Using modelling, the study zoomed in on the possible scenario of continued deforestation at the Myanmar Chindwin River basin, and showed that protecting these forests could reduce the economic and human costs of floods by 14 percent.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Energy crossroads
The Thai government recently announced a policy to increase the share of renewable energy to at least 50% of the country’s total needs, from about 15 percent now. B.Grimm Power itself is moving toward realising net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
New plant species found in national park in Thailand’s Ranong province
Being a species found only in a very specific area and which could be at risk of extinction, the research team is considering cooperation with the department and local officials to propagate the species through the use of bio-technological techniques.
Millions of US dollars poured into green growth projects
Capital flows into green growth projects have still seen positive signals despite adverse impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam.
Beating back the floods
Dams not always ideal solution to climate change, say experts
Belt and Road starts and stops in China’s backyard
Beijing is seeking to showcase the China-Lao train, and incorporate the stop-and-go progress on a similar rail line in Thailand and a port project in Myanmar, both of which are key to the BRI’s vision of a better-connected regional economic sphere with China at its powerful center.
US and Vietnam reach timber pact thus averting punitive tariffs
The accord “secures commitments that will help keep illegally harvested or traded timber out of the supply chain and protect the environment and natural resources,” and no trade action is warranted for now, the Office of the US Trade Representative said in an emailed statement.
Southward put:: How will China’s influence affect conflict-ridden Shan State?
While the Burma people’s uprising or revolution is aimed at achieving the goal of uprooting the military junta and the establishment of a federal democratic union, the proxy war raging in Shan State may be intended solely to serve China’s national interest, with a matching physical presence of its proxy EAOs to provide security for its business interests and trade and communication infrastructure linking southwest China to the Indian Ocean.
Laos enlists Japan startup for study on digital currency
The initiative marks an attempt by Laos to extend the reach of its currency, the kip, as a digital Chinese yuan looms as a potentially powerful presence in the Southeast Asian nation with close economic ties to China.
The bleak outlook for Myanmar’s farmers
Myanmar’s rice farmers are facing higher production and transportation costs, lower yields, and low prices, leaving many worried they will no longer be able to earn enough to survive.