Thailand to meet targeted GHG emissions reduction by 2030

BANGKOK, April 21 (TNA) - Natural Resources and Environment Minister General Surasak Karnjanarat has expressed his confidence that Thailand will be able to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 per cent as targeted by 2030, after the country achieved an initial target last year by reducing GHG emissions by 10 per cent. Speaking to journalists after opening the Earth Day 2017 event at his ministry on Friday, General Surasak praised cooperation from all sectors in the country, especially the industrial sector, for playing a vital role in reducing the GHG emissions in the country. "Domestic industries have adopted more environmentally-friendly production, while the government’s expansion of mass rail transit systems in Greater Bangkok has also helped reduce the CO2 emissions from cars", the minister pointed out. Besides, his ministry plans to increase the country’s forest areas to 40 per cent by 2036 to absorb greenhouse gases. According to the minister, his ministry will also launch campaigns and activities to raise public awareness on further GHG emissions. The minister noted that Thailand needs to seek more foreign fund to invest in high technology to help meet its ultimate target of further cutting GHG emissions by 25 per cent by 2030. The Earth Day is observed worldwide on every April 22. (TNA)