Showing 1 - 10 of 355
Taylor Swift can learn a lot from Billie Eilish
News, Published on 17/05/2024
» Not long ago, I lamented the lack of climate anthems. Perhaps we'll find one on Hit Me Hard and Soft, the third studio album from Billie Eilish that's due to drop today.
Politicising novel solutions to climate change
News, Bjorn Lomborg, Published on 13/05/2024
» Climate studies are increasingly becoming politicised. Harvard University recently shut down a key geoengineering research project because of intense backlash, despite the college's aspiration to become "a global beacon for climate change."
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.
The mother of all climate feedbacks?
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 10/05/2024
» 'Just like this year, last year the heatwave extended from parts of India to Bangladesh and Myanmar, and all the way to Thailand. This year it went further east, into the Philippines. So, it's the same pattern," said Prof Krishna Achutarao of the Indian Institute of Technology. "I do not particularly buy into this idea that El Niño is the cause."
Navigating Thailand's energy transition
Oped, Published on 25/04/2024
» In Thailand’s National Energy Plan (NEP) — a blueprint outlining the country’s energy strategy from 2023 to 2037 — a small portion of nuclear energy is included as one form of alternative energy.
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.
Why solar and wind are not winning
Oped, Bjorn Lomborg, Published on 20/04/2024
» Despite us constantly being told that solar and wind are now the cheapest forms of electricity, governments around the world needed to spend US$1.8 trillion (66.3 trillion baht) on the green transition last year. "Wind and solar are already significantly cheaper than coal and oil" is how US President Joe Biden conveniently justifies spending hundreds of billions of dollars on green subsidies. Indeed, arguing that wind and solar is cheapest is a meme employed by green lobbyists, activists and politicians around the world. Unfortunately, as the $1.8 trillion price-tag shows, the claim is wildly deceptive.
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.
Diabolical toy pods merit firm ban
Oped, Published on 11/04/2024
» The latest news on the rising popularity of "toy pods" -- as well as the Bangkok Post's editorial titled "Save children from toy pods" -- reminded me of commercial determinants of health (CDoH), a topic which was addressed at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference in January.
We need climate adaptation now
Oped, Published on 05/04/2024
» The announcement made by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is a grim warning of record-high temperatures. The entire nation is bracing for scorching hot weather this month, with forecasters saying temperatures look set to reach 44.5 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. For example, the mercury level in the Thoen district of the northern Lampang province reached 42C on Monday and yesterday, the hottest temperatures for this year’s summer so far. Meanwhile, the TMD reported the temperature of Muang district was not far behind at 41.8C.