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Arin & Arisa Thongtang
Sep 132 min read

From Droughts to Floods: Climate Extremes and Their Impact on the Thai Economy

Human activities are undeniably driving the increase in global surface temperatures, and Thailand is no exception. The country is already experiencing longer, hotter summers and shorter winters. In Central and Eastern Thailand, average temperatures have risen by 0.5 to 2 degrees Celsius, with no signs of slowing down. This trend is accompanied by a troubling increase in climate extremes—more frequent droughts and severe floods.


Thailand is witnessing a decrease in the number of rainy days and continuous rainfall, yet when it does rain, it pours with unprecedented intensity. These shifts signal a future of persistently hotter weather for the country.


Economists break down the risks of climate change into two categories: physical and transition risks. Consider, for example, the agricultural sector. Physical risks manifest as droughts, leading to water shortages that stunt crop growth and harm livestock. These unhealthy conditions reduce food productivity, creating ripples throughout the supply chain and affecting the availability of raw materials and agricultural products.


Transition risks, on the other hand, are tied to the economic shifts needed to adapt to a low-carbon economy. For example, carbon pricing may drive up the cost of agricultural production. As prices rise, consumer demand could fall, pushing producers to embrace low-carbon technologies to stay competitive.


The economic consequences of climate extremes in Thailand are already significant. Take the devastating floods of 2011, for instance. These floods overwhelmed seven industrial estates in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani, areas crucial to the electronics, automobile, and electrical components industries. The damage was catastrophic.


Climate change doesn't just affect private businesses; it also places a heavy burden on the government. After each natural disaster, the government is forced to divert substantial funds toward repairing and maintaining damaged infrastructure. Moreover, as incomes shrink due to climate-related disruptions, tax revenues decline, further straining public finances.


To combat these challenges, the government can play a crucial role in steering the economy toward sustainability. By offering tax incentives for adopting low-carbon technologies and practices, Thailand can foster a more resilient, low-carbon future.


Written by Arin & Arisa Thongtang

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Koh Phi Phi 

Paradise lost

In recent years, there has been a remarkable resurgence of sea life around the Phi Phi Islands, situated in Thailand. Notably, the return of sea creatures such as reef sharks and ghost crabs to the area has been a cause for celebration among marine enthusiasts and conservationists. This resurgence can be attributed in part to the dedicated efforts of marine officials who planted an impressive 23,000 corals in the region in 2021.

The Phi Phi Islands have long been a popular destination for tourists, and their fame received an extra boost from the 2000 movie 'The Beach,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This film showcased the islands' stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes, capturing the imagination of travelers from around the world. As a result, it ignited a spark of interest in the Phi Phi Islands, making them a must-visit destination for those seeking a picturesque and adventure-filled escape.

To a certain extent, the thriving tourism industry in the Phi Phi Islands has encountered sustainability challenges stemming from the very visitors it attracts. The sheer volume of tourists frequenting the islands has led to a concerning environmental impact. On a daily basis, these visitors generate a staggering 25 to 40 tonnes of waste, which is often inadequately managed and ends up polluting the pristine landscapes of the islands.

The pollution problem extends beyond just waste disposal. The coral reefs, which are critical to the ecological health of the region and are being actively restored through coral planting initiatives, face damage from various sources. The propellers of boat motors, often driven too close to the fragile coral ecosystems, can cause physical harm. Similarly, tourists themselves, while swimming or snorkeling, can inadvertently harm the corals through physical contact or by standing on them.

Furthermore, a concerning practice seen in some cases is the burning of trash or the disposal of garbage directly into the water. Such actions not only mar the natural beauty of the Phi Phi Islands but also threaten the marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters.

Addressing these sustainability challenges is a crucial task for both local authorities and the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism practices, responsible waste management, and heightened environmental awareness among tourists are essential steps toward preserving the delicate ecosystems of the Phi Phi Islands and ensuring they remain a breathtaking destination for generations to come.

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Koh Phi Phi

Climate Change

UUn

From Polar Ice Melting to Human Impact

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon characterized by a long-term shift in the Earth's average temperature and climate patterns. It is primarily driven by a variety of factors, including natural processes and human activities.

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One significant aspect of climate change is the decrease in sea ice in polar regions. The Earth's polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, primarily due to the increase in global temperatures. This melting ice contributes to rising sea levels, which can result in coastal erosion, increased flooding, and the displacement of communities living in vulnerable coastal areas.

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Human activities play a major role in exacerbating climate change. The expansion of factories and industrialization has led to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a greenhouse effect that raises global temperatures. The burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and manufacturing processes is a significant source of these emissions.

 

Dense populations in urban areas also contribute to climate change. Concentrated populations require more resources and energy to support their daily needs, leading to higher emissions of greenhouse gases. This includes the energy required for heating, cooling, transportation, and the production of goods and services for a large number of people.

 

Wasteful energy practices further exacerbate climate change. Inefficient use of energy resources not only increases greenhouse gas emissions but also puts additional strain on natural resources. Energy conservation and the transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources are crucial steps in mitigating the effects of climate change.

 

In summary, climate change is a long-term shift in the Earth's average temperature and climate patterns, driven by various factors, including human activities such as industrialization, the burning of fossil fuels, and inefficient energy use.

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Understanding and addressing these factors are critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and working towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

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