[google-translator]
Send us your news – [email protected]
Climate change: New global warming alarm/Sustainability: Cha Am recognized for sustainable tourism/Paradise at a crossroads?/V Villas Hua Hin’s Green Globe Certification/Thai aviation’s sustainability goals/Data Center Industry Analysis/Larvae managing organic waste/Energy: Rising Energy Demand in Southeast Asia/Cambodia to import more clean power/Cement Group Pushes for Green Energy Transition/Renewables failed to meet rising electricity demand/Southeast Asia needs to build climate-resilient energy systems/Constant Energy to install solar rooftop/Sustainable aviation fuel/A.T. Biopower Wins Award/Air: Thailand’s smog showdown/Recycling: Finnish waste-to-energy firm/Electric vehicles: Global EV sales up 30.5%/To strengthen Thailand’s EV ecosystem/Shift to electric vehicles impact/MR. D.I.Y. Thailand’s EV Fleet/Eco-tourism: A luxury eco resort/Wildlife: Adverts for ‘cruel’ elephant rides still rising/Celebrated hippo’s real home has disappeared/Dugong deaths rise/
UN sounds new global warming alarm
Current climate policies will result in global warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to a United Nations report on Thursday — more than twice the rise agreed to nearly a decade ago.
A chronic lack of ambition and climate action by countries over the past three years means the goal to keep global warming below 1.5C will soon be dead, the annual Emissions Gap report by the UN Environment Program has warned. Continued …
Cha Am among six Thai destinations recognized for efforts in sustainable tourism
The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories initiative by the Green Destinations Foundation helps foster a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry globally by sharing inspiring stories and best practices in sustainable tourism.
Each year, 100 destinations are selected for their effective initiatives that support environmental conservation, strengthen local communities, and promote responsible tourism. The stories from these destinations serve as examples and inspiration for others to adopt sustainable practices. Continued …
Paradise at a crossroads? Phuket’s fight to remain a top tourist destination
Phuket, the pearl of the Andaman Sea, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and a taste of tropical life. But beneath the surface of this popular destination lies a growing concern: is Phuket losing its allure?
A confluence of factors threatens to tarnish its image, potentially stripping the island of its coveted “destination status”. Continued …
V Villas Hua Hin Awarded Inaugural Green Globe Certification
Green Globe recently awarded V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection its inaugural certification. The MGallery Collection has a comprehensive sustainability-management plan in place that supports the establishment of green practices within a luxury boutique hotel.
Energy usage is minimized throughout the property, where each private villa uses a PAC system to recover heat from the AC compressor to produce hot water. No electricity provided from other sources is necessary to generate hot water for guest rooms. Continued …
Thai aviation a long way from meeting sustainability goals
The aviation sector worldwide has been racing against time to reach net zero by 2050. According to the International Air Transport Assn., the aviation industry produced 915 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2019, roughly 2% of global emissions.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) recently announced a target requiring Thai carriers usage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to account for 1% of their total fuel consumption by 2026, gradually raising the proportion of SAF usage beyond that year. Continued …
APAC Sustainable Data Center Industry Analysis
The APAC sustainable data center market was valued at $9.68 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $22.91 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 15.44%.
China, Australia, Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia are leading the development of sustainable data centers in the Asia-Pacific sustainable data center market. Data center operators and governments in these countries have advanced the use of renewable energy and other sustainable practices due to ongoing global warming and climate change issues. Continued …
Larvae offers a sustainable way to manage organic waste
Waste is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming, with 35%-40% of municipal solid waste consisting of food waste.
Innovative solutions are emerging to tackle these challenges, one of which is using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to manage organic waste. This innovation offers a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to organic waste management. Continued …
The Rising Energy Demand in Southeast Asia and Its Global Implications
Southeast Asia is emerging as a critical player in global energy markets, driven by rapid economic growth and demographic expansion. According to the 2024 Southeast Asia Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy demand in the region is set to rise sharply, second only to India in terms of the increase scale. Between 2010 and 2035, the area will account for over 25% of global energy demand growth, a significant jump from its 11% share between 2010 and 2020.
