Cambodia Faces Severe Climate Threat, Warns Senior Minister

[geovalin]

Ly Thuch

 

Cambodia’s economy is at serious risk from climate change, with its agriculture-dependent population among the most exposed in the region, according to Senior Minister Ly Thuch.

 

Speaking at a high-level policy consultation in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, Thuch said around 70% of Cambodians rely on agriculture—an industry highly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, floods, and prolonged droughts. The consultation, hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), focused on building climate-responsive macroeconomic resilience.

 

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, and it’s disrupting economies across the region. Cambodia is particularly exposed,” said Thuch, who also chairs the country’s National ESCAP Committee.

 

Despite the risks, Thuch praised Cambodia’s efforts under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership to strengthen its climate defences. These include expanding the use of renewable energy, cutting carbon emissions, and reinforcing national energy security.

 

He outlined four key recommendations to enhance climate resilience: using smart fiscal tools to support climate planning and investment; integrating resilience measures into every ministry’s strategy; scaling up climate finance for green infrastructure and agriculture; and crafting comprehensive national policies aimed at sustainability.

 

Cambodia, one of Southeast Asia’s most climate-vulnerable nations, has increasingly positioned green growth at the heart of its development agenda. Yet experts warn that without bold and coordinated action, climate impacts could slow economic progress, damage livelihoods, and strain public resources.

 

Thuch’s comments add urgency to a growing regional dialogue, as governments across Asia grapple with the twin pressures of development and environmental risk. For Cambodia, the stakes are especially high—its future prosperity may depend on how swiftly and effectively it adapts.

 

-2025-07-11

[Purdey]

Climate change is global. Cambodia will be flooded by what developed Nations fail to do.

[JimHuaHin]

And Thailand is in the same boat as Cambodia; but in Thailand mai pen rai rules.

[FlorC]

Cambodia protecting its seat at the next WEF meeting .

[wavodavo]

3 hours ago, Purdey said:

Climate change is global. Cambodia will be flooded by what developed Nations fail to do.

Climate change is real ...it's when the seasons change ..summer ,autumn  , winter , spring , summer.  Why is everyone so worried about it ?  It's been like that for ever and nothing is gunna chage it.