EU Joins Hands with Ministry of Transport and GIZ to Organise Activities on World Environment Day under the Theme “Climate Change, We Change”

Thursday 08 June 2017 10:11
(From left)Ms. Tanatcha Vongamornniti, Manager-Brand Management Office, SCG Packaging Public Company Limited,Mr. Somsak Hommuang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Transport,Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Charge d'Affaires of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Thailand,

Mr. Stefan Helming, Country Director of GIZ Thailand andMrs. Panitta Srisa-ard, General Manager, Customer Experience Management (CEM) Corporate Protocol, International Marketing – Free Independent Tourist (FIT), The Mall Group Co.,LTD.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai Ministry of Transport and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH are organising activities to mark World Environment Day (WED) 2017 under the theme "Climate Change, We Change." Held at the Quartier Water Garden on the 5th floor of the Emquartier shopping complex, the event is aimed at raising public awareness and educating people on climate change management, energy-efficiency and environmentally friendly transportation. Presiding over the event are Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Charge d'Affaires of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Thailand, Mr. Somsak Hommuang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Transport, and Mr. Stefan Helming, Country Director of GIZ Thailand.

Mrs. Luisa Ragher, Charge d'Affaires, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Thailand said: "The Paris Agreement represents an essential step on the path towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Together with the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, it has the potential to significantly accelerate economic and social transformation that we need in order to preserve our common future and the future of our planet. A transition to low emissions and climate resilient future is necessary and urgent. The EU is committed to achieve a target of reducing EU-wide emissions by at least 40% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Our 2030 climate and energy framework sets three key targets for the year 2030: 40% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions; 27% share of renewable energy; and 27% improvement in energy efficiency. We are preparing legislation that will deliver emission reductions in all sectors of the economy and we are putting energy efficiency first, as well as boosting uptake of renewable energy across the bloc given the clear link of climate change and energy."

Mr. Somsak Hommuang, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport said:

"In the short term, the Ministry of Transport has a vision towards sustainable transport through important environmental strategies which are 1) promotion of energy efficient and environmentally friendly transportation and 2) promotion of mass transit. For the long term, the Ministry of Transport has drafted a strategy for the development of Thailand's transport system for 20 years (2017-2036) in order to achieve effective, safe and environmentally friendly transportation as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are a major cause of global warming. If the operation under this (draft) strategy succeeds by 2036, the transport sector will be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%, from the current 27%. Also, the transport sector will be able to reduce energy use by 15%, from the current 38%."

Mr. Stefan Helming, Country Director of GIZ Thailand said: "Climate change is at the top of the United Nations (UN) priorities and has become a challenge for many organisations and for dealing with climate change mitigation and adaptation. At GIZ, we are proud to contribute to climate change mitigation by providing technical assistance to the Thai government and other governments in the region. One of the projects related to climate change that we have implemented are the project on Sustainable Freight and Transport in the Mekong Region, which introduces energy efficiency and safety measures in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. The overall goal is to reduce fuel consumption, promote safety, improve laws and regulations, and consequently CO2 emission reduction.

The second one is the Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Mitigation in the Land Transport Sector in the ASEAN Region project, which aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce relevant emissions through standards for fuel economy in trucks in the ASEAN region. This will also cause important co?benefits by reducing congestion and air pollution."

"Transport causes about 30% of all CO2 emissions in the case of developed countries and about 23% globally. That is why there is widespread national agreement to reduce CO2 emissions from transport by a minimum of 50% at the latest by 2050.This symbolic event is part of our humble efforts in a long journey towards our collective act to preserve the environment. Our wish is that we as a united force carry on this conscience within us not just today but in our daily life," Mr. Stefan added.

Activities at the event include a talk show on "Climate Change, We Change" by Mr. Jerome Pons, Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Thailand; Dr. Jessada Salathong of the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University who is also a news anchor of Channel 9 MCOT, and Mr. Zcongklod Bangyikhan, founder of Cloud & Ground Company and editor of the Cloud website. The speakers will offer guidelines and practices for environmental protection.

An awarding ceremony for winners of a creative photo contest titled "Climate Change, We Change" will be held, with the top-prize winner getting free rides on the BTS for one year. Photos by the winner, runners-up and other contestants will also be displayed at the event.

A virtual reality (VR) show will also be held to allow participants to experience different rides by car, boat and BTS skytrain, so they can decide what system can best save their time and energy, with less pollution.

Moreover, there will be a poster exhibition and scientific information on climate change, efficient use of energy, and transport systems that are environmentally friendly. Participants may also take part in DIY workshops to get ideas on how to reuse waste, make coin boxes from plastic bottles, etc. A mini concert by well-known singer "ToR+" Saksit Vejsupaporn will keep participants entertained.