This rise in energy consumption is underpinned by Southeast Asia’s role as a global industrial hub and its growing population. By 2030, the region will be one of the five largest economies globally, with over 720 million residents. This increase in demand highlights the urgent need to balance energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Continued …
Cambodia to import more clean power from Thailand in next 2 years
Cambodia plans to import over 600 megawatts (MW) of clean power from neighbo ring Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, its energy minister Keo Rottanak said, increasing its contracted import capacity by over 50%.
The neighboring nation will import 300 MW of solar and hydro capacity from Laos starting in 2026. It is in the final stages of approval to almost double a 300 MW import deal with Vietnam and could potentially import another 100 MW from Thailand, Rottanak said. Continued …
Cement Group Pushes for Accelerated Green Energy Transition
The Thai Cement Manufacturers Assn. (TCMA) is urging the government to expedite the process of unlocking laws and regulations, seeking green funding to accelerate the industrial sector’s shift towards green energy.
TCMA is emphasizing the 3C concept (Collaborative Mindset – Collaborative Action – Collaborative Value) and continuing the “Saraburi Sandbox Low Carbon city” initiative, with global collaboration to enhance the long-term competitiveness of Thai industry. Continued …
ASEAN renewables failed to meet rising electricity demand in 2023
ASEAN’s renewables did not meet rising electricity demand last year and were entirely supplied by fossil fuels, according to an analysis by Ember. As the demand is expected to increase by 41% by 2030, coupled with falling renewable costs, solar and wind offer market opportunities due to their complementary nature.
Solar, hydro and geothermal were the cheapest in 2023. Hydro costs around $25 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in Lao PDR, while solar and wind were priced between $43-73 per MWh across Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Continued …
Why Southeast Asia needs to build climate-resilient energy systems
Stronger national climate commitments by the parties are anticipated at COP29 in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, as the Earth endured the two hottest days on record in July this year. This was only two months after the extended heatwave in May that hit many parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, with temperatures reaching well above 40°C.
As Southeast Asia is one of the region’s most prone to climate change, how can its energy systems become climate-smart, to withstand the extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, floods and droughts, and to protect social and economic activities? Continued …
Constant Energy to install solar rooftop for Idemmitsu Lubricants
Constant Energy, a leading provider of sustainable, world-class renewable energy solutions and an independent power producer (IPP) for both utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) clients, has announced the successful signing of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with its Japanese client, Idemitsu Lubricants Thailand.
Idemitsu Lubricants Thailand is a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan, one of Japan’s leading energy companies. The agreement includes the installation of a 916-kW solar rooftop system at Idemitsu’s facility in the Rayong Industrial Estate. Continued …
PTT unit set to produce sustainable aviation fuel
PTT Global Chemical (GC) Plc, the petrochemical arm of the national oil and gas conglomerate, vows to enter the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market, aiming to produce the biofuel for aircraft next year to support the global campaign to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
SAF, which can be produced from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, is a suitable replacement for regular jet fuel, as their properties are similar. However, SAF has a much smaller carbon footprint than regular jet fuel. Continued …
A.T. Biopower Wins a 2024 Global Recognition Award
A.T. Biopower, a leading company in renewable energy generation led by CEO Russell Amor, has been honored with a 2024 Global Recognition Award for its exceptional contributions to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.
This prestigious accolade recognizes the company’s outstanding achievements in utilizing agricultural waste for electricity production and its commitment to long-term value creation. Continued …
Thailand’s smog showdown: Clearing the air with a bold 30% cut
In a bid to wipe smog off the map, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) is gearing up for a 2024 blitz on air pollution, aiming to slash hotspots by 30%.
