Environment

Diamonds are forever but “James Bond Island” in Phang Nga Bay may not

Published

1 week ago

April 2, 2021

Boris Sullivan

Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources will assess the stability of the limestone karst towers, which make up the chain of islands, after several similar rock formations, in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, have collapsed.

Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources, Montri Lueng-ingkasoot explained to ThaiPBS that most of the rock formations in the southern parts of Thailand are at high risk of erosion, and many of them have already been eroded by thunderstorms, which can affect the safety of tourists.

Due to the structure of James Bond Island and the risk factors, there is a possibility that part of the formation might collapse. A detailed assessment of the structural viability of the rocks has, however, never been carried out. The study will, however, take place in April and May.

A large rock formation, near Koh Talu of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province, broke in half due to strong winds and high seas. Another formation collapsed in February, at Prasat Hin Pun Yod of Khao Yai Island, in Mu Koh Phetra National Park in Satun province, prompting officials to temporarily close the national park to tourists.

Environment

Southeast Asia remains a hot spot for plastic pollution

The use of plastics is deeply embedded in our daily lives, in everything from grocery bags and cutlery to water bottles and sandwich wrap. But the quest for convenience has gone too far and we are failing to use plastics efficiently, wasting valuable resources and harming the environment.

Published

6 days ago

April 6, 2021

Victoria Kwakwa

Southeast Asia has emerged as a hot spot for plastic pollution because of rapid urbanization and a rising middle class , whose consumption of plastic products and packaging is growing due to their convenience and versatility.

(more…)

Environment

Climate Change: how Asia-Pacific will affect the whole planet

Pursuing a green recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19 might sound daunting, but it’s actually a great opportunity to direct recovery spending into stimulating sustainable jobs and growth and fight climate change.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 26, 2021

Headline Editor

Forget the poetic flap of a butterfly’s wings in Beijing causing rain in Central Park. Climate change issues in Asia-Pacific are measured in superlatives. The world’s biggest population. Two of the three largest carbon dioxide-emitting countries and the largest share of emissions globally.

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Asean

12 Things to Know about the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF)

The ACGF is an ASEAN Infrastructure Fund initiative managed by ADB’s Southeast Asia Department Innovation Hub. It helps Southeast Asian governments prepare and finance infrastructure projects promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to climate change goals.