Thailand to lower greenhouse gas emission by 24 million tonnes

BANGKOK, September 11 (TNA) -- The Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment set a target to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by 24 million tonnes in the next 5 years through operations that focus on external cooperation. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Surasak Karnchanarat issued the policy during his visit to the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, during which Director of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (Public Organisation) or TGO, Ms Prasertsuk Chamornmarn had welcomed and briefed him on important operations being carried out the TGO. The minister said GHG is currently one of the problems that the world community is focusing on and trying to solve. Because of this, he said Thailand must also be on par with the rest of world and the ministry's 5-year work plan has been targeted to cut GHG emission by 24 million tonnes. The minister, however, pointed out that his ministry could not accomplish this task alone and has laid down the policy in order for the TGO to cooperate with other concerned agencies, such as the Energy and Transportation ministries to achieve the set goal. Meanwhile, TGO Assistant Director Ms Natarika Wayuparb said presently, Thailand is emitting around 300 million tonnes of GHG annually, main through the production, energy and transportation sectors, prompting direct involvement from the Energy and Transportation ministries. She said the minister has given TGO the task to create understanding between all sides and to help each other in lowering GHG emission by 24 million tonnes in the next 5 years, as Thailand has announced during the world assembly. She stressed that although the figure is quite high, but with cooperation from all sides, the goal could be easily reached. (TNA)