PCD Chief Preeyaporn Suwanaked revealed the National Environment Board’s stamp of approval on an ambitious blueprint to combat haze. This all-encompassing plan targets smog culprits lurking in forests, farms, and cityscapes. Continued …
Finnish waste-to-energy firm widens its markets to Thailand
Tana Oy, a leading Finnish environmental technology company, has announced a new distributorship with GMC Engineering Co. in Thailand.
Based in Bangkok, GMC Engineering is an international trading and service company specializing in waste-management solutions, with a focus on municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and the waste-to-energy sector. Continued …
Global EV sales up 30.5% in September
Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose by an annual 30.5% in September, as China surpassed its record numbers recorded in August and Europe resumed growth, market research firm Rho Motion said.
Gains in the U.S. market have been slow and steady in anticipation of the Nov. 5 election, which makes it difficult to predict future trends in the country, data manager Charles Lester said. Continued …
EGAT pledges to strengthen Thailand’s EV ecosystem
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced its commitment to bolstering the country’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with its comprehensive EV charging solutions.
The initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs nationwide to install EV chargers, supplementing their existing businesses and promoting wider EV adoption. Continued …
Shift to electric vehicles will have far-reaching impact, IMF says
The global transition toward electric vehicles will have “far-reaching” impacts on investment, production, international trade and employment, the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday as part of its update to global economic growth forecasts.
The analysis was included in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook, which was released as policymakers meet at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings this week to discuss efforts to boost global growth, deal with debt distress and finance the green energy transition. Continued …
MR. D.I.Y. Thailand launches EV Fleet
MR. D.I.Y., has made a significant leap in its sustainability journey by launching a fleet of electric trucks as part of its electric vehicle (EV) transport project. This initiative not only modernizes the company’s logistics but also underscores its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
Andy Chin, chief executive officer, MR. D.I.Y. Thailand, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. “For over eight years, we’ve embedded ESG into our core operations — focusing on social welfare, community development, and transparent governance. Continued …
‘Have you ever heard of a luxury eco resort?’
An influencer has shared her experience after staying at a gorgeous resort in Thailand designed to minimize environmental impact while offering everything needed for a relaxing vacation.
“Have you ever heard of a luxury eco resort?” TikToker Sophia (@sophiaxverde) asks. “We are staying at Pimalai, and we booked this place because we wanted to talk more about eco hotels and how they’re paving the way for more sustainable tourism.” Continued …
Adverts for ‘cruel’ elephant rides still rising despite new UK law
Growing numbers of travel companies are promoting holidays involving animal attractions through advertisements that should be illegal in the UK under new legislation, campaigners say.
MPs passed a law more than a year ago that gave ministers the power to ban tourism adverts that offer animal attractions, including elephant rides, but it has not yet come into force. In the first nine months of 2024, 1,201 companies had advertised unethical elephant attractions in the UK – many of them in Thailand. Continued …
Moo Deng: the celebrated hippo’s real home has disappeared
The playful and pudgy mammal that went viral from its Thai zoo enclosure has a sad story to tell about her fellows hippos. Moo Deng is the two-month-old pygmy hippo who flicks her ears in joy and likes splashing in water. She lives the life of a superstar at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where huge crowds have massed – but the chances of spotting her relatives in the wild are slim.
Pygmy hippos (Choeropsis liberiensis) are endangered and estimated to number fewer than 2,500. Their decline has been drastic: a long-term survey in a national park in Ivory Coast found 12,000 pygmy hippos in 1982; 5,000 in 1997 and 2,000 in 2011. Today, these hippos are scarce across their native west Africa. Continued …
Dugong deaths rise in Thailand, as seagrass sources dwindle
Thailand has witnessed a concerning rise in dugong deaths, with eight found dead this month alone. Three of these deaths are believed to be due to the deterioration of seagrass, a crucial food source for these gentle marine mammals.
Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, said on Thursday three dugong carcasses were spotted in Satun, two each in Trang and Phuket, and one in Krabi. Continued …