"The effects of climate change, even with only 1ºC change in temperature, can cause enormous economic, cultural and environmental impacts. Every organization needs to pay serious attention and prepare action plans to reduce the consequence of this effect. And that is why we make an effort to bring this to attention today," said Siemens Ltd. Thailand President & CEO Mr. Markus Lorenzini at the event.
The event was attended by 60 guests comprising of top management officials from both the government and private sectors; from the oil and gas, energy, technology, sustainability and environmental protection fields. Key panelists included Siam Cement Group Sustainable Development Director, Mr. Numpol Limprasert; USAID Asia Senior Climate Change Advisor, Mr. Peter du Pont; and Siemens Ltd. President and CEO Mr. Markus Lorenzini.
The key panelists discussed approaches to climate change policy, along with the implications and opportunities for Thailand in light of the Paris Agreement that was signed at COP21 last year. In addition, they discussed the issues and trends that define the ASEAN energy landscape as well as the challenges faced in transitioning towards a lower-carbon energy system.
The study collates the opinions of various players actively involved in energy-related investments, infrastructure, and policy development from both the private and public sectors in Southeast Asia. It was conducted by The Economist between June and July 2016, to gauge the attitudes of relevant industry players toward climate policies in the region, and also the role that private sectors play in it.
Results of the study revealed that fewer than 40% of the survey respondents expect the private sector to play a primary role in mitigating climate change. However, from the survey, it is also apparent that the private sector is more than willing to be involved in addressing climate change provided the appropriate frameworks are in place and climate change strategies are communicated effectively.
"At Siemens, we believe that the responsibility to address climate change and actively engage in efforts to lower GHG and carbon emissions should not, and cannot, be put solely on the government. Private sectors have as much responsibility as the government, if not more. We believe that technology and innovations play a huge factor in alleviating and resolving climate change. Through these solutions, Siemens will actively play our part in providing the region with the technologies to combat climate change," said Mr. Lorenzini.
Through their expertise in the areas of Sustainable Energy, Intelligent Infrastructure and Future of Manufacturing; Siemens continues to make great efforts to expand their Environmental Portfolio which largely consists of energy-efficient products and systems, such as combined-cycle power plants, intelligent building technologies, renewable energy systems and environmental technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. Apart from helping customers to reduce their CO2 footprint; Siemens is also helping to improve profitability through an increase in productivity. In 2015, Siemens reduced customers' CO2 emissions by 487 metric tons, which is equivalent to the combined yearly emissions of Berlin, Bogota, Cape Town, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Mexico City, Moscow, New York City, Sao Paolo, Seoul and Tokyo.
Furthermore, Siemens aims to be the first major industrial company to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030 and to reduce its CO2 emissions by half by 2020.
Active participation outside government circles and collaborative partnerships between governments and the private sector were keys to successful mitigation of emissions in the region, the study found. Echoing the same sentiment during the panel discussion, all three key panelists highlighted the need for the private sector to step up in the fight against climate change.
In Thailand, efforts from the private sector have increased to support the needs for CO2 emission reduction. Siemens, for example, drove the development of clean energy with the largest onshore wind farm in Southeast Asia in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The landmark wind farms are the first wind energy installations in Southeast Asia. The farms have a total combined capacity of 207MW. Siemens also provided the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) with two gas-fired combined cycle power plants: Chana Block 2 and Wang Noi Block 4. In addition, through automation technology, Siemens also helps to increase energy efficiency for the industrial sector – helping to cut engineering time by up to 30% and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15%.
"Products and solutions by Siemens are creating energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructures that enhance the quality of urban life, foster competitiveness, conserve resources and minimize environmental impact," shared Mr. Lorenzini.
It is clear that policies issued by the Thai government not only recognizes the importance of tackling and reducing CO2 emissions, but also regard it as a national strategic opportunity. For its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), Thailand aims to reduce its CO2 gas emissions by 20-25% from the projected business-as-usual (BAU) level by 2030. Several plans and policies have been launched since 2015 as part of the framework to achieve its objectives.
As the one-year anniversary of the climate negotiations in Paris approaches, ASEAN member states, together with the private sector, will need to be more proactive and work more collaboratively to help reduce emissions and keep the rise of global temperatures below the 2ºC mark.
The report and panel discussion was held as part of Siemens' Ingenuity Spotlight series – a thought leadership series which focuses on conversations that matter, such as climate change and sustainable energy. The first event was held in Malaysia on 25 August 2016 and will continue in Vietnam on 30 September.