Friday’s news-May 3

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Heatwave and Climate Change Put Pressure on Thailand

Thailand has been hammered by searing heatwaves this year, leading to dire consequences such as infrastructure failures and a rise in fatalities. These weather events have offered a stark glimpse into the potential impacts of climate change on the country.

The end of the Thai summer has been marked by extreme heat, causing numerous incidents, including a motorbike catching fire in Chiang Rai and railway tracks in Nakhon Si Thammarat at risk of warping from the intense heat. Continued … 

Biggest Forest Loss In A Decade Over The Past Year

In a wakeup call for urgent action, the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation said yesterday that Thailand’s forest loss soared to the highest level in a decade from 2023 to 2024, dwindling 317,819.20 rai from 2022, leading to 31.47% of the country’s total area now being forested.

In 2022, forests covered 102,135,974.96 rai, or 31.57%, of the country’s total area but this has decreased to 101,818,155.76 rai, or 31.47%. Continued … 

Aspenshire International School: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Eco-Visionaries

Just as a seed requires the right balance of nutrients, care, and sunlight to thrive, the formative years of schooling at Aspenshire International School, from year 1 through year 6, are crucial for cultivating the next generation of eco-visionaries.

During this pivotal time, students are immersed in a curriculum that not only instills essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking but also fosters a deep-rooted connection to the environment. Continued … 

Exim Bank of Thailand grows 7.05%, focusing on green lending

Exim Bank of Thailand reported substantial growth in its first-quarter operations for 2023, with significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lending.

The bank, led by Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, approved new loans amounting to 5,853 million baht, with outstanding loans and obligations increasing by 11,474 million baht, representing a 7.05% growth compared to the same period last year. Continued … 

Thai team tackles pollution in Antarctica

Thai scientists have found sediment in Antarctica contaminated with fossil-fuel combustion, which has put state agencies on alert to find measures that would limit such activity in the world’s cleanest environment.

Samples were collected from five locations on the continent’s King George Island by a research team and brought to the Thai Synchrotron National Lab in Nakhon Ratchasima to find out whether there was any chemical contamination in the soil there. Continued … 

Those illegally dumping hazardous waste could face prison

The House Committee on Industry plans to file a petition for an amendment to the law to include jail terms for operators of factories that illegally dump industrial or chemical waste.

Akaradej Wongpitakroj, a committee member, says that they are only fined currently if they do not adhere to regulations when handling waste. Continued … 

Battery vs hydrogen in the race to zero emissions

Automotive leaders’ current focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (HICEVs) might seem like the main event. However, it’s merely the opening act of a much grander arena: the fight against climate change.

This narrative addresses the critical issue of greenhouse gas emissions from traditional internal combustion engines, recognizing that BEVs and HICEVs may be essential solutions for a broader transformation toward a sustainable transport future. Continued … 

Latest news updates about Thailand's environment, including reports regarding renewable energy, air pollution, water pollution, environmentally related wildlife issues, recycling, electric vehicles, plastic pollution, and more.