On June 7, ReflexThailand hosted its first Climate Fresk workshop to educate and raise awareness about climate change in an engaging manner. The event allowed participants to express diverse opinions, explore the causes and effects of climate change, and reflect on their personal actions. Emphasizing individual responsibility, the workshop encouraged employees to consider what more they can do to make the world and our society a better place to live. This initiative highlights the importance of environmental awareness and proactive steps towards sustainability.
Very hot temperatures in Thailand🥵? -Take care of you and people around. ❤️🩹 - Observe what can be done ✅ -Join a แฮชแท็ก#ClimateFresk workshop to understand why if the Paris agreement on climate change is not enforced effectively, Southeast Asia could be hit harder by heat waves than other regions and Thailand could face extremely hot weather for up to 220 days a year in about 20 years. Professor Seree Suparathit, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Disasters at Rangsit University, speaks about the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) held in Paris in December 2015. Seree said he bases his prediction on IPCC. In the worst-case scenario – if the global temperature rises 4.5°C, heat waves could be experienced for 180-220 days in the North, middle and upper Northeast and 220-240 days in the Central, East and lower Northeast. He said all countries must act now to implement the COP21 resolution.
Thailand ranks 25th in the current CCPI, up 17 spots and among the countries with a medium level of performance. The country’s performance is mixed, with low ratings in the Climate Policy and Renewable Energy categories, but a high in GHG Emissions and Energy Use. In August 2023, Thailand set up the Department of Climate Change and Environment to tackle climate change’s harmful impacts and fulfil the country’s climate pledges. The country’s nationally determined contribution (NDC), updated in 2022, includes an unconditional target of reducing GHG emissions by 30% by 2030, and a conditional target of 40% below ‘business-as-usual’ levels, which is subject to support from other countries and the UNFCCC. Thailand is targeting 2065 for net zero. The CCPI country experts feel this target requires more ambition.
Earth Hour is more than just turning off the lights. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, our communities and the natural world! Here are some ideas for fun activities to enjoy during this special hour.
Whales are at the top of the food chain and have an important role in the overall health of the marine environment. Whales play a significant role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere; each great whale sequesters an estimated 33 tons of CO2 on average, thus playing their part in the fight against climate change. How Do Whales Contribute to Carbon Storage and Nutrient Cycling? Like trees in a rainforest or marine algae in a kelp forest, whales are efficient at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon directly in their large bodies throughout their long lives. When whales die, their carbon-rich carcasses often sink to the seafloor; that carbon is trapped and prevented from returning to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Whales also indirectly contribute to carbon capture by providing nutrient-rich waste to phytoplankton, which absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide.
I take great pride in being a member of Climate Fresk in Thailand, where the group extended a warm welcome and provided invaluable assistance.