Bangkok: The climate crisis, often referred to as “global boiling,” is exacerbated by unequal contributions to global warming and unequal suffering as a result. Today, Greenpeace Thailand underscores the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” as defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to emphasize the disparity in pollution contributions and the resulting impacts of the climate crisis.

According to Thai News Agency, research identifies fossil-based industries as the primary culprits, with just 122 companies responsible for over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. These companies are predominantly located in the United States, India, the European Union, and China. Notably, two of these major polluters are based in Thailand. The report also highlights the disproportionate carbon footprint of the wealthy, especially those profiting from fossil fuels, compared to lower-income earners, suggesting the need for the “Polluter Pays Principle.”

The impact of global warming is not evenly distributed, affecting urban poor, LGBTQ groups, women and children, indigenous peoples, ethnic groups, and coastal communities more severely. Indigenous groups, although they represent a mere 5% of the global population, play a critical role in conserving biodiversity, yet they suffer disproportionately from environmental changes.

Policies prioritizing economic growth over environmental and social costs exacerbate these disparities. For instance, the focus on GDP in Thailand’s Special Economic Zones has led to cultural erosion and threatened food security, particularly for local fishermen and ethnic communities. Mega-projects like the Land Bridge pose a threat to biodiversity-rich areas crucial for local livelihoods.

Thailand’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 is compromised by controversial solutions like carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The first CCS project in the Gulf of Thailand raises concerns over its economic viability, safety risks, and potential for “greenwashing.” Past international experiences, such as Australia’s Gorgon project, highlight the financial and safety risks associated with CCS, which could ultimately burden Thai taxpayers if similar issues arise.

Greenpeace Thailand calls for a thorough environmental and human rights impact assessment, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), before proceeding with such projects to ensure they are both necessary and cost-effective.