Japan joins up with Thailand to promote a cooler Earth

Japan was given the responsibility last year of formulating an effective post2012 Framework on Climate Change for all major economies.

Under this programme, Japan's ambassador for global environmental affairs, Kyoji Komachi, said his country would propose a "Cool Earth Partnership" with developing countries.

"Japan is currently giving additional financial support to countries that have joined the partnership," he said.

A "Cool Earth" seminar will be held at Government House today, with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti and other environmental experts attending. Delegates from Japan will present possible forms of assistance under the partnership, and with the help of Thai official institutions, environmental experts will identify current and future needs of Thailand in the context of climate change.

"We hope to discuss how Japan and Thailand can cooperate to mitigate and work against climate change through achieving economic growth in the most effective manner," Komachi said.

The seminar will also highlight some key topics of climate change, including the promotion of sustainable development through clean production and coolearth programmes, a strategic plan on climate change and action plans for the next 10 years, advanced industrial and environmental energy conservation technologies.