Only 5 days left until the important United Nations Climate Conference, where Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will lead a team of Thai representatives to join talks with other countries today (27 October 2021) the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (TSS) has held a press conference confirming that Thailand is ready to enter the negotiating stage with the goal of reducing carbon emissions until reaching Carbon Neutrality in 44 years or 2065.
The Climate Conference “COP26” will be held from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow in the United Kingdom. It is an important meeting that the world is watching as many countries will review global warming targets over the next 10 years together to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.
The conference is also an important political forum where the country’s leaders announced strategies to reduce global warming. This year marks the first time Thailand has announced a carbon neutral target on the global stage. Currently, Thailand emits about 350 million tons of carbon dioxide and will reach its emissions point, the highest in 2030 before gradually reducing emissions and increasing gas absorption potential until the equilibrium point that can be released-absorbed is equal in 2065
“The prime minister will travel to Glasgow by himself. This shows that the prime minister sees the importance of climate change. We’re going to announce to the world what we can do,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Warawut Silpa-archa. The prime minister will attend the meeting on November 1-2.
In the past, Thailand has achieved “exceeding the target” to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 17% according to the 2020 target. from 7% and gradually increase the proportion of renewable energy instead of using coal
Minister Warawut emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a duty to act as a central coordinating agency. But reducing carbon dioxide must be reduced in all sectors, including energy, industry, transportation, as well as agriculture that still has “methane” gas, another challenging greenhouse gas.
in this meeting Thailand will also announce a long-term strategy for the development of low greenhouse gas emissions (LT-LEDS), of which only three countries in ASEAN have announced, “confirming that we will do it. I didn’t say casually,” according to the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
44 years too late?
The 2065 carbon-neutral goal raises the question of whether it’s too late for a global warming crisis. While many countries have set goals to achieve in 2050 such as Malaysia.
While the path to that goal is criticized as “inadequate”, the independent global warming policy monitoring group Climate Action Tracker has given Thailand a status of One reason is that Thailand has kept its emissions targets at the same speed and volume since the Paris Agreement six years ago, 20-25% from the original production. By 2030
The Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that this goal is appropriate for the current situation of the country.
“This 2065 target is the worst situation. At this global climate meeting, we may be pressured enough to adjust it faster. The Office of Environmental Planning and Policy is preparing that if really pressured. What will Thailand negotiate?
“I don’t want to burden the government and future generations. I can announce 2050, but the emissions cuts will affect many sectors and in the future it will be someone else in the position.”
Warawut emphasized that Thailand is ready to adjust the targets to reduce global warming according to the changing future situation, such as the gas absorption potential of the Thai forest sector, which will increase the number to 55% of the country’s area according to the national strategy. Technology and investment budget – this is another important agenda for developing countries to negotiate with developed countries as key emitters.
Capital – Technology Thailand prepares to negotiate with foreigners
Thailand is considered to be less than 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas producers and is one of the 16 countries most vulnerable to climate impacts.
The highlight of the meeting is the dialogue between developed countries and developing countries. on financial and technology support. Questions will arise about if developed countries will send $100 billion per year to the Green Climate Fund (approximately 3 trillion baht). In early October, Thailand was approved for 525 million baht for water management projects in the Yom and Nan agricultural sectors to cope with climate change.
In addition, negotiations with the joint forum Warawut revealed that Thailand is preparing to negotiate bilateral talks with Switzerland, Germany, and the United States on technology support.
In addition to environmental impact the economic impact is also remarkable. Warawut revealed that in 2023, the European Union, a major import market for Thailand, will begin a trial of tariffs on goods, taking into account the amount of carbon dioxide produced. It’s a matter of the private sector. In particular, the steel business and the agricultural sector must be prepared to adjust. by the government ready to support
“After the end of the 26th Climate Summit, the world will enter another world. Thailand must be fully geared,” Minister Warawut said.
