Thailand Concerned


The Nation (Bangkok, Thailand daily newspaper)

Mon, July 23, 2007

 

Climate change now a hot topic

Most people are concerned about effects of global warming: survey

 

The majority of residents in Bangkok and nearby provinces are convinced climate change affects the country and are worried about it, according to a new poll.

 

Just 2.3 per cent of 1,281 people aged 18 and older surveyed were ignorant of global warming, according to Abac Poll Research Centre findings.

 

The rest had heard of climate change and had a basic understanding of it, centre director Dr Noppadon Kannika said.

 

Last week's survey found 30 per cent of people surveyed believed global warming was about rising earth temperatures, 19 per cent said the phenomenon brought seasonal variations and extreme climate events while the rest were aware of issues like greenhouse gases and energy consumption.

 

A small percentage were aware of polar melting.

 

"The government should take this opportunity of high public interest in the issues for new policies to deal

with the impact of global warming in Thailand," Noppadon said.

 

Eighty-six per cent worried about extreme climate events such as floods, drought, storms and land subsidence. They said the government should give priority to preparedness.

 

Most of this group are concerned about the possible impact on the agricultural sector and the economy, too. Others worry about the drowning of infrastructure, such as roads and drainage.

 

Nearly 70 per cent pointed the finger at the industrial sector as the major culprit while just 10 per cent blamed farming for greenhouse-gas emissions. Nearly a quarter said both sectors should share the blame.

 

When it comes to solving the problem, 70 per cent looked towards the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry but many others said the Energy Ministry. Others thought conservation and environment organisations had a role to play.

 

Interestingly, 68 per cent said "everyone of us" should do something.

 

And how? Respondents said energy saving, tree planting, pollution-reduction legislation and refuse recycling could be effective.

 

"There should be a major campaign now for people to reduce their ecological footprint," Noppadon said. "Urban lifestyles cause a lot of waste because of the way we use resources - be they big cars, air conditioning and other electric appliances."

 

(c) 2007 www.nationmultimedia.com Thailand

44 Moo 10 Bang Na-Trat KM 4.5, Bang Na district, Bangkok 10260 Thailand

 

 

posted to ClimateConcern