งาน Towards Low-Carbon Society in Asia-Pacific 2050 วันที่ 27 ม.ค.53

Opening Remarks

Towards Low-Carbon Society in Asia-Pacific 2050

A Technology Foresight Symposium

By H.E. Dr. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich

Minister of Science and Technology

27 January 2010 ; 11.00 hrs.

At Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel

· Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj (ดร. พิเชฐ ดุรงคเวโรจน์), Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office

· Professor Leon Fuerth ( ลีออง เฟลิร์ท )(จาก George Washington University

· Prof. Dr. Richard David Hames (ริชาร์จ เดวิด เฮมส์ ), Founding Director Asian Foresight Institute (AFI)

· ดร. สุวิทย์ เมษินทรีย์ ผู้อำนวยการสถาบัน SIGA ศศินทร์

· Mr.Thanin Pa-Em (คุณธานินทร์ ผะเอม), Senior Advisor in Policy and Planning, National Economic & Social Development Board, Thailand

· Prof. Dr. Mohsen Aboulnaga (ดร.โมเซ่น อโบนาก่า) , Advisor, Environment and Infrastructure Strategy and Policy Department, Dubai

· Distinguished Guests,

· Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for me to join you on this symposium “Towards Low Carbon society in Asia Pacific”. I would like to add my welcome to every one of you, especially those who have to travel a long distance to come to Thailand.

Climate change is a critical issue for us.

It is the reason that most of the world leaders went to Copenhagen last December to try to negotiate an agreement to save the World from catastrophe. They were convinced that carbon emission was the cause of climate change. They knew that climate change could produce massive disasters for humankind. They saw reduction of carbon emission was necessary for our children and their children to live in a better world.

They were prepared to antagonize their electorates, by burdening them with additional expenses, in a period of economic recession; with additional investment, during a financial crisis to meet the new standards; and with the need for their industries to completely revolutionize their mode of production and distribution. They were courageous for they knew that without drastic reduction of carbon emission catastrophe would follow. They did not achieve an agreement because they could not agree on how to share the burden. A few were not completely convince of the need for immediate drastic actions.

The issue is still with us. It does not go away because there was no agreement at Copenhagen.

Many countries, cities, companies and people have started their own program to reduce carbon emission. For Thailand, the immediate concern is the forecasted rising level of the sea, that could cause continuous flooding of Bangkok, and the Central Plain of Thailand, most month of the year. Secondly, the scarcity of fresh water because of increasing salinity of our underground water. Thailand has therefore committed to a national alternative energy development plan to increase our use of alternative energy to 20% by the year 2022. Also Prime Minister Abhisit has also set a policy to reforest Thailand by increasing under forest from 30% in 2006 to 30% in 2000. We, at the Thailand Ministry of Science and Technology, are also committed to assist Thailand to move forward to low carbon emission.

I would therefore like to thank all and everyone of you here today, including those who have help to make this conference possible, for coming to help to solve this gigantic problem.

I hope in your discussion you will also consider the following:-

Firstly, how to convince the few who do not believe that carbon emission is a major problem to change their mindset.

Secondly, the level of carbon emission that emerging countries should strive for.

Thirdly, how to cascade the country carbon emission target down to each individual segment of the society.

Fourthly, how can we reduce carbon emission and increase productivity and income for our people. I believe we should take this opportunity to lay down the foundation for sustainable development of humankind.

If you find other issue that we should focus upon please let me know as it will help us to work together to reduce carbon emission and avoid future catastrophes.

I wish you all a fruitful symposium and an enjoyable stay in Thailand.

I would like to declare the symposium open.

Thank you and Swadi Kar!`

Last Updated on Friday, 22 August 2014 06:02