The international conference we attended last week provided remarkable insights and presented a wide array of topics, underscoring the diversity of climate-related challenges. Eleven countries, including Thailand, participated, each sharing perspectives on the urgent and complex issues posed by climate change. It was eye-opening to see that while the challenges — such as flooding, unseasonal heavy rainfall, and other weather-related disruptions — are shared among countries, the responses vary widely according to each nation’s unique geographic and environmental context.
Image source: Bangkok Post
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Communities for All under the initiative Urban Renaissance: Empowering Thailand’s Low-Income Communities on the Global Stage. This conference, held at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok, was led by Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of MSDHS, who delivered a keynote address to local and international delegates.
Each country faces additional hurdles in addressing climate impacts, including political, demographic, and economic challenges, especially post-COVID when geopolitical tensions and economic instability are widespread. Many of the countries in attendance are still developing, making climate-related issues a heavier burden. Nations like Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, and Mongolia rely heavily on agriculture for both food security and economic stability. Recent floods have been particularly devastating for these countries, putting food systems and livelihoods at risk. I plan to focus on some of the innovative solutions proposed by these countries that could potentially be replicated elsewhere.
Nepal, for instance, recently experienced severe flooding in its capital, Kathmandu — an unprecedented event that raised pressing questions about the government’s role in providing security against such disasters. In response, Nepal has proposed the concept of climate-resilient housing to safeguard communities against future events.
Bhutan’s approach, by contrast, is rooted in strong governance. Beyond rhetoric, Bhutan actively pursues sustainability, and its strict regulations on tourism and housing are noteworthy. Bhutan’s policies could serve as a model for other countries with similar topographies, particularly in mountainous regions.
Cambodia addressed waste management, recognizing it as a critical global issue. Although the techniques shared aren’t entirely new, they underscore the importance of enforcement and adherence to waste management protocols. Another intriguing aspect of Cambodia’s presentation was their innovative roof design for vernacular housing, which addresses the challenges posed by strong winds in riverside areas.
Thailand focused on drought and landslide issues. Having lived in Thailand for a year, I have seen firsthand the challenges posed by heavy rainfall, particularly in the northern, mountainous regions. Thailand’s strategies to mitigate landslide risks were notably resourceful and could serve as a model for similar regions.
A new country I learned about at the conference was Timor-Leste, which gained independence from Malaysia in 2002. Timor-Leste is still grappling with political instability and internal conflicts, which complicates their efforts to address environmental issues. However, they have developed affordability plans and climate resilience strategies to support low-income communities despite these constraints.
Mongolia’s approach to flood preparedness was also impressive. Their strategy involves strong citizen engagement, with the public actively participating in efforts to reduce waste, recycle, and expand green spaces. Mongolia’s citizens are remarkably aware of environmental issues, using the internet to mobilize and demonstrate that collective action can yield tangible results.
Ultimately, while we cannot control nature, we can equip ourselves with knowledge, innovative ideas, and patience to face these challenges. The decisions we make today will impact future generations, so it is imperative that we act with compassion and unity to confront and overcome the pressing environmental issues of our time.
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Keywords: climate change, UN Habitat, climate disaster, flood, new generation, our planet, planet earth
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