Category: Opinion
Collection of opinions relevant to the Mekong environment published in media outlets across the globe.
Laos-China railway delivers hope, new development opportunities – An opinion by Vientiane Times
The official inauguration of the Laos-China railway took place on December 3. This historic event is not only a milestone in Laos’ efforts to shake off the shackles of its landlocked status by becoming a land bridge within the region but will create a lot of development opportunities and enable Laos, one of the least developed countries in the region, to thrive in coming decades.
Mekong Commission failure: dam the river and damn the region
The MRC’s failure to act against dams will further undermine the chance of building resilience along the river
Dams are not a panacea to the planet’s climate crisis
“Moreover, nearly 80% of greenhouse gases emitted by dam reservoirs are methane, the gas which is a highly accelerating agent in causing global warming. In hundred years, dams have produced more methane than rice cultivation and biomass burning.”
Thailand Needs Government Intervention to Achieve Net-zero
As things stand, Thailand wishes to capitalise on market forces to tackle carbon emissions. It is presumed that companies – the most significant contributors of carbon emissions – will heed the call of investors and voluntarily curb their GHG productions.
Thailand’s ambitious steps to go carbon neutral
In general, this Thai commitment reflects a recognition of the way the economic winds are blowing — away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, more affordable sources of energy that cost less and have multiple benefits (eg, energy security, reduced prices, and creation of new jobs).
Measuring well-being in Thai society
As a part of the Good Society Summit 2021, held virtually from Nov 19-21, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) proposed there should be a well-being index developed by the people for the people.
Explain palm oil policy
For over a decade, the government required that palm oil be blended with diesel, and ethanol with benzene. This policy helped boost the price of these energy plants while also lowering imports of fossil fuels and cutting down air pollution.