to take a lead in pioneering solar power.

"The idea of putting the world's largest floating solar farms in reservoirs is fantastic. If we can keep it in this way, it can help inspire other countries to do the same. It is very clear that the cost of renewable energy has come down dramatically. It is now equal to or less than fossil fuel. We know we have alternatives. Why are we not doing it?" he asked.

Meanwhile, Scott Chang, the Asia Pacific Director of Ford Motor Company Foundation, underlined the role of community programmes in tackling environmental issues at the grassroots level, referring to the Ford Resource and Engagement Centre in Bangkok's Pomprap Sattruphai district.

"It can push forward the next version of Bangkok -- that is sustainable. We have a vibrant space for NGOs and anybody who wants to come in and use our shared facilities … Among our partners are the Scholars of Sustenance. They collect, inspect, and redistribute food waste to orphanages and shelters. This can reduce landfills and CO2 emissions," he said.

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