Thai People Urged to Alleviate Disaster Risks through Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Thai people have been urged to join hands in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through various activities in their daily life.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha cited greenhouse gas emissions as a major condition leading to disasters.

In his national address on 21 April 2017, the Prime Minister said that an environmental organization in Germany had listed Thailand as one of the top-ten countries most affected by climate-related disasters.

Thailand needs to take serious action to deal with this problem; otherwise, the country might face more severe disasters, such as floods and drought conditions.

He explained that more or less everyone was involved in greenhouse gas emissions through various activities and industries that require the use of energy.

Aware of the importance of handling this problem, Thailand intends to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25 percent by 2030.

The Prime Minister said that His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej had given guidance on dealing with “global warming” since 1989. Thailand aims to enhance climate resilience through the guidance of the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, bestowed to the people by His Majesty.

The philosophy offers guidelines for approaching environmental problems within the framework of moderation, insight, and resilience.

He said that the Government focuses on the goal of sustainable development, in accordance with the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, which suggests balanced development along with environmental protection.

At the same time, the Government attaches great importance to reforestation, as forest areas would help absorb greenhouse gas and ease the global warming problem. It has also implemented several measures, such as the production and use of renewable and alternative energy and the transformation of garbage into green energy.

Moreover, land transport on roads will be reduced, with an increase in rail transport. The Government has launched projects on the development of mass transit systems, the use of electric cars, and the promotion of biodiesel and ethanol in the transport sector.

Source: Thai People Urged to Alleviate Disaster Risks through Greenhouse Gas Reduction