Showing 1 - 10 of 134
Is Asean ready to abandon coal?
Oped, Published on 14/06/2024
» Coal remains critical for providing secure and affordable energy, supporting economic growth, and enabling a just energy transition in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Scrapping coal without prudent energy planning could drag Asean member states (AMS) into a self-inflicted energy crisis.
Green push needs united approach
News, Published on 20/05/2024
» Bridging the divide between agriculture and forestry is imperative for climate action. The global and national race is on to steeply reduce emissions over the next six years. According to the watershed Global Stocktake report, released ahead of COP28 in Dubai, we face the daunting task of reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 to retain the possibility of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century, and 27% to stabilise at a 2-degree temperature increase. Since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, we have managed only to be on track for a 2% reduction in emissions against 2019 baselines. Each subsequent year, we collectively feel the impacts of a hotter, more volatile climate as new records are set for temperature and natural disasters.
Towards strategic Thai-French ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/05/2024
» In April 2022, Thailand learned that French President Emmanuel Macron was keen to engage with the Asia-Pacific region in person. As the host of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting (Apec) in October of that year, former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Don Pramudwinai quickly issued an invitation to the president to attend as a guest. The rest, as they say, is history.
Is climate action a trump card?
News, Published on 13/05/2024
» If former US president Donald Trump returns to the White House next year, China needs to step up to assume the mantle of global climate leadership -- an outcome that many have considered impossible. After all, China has been the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases for nearly two decades, currently accounting for 35% of global carbon dioxide emissions. But geopolitical dynamics can shift quickly in the face of conflict, economic strife and crucial elections, meaning that China could soon be seen in a new light.
Taking on Bangkok's punishing heat
Oped, Danny Marks, Published on 03/05/2024
» As scorching temperatures blanket Thailand, setting new records in several regions, Bangkok and its outskirts are enduring the full force of the relentless heatwave. Bangkok sizzled under a heat index exceeding 52C on Tuesday, a measure that combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it actually feels. Tragically, heat-related fatalities in the country have reached 30 this year alone. A recent study reveals the unequal impact of urban heat intensity on Bangkok's residents, with lower-income individuals facing heightened heat stress during daily activities and rest.
The future of Bangkok-Dhaka ties
Oped, Published on 25/04/2024
» With Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina having arrived in Bangkok to attend the eightieth session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (Escap) from April 24-29, the stage is set for Bangladesh and Thailand to embark on a journey of enhanced cooperation.
Towards a just energy transition
News, Published on 22/04/2024
» Established in 1970, Earth Day is commemorated annually on April 22 to raise public awareness on environmental issues. Therefore, it is crucial to contemplate the strides made in combating pressing environmental issues, such as increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When it comes to reducing or removing GHG emissions from the atmosphere, the transition away from fossil fuels becomes inevitable. However, it also prompts questions about whether this transition is simply just a transition or if it's a truly equitable and fair transition.
Southeast Asian banks must stop funding coal
Oped, Published on 11/04/2024
» Indonesia is by far a major top producer of dangerous climate emissions -- more than any country in the Southeast Asian region, mainly due to its burning of coal. The country is also feeling the full force of worsening climate disasters, from floods and storms to deadly landslides. My hometown, Jakarta, is sinking -- and this is compounded by regular catastrophic flooding and air pollution that disrupts millions of lives. Indonesia faces huge risks as it currently sits as the second most disaster-prone country in the world, according to the World Risk Report 2023.
Building a shared future together
News, Published on 18/03/2024
» The Lancang-Mekong River, which begins in China and stretches for nearly 5,000 kilometres, flows through the highest number of riparian countries than other rivers in Asia. The six riparian countries -- China and other five downstream nations (namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand) which are "enjoying the same river" -- form a community with a shared future featuring "equality, sincerity, mutual assistance and kinship". The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism, named after the river, has been warmly received and responded to by all relevant countries since its initiation.
It's known as extinction
Postbag, Published on 10/03/2024
» Re: "Wild monkey assault sparks debate", (BP, March 9).