Thailand’s Bold Climate Actions Post-COP29: Towards Carbon Neutrality

The vibrant and culturally rich nation of Thailand is not just a feast for the eyes, famed for its picturesque landscapes and aromatic cuisine; it’s also taking concrete steps to become an environmental trailblazer. Despite the underwhelming results from the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, Thailand remains resolute in its pursuit of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. But who said tackling climate change has to be dull? Here’s an engaging rundown of Thailand’s green mission!

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, the call for an eco-friendly Thailand echoes louder than ever. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, after mingling with global leaders at COP29 from November 11 to 22, didn’t mince words about the urgency of achieving Thailand’s carbon neutrality objectives. With the planet’s health at stake, there’s no time like the present for intensified action in slashing carbon emissions, especially for Thailand, a nation particularly vulnerable to climate change’s capricious whims.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. Remember COP26? That was when Thailand boldly pledged to strike a balance between carbon emissions and absorption by the distant year of 2050. While the financial aid fountain didn’t exactly overflow at COP29 as one might have hoped, fear not! Thailand’s resolve remains as strong as a street vendor’s chicken satay. Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had already laid down the gauntlet at COP26 in 2021, unveiling Thailand’s audacious blueprint: achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and hit that elusive net-zero target by 2065.

It’s a hefty task, no doubt. Chalermchai has been waving the funding flag high and proud, advocating for substantial financial backing to bolster initiatives that breathe life into eco-friendly business landscapes. And let’s not forget the dreamers in the energy sector, who are eyeing substantial investments to turn green fantasies into realities with solar power plants, complete with chic energy storage systems. Chaya Chandavasu, PTT Plc’s Senior Executive VP for corporate strategy, played the role of cheerleader, echoing the sentiment that financial support from wealthier nations is the secret sauce for developing countries eager to hit those carbon-neutral and net-zero milestones.

The money matters saga at COP29 had financial pundits and environmentalists sipping tea and raising eyebrows, as affluent nations pledged a hefty $300 billion per year for climate-aid packages aimed at developing countries. Yet, experts on the sidelines pointed out a shortfall between promises made and the mounting climate challenges laid bare before us.

In a decade-spanning tale of threats to Mother Earth, a warning bell from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization’s Anothai Sangthong reminded us of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C ambition – an echo from COP21’s halls in 2015. Without turbo-charged moves to trim CO2 emissions, we might just experience a higher temperature before we can say “Sawadee!”

Driven by these pressing perils, Thailand’s resolve picked up speed, setting more ambitious climate goals by 2035 at COP29, targeting a 270-million-ton reduction in greenhouse gases, all mapped out in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Here’s a little tech twist to the story: Thailand has conjured the NetZero Man app, a digital wizard helping citizens tally their carbon footprints, thanks to data like miles travelled or the energy used for your beloved tom yum goong. The app has taken the nation by storm, clocking in over 50,000 downloads in 2024 and showing glimpses of success with a 2.5% dip in CO2 emissions from homes and businesses during its first six months.

Intriguingly, the Thai government’s ambitions extend beyond just jaw-dropping policies. With its soon-to-be-enforced Climate Change Act, Thailand is waving its green banner high by making greenhouse gas declarations mandatory for specific industries. Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, suggests that this pioneering legislation will include measures like a Climate Change Fund, carbon pricing dynamics, an Emission Trading System, and a carbon tax. The aim? To combat greenwashing and make sure companies genuinely cut emissions instead of just buying carbon credits as a get-out-of-jail-free card.

And there you have it! A snapshot of Thailand’s dynamic and unyielding journey toward a sustainable future that’s as green as its lush jungles. While COP29 may have been short on cash, Thailand’s commitment to our planet and future generations remains stout-hearted. All we can do now is cheer them on and maybe dream of a future as vibrant and sustainable as Thailand itself.