Dr. Chalermchai Delivers Statement at COP 29, Aiming for New Financial Targets to Enhance Climate Resilience in Developing Nations

On November 19, 2024, at approximately 3:00 PM Thailand time, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), and Head of Thailand’s delegation, delivered a statement at the high-level segment of COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He was accompanied by Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, MNRE Permanent Secretary, Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director General of Climate Change and Environment, and other MNRE executives.

Dr. Chalermchai delivered a statement on behalf of Thailand, expressing the country's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thailand is one of the countries most affected by climate change, having faced continuous weather-related disasters that have resulted in the loss of lives, property, economic stability, and biodiversity. Although Thailand emits less than 1% of global greenhouse gases, the country remains fully committed to enhancing its greenhouse gas reduction efforts under the principle of shared but differentiated responsibility. The aim is to achieve the NDC 2030 target of reducing emissions by 222 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent through actions in five key sectors: energy, transportation, community waste and industrial wastewater management, industrial processes and product use, and agriculture. Clear action plans have been established to ensure effective implementation. Additionally, Thailand is accelerating its efforts towards NDC 3.0 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to less than 270 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035, using 2019 as the base year. This goal aims to cut actual emissions while developing a green investment plan and increasing forest carbon sequestration by 120 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2037.

Regarding climate change adaptation, Thailand has focused on integrating the national adaptation plan with concrete local-level actions in six areas: water management, agriculture and food security, tourism, public health, natural resource management, and human settlements and security. This includes the development of localized early warning systems, accelerating the restoration and protection of marine and coastal biodiversity, and driving policy implementation at all levels in a systematic and integrated manner. This approach is crucial to achieving the challenging targets under the Paris Agreement. To this end, Thailand has been fostering a partnership mechanism involving the public, private, and civil sectors. One of the initiatives includes the 2024 Thai Climate Action Conference to strengthen collaboration across all sectors and accelerate the enactment of the Climate Change Act. The Act aims to create balanced action through carbon pricing mechanisms and climate finance funds, pushing Thailand toward a low-carbon economy and society that is resilient to climate change in a sustainable manner.

For COP 29, Thailand sincerely hopes to reach decisions on mobilizing funding for the new financial targets, as well as gaining clarity on the rules, guidelines, and requirements for accessing the Loss and Damage Fund. This will help developing and vulnerable countries to rapidly and effectively implement actions, while also strengthening their ability to cope with the risks of climate change impacts. Thailand believes this is a crucial moment to set the direction for a successful transition towards achieving the Paris Agreement targets. Additionally, Thailand calls on the global community to unite and show genuine commitment to preserving our planet for future generations to live sustainably.