Today’s environmental news-June 14

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Global fight over climate change funding

Nearly 200 countries will try to agree on a new global goal for funding to fight climate change at this year’s United Nations COP29 climate summit in November in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Preparatory talks among countries’ climate negotiators in Bonn, Germany, have laid bare the rifts between governments over who should pay, and how much. Continued … 

‘Fast Fashion’ emits more carbon than aviation and maritime shipping

The fashion industry is responsible for a significant share of carbon dioxide emissions, surpassing many other industries, including international aviation and maritime shipping, research has shown.

This industry can be considered one of the major contributors to environmental degradation due to its extensive use of energy, water, and chemicals, along with generating waste and microfiber contamination of the environment during washing. Continued … 

Suntory Launches Low Carbon Sugarcane Farming Project in Thailand

Suntory Holdings has launched a three-year low carbon farming project for sugarcane in Thailand in collaboration with the VIVE Program, a leading voluntary sustainability program in ingredient and energy supply chains, and Kaset Thai International Sugar Corp. (KTIS), one of Thailand’s leading producers of sugar.

Sponsored by Suntory Holdings, this pilot program will facilitate the implementation of low carbon farming interventions based on regenerative agricultural practices that have been collaboratively identified by KTIS and VIVE agronomic experts. Continued … 

Warning over insufficient fossil fuel cuts

Gas and coal reduction targets in the revised version of Thailand’s power-development plan (PDP) may be insufficient for the government to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, say energy firms.

The firms aired their views on the PDP, which aims to promote greater use of renewable energy to help the government cut carbon dioxide emissions, during the second day of public hearings on the plan. Continued … 

Is ASEAN ready to abandon coal?

Coal remains critical for providing secure and affordable energy, supporting economic growth, and enabling energy transition in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Scrapping coal without prudent energy planning could drag ASEAN member states (AMS) into a self-inflicted energy crisis.

ASEAN’s energy demand had grown by 67% from 2005 to 2019, with coal’s share reaching 19% by 2019, nearly double its 2005 level. Under each country’s national target scenario (ATS), the region’s primary energy supply is projected to triple from 2020 to 2050, with coal’s share falling from 28% to below 13%. Continued … 

Green financing and energy transition: Path to a sustainable future

As the world races against time to combat climate change, Thailand stands at a pivotal crossroads in its journey toward a sustainable future.

With a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, each country is not only addressing its environmental responsibilities but also exploring opportunities in clean energy and green finance. Continued … 

Sea turns green amid algae bloom on Thai beach

The sea turned green amid an algae bloom on a beach in Chon Buri earlier this month. The phenomenon was expected to last for around a week before the sea turned back to normal, locals said.

Algae blooms happen when there is excessive nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, and phytoplankton drift in the sea. Farm and industrial chemical runoffs are considered the source of the contaminants. Continued … 

Taking plastics full circle: Creating a sustainable future in Thailand

When the first synthetic polymer, celluloid, was invented in 1869, it was envisioned as a more nature-friendly substitute for ivory and tortoiseshell — both materials sourced from hunting of wild animals. Indeed, plastics have become one of mankind’s most ubiquitous and flexible materials, opening up revolutionary possibilities in manufacturing.

However, over a century and a half, plastic pollution is now a prominent environmental challenge. We regularly dispose of large volumes of plastics that can remain in our environment for centuries, with plastic bottles alone taking up to 450 years to decompose in landfills. Continued … 

Sustainable innovations with upcycling in Thailand

Upcycling in Thailand exemplifies the innovative spirit of the nation. By creatively reusing waste, the country addresses pollution and promotes environmental sustainability. Plastic bottles and fishing nets are being transformed into valuable products through various initiatives.

The Thai government plays a crucial role in these efforts. They partner with private companies and non-profits to champion upcycling. Their holistic approach ensures that waste management considers environmental impacts and societal benefits. Public awareness is increasing, driven by these collaborative projects. Continued … 

Thailand sits on 44.41 quadrillion baht worth of rare minerals

Thailand has up to 40 types of mineral resources spread across some 60 million rai (9.6 million hectares) and is worth about 44.41 quadrillion baht if exploited, the Mineral Resources Department chief said. Pichit Sombatmak, the department’s director-general, said the 30 trillion tons or so of minerals to be found in 19% of the country could serve as resources to kick off new industries.

Minerals resources include rare lithium and quartz that can be used in the production of solar panels, EV battery cells and electricity storage systems among others, Pichit said. Continued … 

Thailand’s EV car vision buckles as world markets and canny drivers at home take stock of what is on offer

There are signs that Thailand’s ambitious EV industry vision may be buckling. A downturn in Western markets for EV cars, as well as a lukewarm reception in Southeast Asia, means markets for such cars are becoming more limited.

In the meantime, sales of EV cars in May this year fell 1.5% year on year compared to the same month last year. All this is coming as Thai traditional car makers are feeling the pinch from reduced credit at home and export disruption abroad, caused not least by the EV car phenomenon and government climate change policies, which are being rejected by real consumers on the ground. Continued … 

#climatethailand #thailandenvironment #thailandelectricvehicle #thailandplastic #thailandwildlife #thailandecotourism #thailandsustainability #thailandclimatechange #thailandairpollution #thailandwaterpollution #thailandhazwaste #thailandenergy #thailandsolar

#ภูมิอากาศประเทศไทย #สภาพแวดล้อมของประเทศไทย #รถยนต์ไฟฟ้าของประเทศไทย #พลาสติกไทย #สัตว์ป่าของประเทศไทย #การท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศของประเทศไทย #ความยั่งยืนของประเทศไทย #การเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศของประเทศไทย #มลพิษทางอากาศของประเทศไทย #มลพิษทางน้ำของประเทศไทย #ของเสียอันตรายของประเทศไทย #พลังงานประเทศไทย #พลังงานแสงอาทิตย์ประเทศไทย