Neighbouring nations will leave Thailand behind if it sticks to 2065 net zero goal: TDRI
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has called on the government to bring forward its net-zero goal from 2065, saying it is far later than other nations’ goals.
At a seminar on a low-carbon emission society on Tuesday, TDRI president Somkiat Tangkitvanich pointed out that other countries in the region had set their net-zero goal in 2050. They include Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos. Even China has set its goal five years earlier in 2060.
He said that since Thailand’s goal was much later than other nations, the kingdom’s image would not be outstanding in the eyes of the international community. Also, he said, the country could lose its investment appeal to neighbouring countries.
Besides, Somkiat said, setting a goal too late would make it difficult for small and medium enterprises to adjust their business operations in time for the net-zero deadline.
Somkiat also advised the government to start collecting carbon emission taxes from exporters and power plants that use energy from fossil fuel.
Net zero is a state when the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity is negated by reducing emissions and using methods of absorbing carbon dioxide from the environment. This can be achieved by cutting the use of fossil fuels and deforestation and increasing the removal of greenhouse gases by planting trees or implementing other natural solutions.
The Paris Agreement, a treaty signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015, set the net zero goal in 2050.
