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[snoop1130]

 

Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar have teamed up to launch the Clear Sky Strategy for 2024 to 2030, an effort to tackle the severe air pollution affecting Southeast Asia.

 

The plan was officially introduced yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Key figures at the event included Thailand’s top minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Bounkham Vorachit from Laos and Khin Maung Yi from Myanmar, natural resources ministers from their respective countries, were also present. This initiative follows the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed last June.

 

Before this official launch, Thailand had already initiated discussions through an online summit in April to address the region's pollution problems.

 

The Clear Sky Strategy is an action plan aiming to significantly improve air quality. The strategy outlines a framework under the acronym “CLEAR,” which stands for Continued Commitment, Leveraging Mechanisms, Experience Sharing, Air Quality Networks, and Response.

 

A major conference is planned for later this year in Bangkok, where all agreement members will continue planning and implementing actions.

 

Minister Maris highlighted the urgent need for Southeast Asia to reduce pollution from industries, vehicles, agriculture, and forest fires, especially as PM2.5 levels tend to rise when temperatures drop. He emphasized the importance of global cooperation to tackle these environmental challenges effectively.

 

Chalermchai stressed the priority of addressing forest fires and reducing cross-border haze, focusing on cooperation with neighboring countries.

 

The Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030 represents a substantial effort in regional cooperation aimed at tackling severe air pollution, which affects millions in Southeast Asia.

 

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-- 2024-10-30