Interview: Associate Professor Dr. Pasicha Chaikaew
Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
By Ananyakorn Poolsilapa
Climate change is a pervasive issue that permeates every facet of our society. When we consider the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it becomes evident that climate action holds a central position, as the other 16 goals are intricately interconnected with it. For instance, poverty reduction (SDG No.2) is impacted by climate change, as it hampers people's capacity to cope with environmental challenges.
When viewed through the lens of education (SDG No.4), it becomes apparent that accurately predicting the precise impacts of climate change is challenging due to the variability of environmental factors and the complexities within the economic realm. However, even in the face of these uncertainties, the importance of education cannot be underestimated. Regardless of age, education serves as a vital pathway for understanding and addressing environmental problems, playing a crucial role in navigating and resolving the challenges posed by climate change.
The key takeaway is that by recognizing the interdependence between climate change and various aspects of sustainable development or other SDGs, we can initiate actions rooted in those goals to effectively achieve SDG No.13, which focuses on climate action.
Another crucial issue to consider is gender equality (SDG No.5). Although gender disparities may not be immediately apparent in Thailand, it is important to acknowledge that in many places, women are still responsible for household work routines. Additionally, when natural disasters occur as a consequence of climate change, women often bear the burden of cleaning up the resulting environmental messes. Furthermore, women's participation in policy-making and decision-making processes related to problem-solving is often limited.
On the contrary, while the impacts of climate change predominantly bring negativity, it is crucial to recognize the positive developments in responsible consumption and production (SDG No12). We have witnessed encouraging advancements in the manufacturing of environmentally conscious products. In the past, these eco-friendly items were often associated with higher prices, hindering accessibility. However, there has been a positive shift, with such products becoming more readily available to consumers. This increased accessibility reflects a promising adaptation to addressing environmental challenges.
The key takeaway is that by recognizing the interdependence between climate change and various aspects of sustainable development or other SDGs, we can initiate actions rooted in those goals to effectively achieve SDG No.13, which focuses on climate action.