Adapting to Climate Change: How Thailand Survives The Era of a Boiling World

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) became a member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Thailand as part of a broader initiative to mobilize expertise and resources towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Thailand. TDRI, as a prominent policy think tank focused on social and economic development issues since its establishment in 1984, aligns well with the mission of SDSN Thailand. The institute conducts extensive policy research and has a strong network with other institutions engaged in similar work, making it a valuable contributor to the SDSN’s objectives24. By joining SDSN Thailand, TDRI enhances its capacity to influence policy-making and implement sustainable solutions across different sectors in Thailand36. Membership in SDSN Thailand allows TDRI to collaborate on initiatives that localize the SDGs. Moreover, this partnership exemplifies the collective effort needed to address the challenges of sustainable development and to implement transformative solutions within the region.

Recently TDRI organized annual public seminar of the year to mark its 40th anniversary of the organization’s establishment. Titled “Adapting to Climate Change: How Thailand Survives The Era of a Boiling World”, the seminar showcased research findings and policy directions aiming at preparing Thailand to transition towards an economy and society capable of coping with climate conditions. There were five key topics being discussed in the seminar which are

1. Adapting Thailand To Be Resilient To Climate Conditions
2. Supporting The Manufacturing Sector To Avoid Flooding And Drought Issues
3. Developing New Cities To Be Resilient To Climate Change
4. Disaster Management Handling Natural Disaster Crises
5. Finance and Insurance For The Adaptation To A Chaotic World?

Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, Chairman of TDRI, spoke on the topic “Adapting Thailand To Be Resilient To Climate Conditions,” stating that everyone in the world must prepare for climate change as global temperatures are expected to rise. It is projected that temperatures could increase by 2.7 to 3.1 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 if countries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris Agreement. However, without appropriate action, global temperatures could reach 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, resulting in more severe and frequent disasters at a level described as a “boiling world.”

Dr. Somkiat stated that global warming significantly impacts the Thai economy, ranking it among the top affected countries in the world. The main effects include loss of agricultural productivity, decreased labor productivity, and reduced tourism revenue. To address these climate changes, Thailand must prepare for four key areas:

1. Creating New Jobs: Develop alternative employment opportunities to replace outdoor jobs that cannot be sustained over long periods, such as agriculture, construction, and motorcycle taxi services.
2. Improving Urban Conditions: Enhance city environments to reduce heat and the risk of flooding, as well as to manage rising sea levels in coastal cities.
3. Developing Effective Disaster Management Systems: Establish systems that can prevent and mitigate damage from natural disasters.
4. Preparing Financial Resources for Adaptation: Ensure funding is available for adaptation efforts, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.

These strategies reflect a comprehensive approach to building resilience against climate change while considering social equity and economic sustainability.

The adaptation strategies presented at the TDRI annual public seminar align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Here’s how these strategies correlate with each goal:

Alignment with SDG Goal 13: Climate Action

Climate Resilience: The seminar emphasized the need for Thailand to develop resilience against climate change impacts, such as increased flooding and droughts. This aligns with SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Strategies discussed include improving infrastructure, enhancing disaster response systems, and implementing effective water management practices to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction: TDRI advocates for policies that support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices in various sectors, including agriculture and urban planning. This is essential for achieving SDG 13, which focuses on reducing emissions to limit global warming.

Alignment with SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Urban Adaptation: The seminar highlighted the importance of creating cities that are resilient to climate impacts. Strategies include integrating green infrastructure (like parks and green roofs) and blue infrastructure (such as water management systems) into urban planning. These measures aim to reduce vulnerability to climate-related hazards, thus supporting SDG 11, which promotes sustainable urbanization and resilience in cities.

Disaster Preparedness: TDRI’s focus on developing better disaster management systems aligns with SDG 11’s emphasis on making cities safe and resilient. By improving early warning systems and urban planning to account for climate risks, Thailand can enhance its capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters.

Alignment with SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Sustainable Agriculture: The seminar addressed the need for agricultural adaptation strategies to cope with climate variability, such as droughts and floods. Implementing practices that enhance soil health, improve water efficiency, and promote climate-resilient crops directly supports SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and ensure food security through sustainable agricultural practices.

Food Security Initiatives: By promoting innovations in agriculture—such as using drones for efficient fertilizer application or adjusting farming practices based on climate data—TDRI’s strategies contribute to ensuring food security in the face of climate change challenges. This is crucial for achieving SDG 2, which seeks not only to eliminate hunger but also to promote sustainable food production systems.

In summary, the adaptation strategies discussed at the TDRI seminar are integral to advancing Thailand’s commitments under the SDGs by fostering resilience against climate change, promoting sustainable urban development, and ensuring food security through innovative agricultural practices.

Here’s a summary of the key takeaways, calls to action for stakeholders, and the vision for a sustainable future that have been derived from the TDRI Annual Public Conference 2024

Key Takeaways

1. Climate Vulnerability: Thailand is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing increased natural hazards such as floods and droughts, which threaten economic growth and community livelihoods. Projections indicate significant declines in GDP due to climate impacts, with estimates suggesting up to a 45% loss by mid-century if no action is taken12.
2. Policy Frameworks: The government has initiated comprehensive policies, including the forthcoming Climate Change Act, which introduces carbon pricing and emissions trading. These measures aim to align Thailand with international sustainability standards and attract green investments24.
3. Adaptation and Mitigation: Emphasis was placed on integrating adaptation strategies into national policies, such as the National Adaptation Plan focusing on water management, agriculture, and public health. The need for financial support and technology transfer was highlighted to enhance resilience13.
4. Community Engagement: Local initiatives are crucial for promoting sustainable practices. Grassroots movements towards net-zero lifestyles are gaining momentum, emphasizing education and community involvement in climate action45.

Call to Action for Stakeholders

Government: Implement robust policies that support renewable energy transitions and provide incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

Private Sector: Invest in green technologies and practices while measuring and reducing carbon footprints across all operations.

Civil Society: Engage in community-led initiatives that promote awareness and education about climate change impacts and sustainable living.

International Community: Provide technical assistance, funding, and resources necessary for Thailand to achieve its climate goals effectively.

Vision for a Sustainable Future

The vision for Thailand amidst climate change challenges revolves around creating a resilient economy that balances environmental sustainability with economic growth. This includes:

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Aligning national policies with SDGs to ensure comprehensive approaches to poverty eradication, food security, and environmental protection.

Green Economy Transition: Shifting towards a low-carbon economy through investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as enhancing carbon capture technologies12.

Community Resilience: Building capacity at the local level to withstand climate impacts through adaptive infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices.

By fostering collaboration among all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and the international community—Thailand aims to navigate its climate challenges effectively while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Source : https://tdri.or.th/tdri-annual-public-conference-2024/