Showing 51 - 60 of 217
Mekong talks not inclusive
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/08/2021
» Arriving late is always better than never. So, after years of witnessing the ecology of the Mekong River being choked by the development of hydro-powered dams, communities in this region can have some hope after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Mekong River Commission (MRC) stepped in and co-hosted the Water Security Dialogue, held in Laos from yesterday until today.
Making supply chains stronger
Oped, Published on 04/08/2021
» Automobile and electronics manufacturers worldwide have recently had to reduce output because a severe drought in Taiwan has hit the island's production of semiconductors. This and other global supply-chain disruptions -- many of them caused by the Covid-19 pandemic -- have prompted advanced economies to take steps to mitigate the potential impact. But what types of government action make economic sense?
How e-mobility can power Thailand to net zero
Oped, Published on 08/07/2021
» Thailand's rich natural resources have been helping driving the country's economic growth for decades. Minerals -- from tin, gypsum, natural gas and coal, not to mention teeming forests -- have been exploited and minted many businessmen in the kingdom. Yet, there is something rarely tapped into, despite being relatively cheap and abundant, and that is sunshine. Solar energy is a natural resource that has been here in abundance yet it has been taken for granted for so long.
Asia needs bolder climate action
Oped, Published on 23/06/2021
» As Asia and the Pacific confronts and recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, we must continue our pursuit of sustainable development and take action on global climate change, the existential challenge of our time.
Thailand should embrace 'Race to Zero' challenge
Oped, Published on 13/05/2021
» At his recent Earth Day Climate Summit, US President Joe Biden pledged to cut America's greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. If delivered, this promise would transform the US economy -- for the better. Mr Biden's announcement adds to a rapidly growing list of commitments from countries and corporations around the world to move toward net zero emissions, an ambitious goal often referred to as the "Race to Zero".
Who's more right, Greta Thunberg or Bill Gates?
Oped, Published on 06/05/2021
» Some people say that to avoid the threat of catastrophic harm to human welfare posed by global warming, we must radically change our behaviour -- cease flying, use bicycles, and give up red meat. Others believe that new technologies can deliver carbon-free growth. So, who is right: Greta Thunberg, who advocates the former course, or Bill Gates, who just wrote a book advocating the latter?
Who'll pay for energy transition?
Oped, Published on 29/04/2021
» The transition from a fossil-fuel dominated energy system to one with zero emissions would require trillions of dollars of investment in new production, distribution and consumption equipment worldwide.
Shipping is worse than aviation
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 30/03/2021
» 'We're waiting on food goods like coconut milk and syrups, some spare parts for motors, we've got some fork lift trucks, some Amazon goods on there, all sorts," said Steve Parks of Seaport Freight Services in England, who is awaiting twenty of the 18,300 containers aboard the Ever Given. Which of those things cannot be sourced from somewhere closer than Asia?
Cashing in on Sino-US 'green' race
Oped, Published on 17/02/2021
» After taking office as the president of the United States last month, Joe Biden has been translating his campaign promises on climate change into action, with the support from the young, progressive wing in the Democrat party. Among the highlights in his proposals include pledges for net-zero emissions and a 100% clean energy economy by 2050 -- a clear reversal from Donald Trump, a climate change denier who had a cosy relationship with the fossil fuel industry.
Dealing With A Covid-19 Side Effect
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/01/2021
» One side effect of the Covid-19 pandemic that you may have overlooked (besides amassing a vast collection of hand sanitisers and exposing govt inefficiency -- kapow!) is more waste, especially plastic. Inevitably, it is exacerbated by our appetite for food delivery while we're WFH during this quasi-lockdown. The first wave saw an increase of plastic waste by 60% in Bangkok due to the higher demand for food delivery as estimated by Thailand Environment Institute in May last year. Thailand Research Development Insitute also claimed that one such order can contain up to seven pieces of plastic waste (so opt-out of utensils when you order please).