Bangkok may have to move its location... Climate change threatens the capital of Thailand

2024-05-20 2024-05-20T12:14:41Z

ArabiaWeather - A senior official at the Climate Change Office in Thailand confirmed to Agence France-Presse, in issued statements, that political leaders may have to consider the possibility of moving the country's capital, Bangkok, to another place, due to rising sea levels. Projections show that low-lying areas in Bangkok are vulnerable to being submerged by ocean water before the end of this century.

Large areas of the capital already suffer from flooding problems during the rainy season, and the Deputy Director-General of the Government Department of Climate Change and Environment warned that Bangkok may not be able to adapt to rising temperatures in the future.

He pointed out that global temperatures have already exceeded the level of 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times, which calls for thinking about adaptation strategies. In this context, officials in Bangkok plan to explore measures related to building dams, similar to those used in the Netherlands.

Despite this, discussions about moving the capital are still in a hypothetical stage, as the matter is considered very complex. However, some argue that relocating business and government businesses from Bangkok could be a good option, as Bangkok can remain the government capital, while businesses move to new locations.

The growing impact of climate change in Southeast Asia

Although the idea of moving capitals seems far from being part of official policies, it was not unprecedented in the region. Indonesia is preparing to open its new capital, Nusantara, this year, replacing Jakarta, which suffers from submergence and pollution, as the country's political center. This bold step raises controversy and comes at a huge cost, estimated at between 32 and 35 billion dollars.

In addition, Thailand is experiencing the impacts of climate change in various sectors, from farmers struggling with heat and drought, to tourism companies affected by coral bleaching and pollution.

Facing these challenges, the country has closed several national parks in response to coral bleaching, and will likely take further action in the future. Officials stress the need to protect natural resources, while acknowledging that government efforts to combat air pollution have not yet achieved tangible results.

Among other legislation, Thailand is working on the first climate change legislation of its kind, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and seeking to reach zero emissions by 2065. These steps reflect a commitment to combating climate change and improving the environment for future generations.