Thailand to propose 20-30% cut in global greenhouse gas emissions at COP21

BANGKOK, November 9 (TNA) - Thailand will propose the reduction of greenhouse gases by 20-30 per cent by 2030 at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), set to be held in Paris from November 30-December 11, 2015. Araya Nuntapotidech, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, told journalists of the proposed move on Monday. Araya said the upcoming UN session is important because international participants will discuss a new climate change law or protocol that will replace the Kyoto Protocol in 2020. According to the senior official, Thailand’s proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20-30 per cent should reduce the global emissions by 555 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. At the COP21, the senior official revealed, participants will also consider a draft master plan to cope with climate change, including integrated water management for the sake of water and agricultural security and reduction in floods and drought. According to the senior official, it is believed that many developed countries which previously rejected the Kyoto Protocol should be more cooperative at the COP21. The senior official acknowledged that Thailand will also use the forum of the Group of 77 (G77) to urge developed countries to seriously take the lead in greenhouse gases reduction. (TNA)