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Published on November 28, 2007

Launched world-wide yesterday, the "Fighting Climate Change: Human solidarity in a divided world" report encouraged Thailand, as the region's largest economic growth sector and one of the biggest carbon emitters in the region to increase energy efficiency, innovate incentives for alternative energy and to incorporate new technologies that reduce carbon emissions.

"As Thailand is leading the economic growth in the region, I believe the country has the capacity to be the region's leader in fighting climate change," said Gwi-Yeop Son, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand, during a press conference in Bangkok.

According to the report, Thailand's carbon emissions have risen quickly over the past 15 years, at an average of 12.8 per cent a year, which is higher than many countries including Indonesia, India and even China. Thailand ranks as the world's 22nd carbon dioxide (Co2) emitter, and per capita emissions of Co2 stand at 4.2 tonnes per year.

However, when asked about the country's initiative to have its own nuclear power plant amid claims from the Energy Ministry that it would reduce emissions, the UNDP failed to give an opinion on whether Thailand is on the right track in fighting climate change.

The UNDP climate change advisor, Martin Krause said agricultural systems, not only in Thailand, but in the whole region, might break down as a result of drought, rising temperatures, more erratic rainfall and increasing exposure to extreme weather events. He called for governments to pay attention to adaptation policies to reduce vulnerability and increase coping ability.

Focusing on the unequal distribution of climate change, in term of contributors to the problem, impact, and the capacity in mitigating and adapting to the problem, Fighting Climate Change, the first international report that focuses on the impact of climate change on human development, called on developed countries to help developing countries to cope.

Pennapa Hongthong

 The Nation