Driving a sustainable low-carbon society despite the uncertain world
“We must prepare to deal with things that we cannot fix, such as: heavy rain flood The ice is melting, we can't stop these things, so we have to find ways to manage them. Another thing is to reduce or control what we can still do or what we have already done. The question is both Between these two issues, which one should we prioritize? One has already happened, and the other is the future. It depends on our perspective. But one thing is certain: we must work on both of these issues in tandem.
The latest scientific data confirms that climate change is becoming significantly more severe. report State of the Global Climate 2024 from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) It states that in 2024, the global average temperature between 1850 and 1900 will increase by 1.55 plus or minus 0.13 degrees Celsius, making this year the hottest on record.
The severity isn't limited to rising temperatures, but is reflected in more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as heat waves, prolonged droughts, or heavy rains that cause flash floods.
Nakorn Trankwirapat, Director of the Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) It was reported that in 2025, Thailand experienced drought and a heat wave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during April, the hottest period before Songkran. The provinces most severely affected were Sukhothai, with temperatures expected to reach 49.01 degrees Celsius. The upper central region, along with other provinces such as Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, and Nakhon Sawan, experienced heavy rain and flooding in the northern and northeastern regions, which have had a significant impact on the agricultural sector and the local economy.
report Climate Risk Index 2025 Germanwatch reports that Thailand has been ranked 30th in the world for extreme weather risk, an improvement from its previous ranking of 9th in 2021. This is attributed to government policy implementation, which prioritizes improving early warning systems, water management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and communicating with the public. These are crucial issues.
“The numbers clearly show that this problem is occurring and getting worse every day. What we need to focus on now is how we prepare and adapt to this situation. This is the core of our current focus.”
Nakorn points out two important dimensions in dealing with the climate change crisis:
- Preparing for the changes in the world that are about to happen in the future
- Preparing for and dealing with the impacts that have already occurred
These two things must be done together.
For example, heavy rainfall, massive flooding, or melting polar ice caps, which result in rising sea levels, require preparedness and management. Currently, laws require those involved in these situations to be held accountable for their consequences, forcing businesses to urgently adapt.
"We must prepare for the things we can't change, such as heavy rain, flooding, and melting ice. We can't stop these things, so we must find ways to manage them. Another approach is reducing or controlling what we can or have already done. The question is, which of these two areas should we prioritize? One has already happened, and the other is the future. It depends on our perspective. But one thing is certain: we must address both simultaneously."
The environment has no house registration
Saving the world is everyone's duty.
Nakorn expressed his view that today, every country is focused on survival amid uncertainty, especially the economic sector, which faces the ever-changing policies of superpowers. It must be admitted that human nature tends to focus on matters close to home, because today, people's livelihoods are a matter close to home. To put it more clearly, “No one would starve today to have good air tomorrow.” This is an undeniable fact.
Everyone is concerned about the global crisis, but given the current situation, it's crucial to focus on immediate issues first. Those who are already strong can think about the future, while those who are weaker must focus on addressing immediate issues first. In reality, however you look at the two issues, they're essentially the same. However, each person's actions or ability to take responsibility for this problem vary, so each person must take on different levels of responsibility.
The criteria used to determine who is responsible for more or less depends on the specific metric being used. For example, if the measurement is done at the national level, developed countries, with industries that have a significant impact on this issue, might require a larger budget to handle this issue than developing countries. However, the overall goal is the same: helping the world.
"Of course, everyone must take responsibility. But it's impossible to expect everyone in the world to share responsibility equally. Those who are prepared in certain areas should share responsibility according to their own preparedness and abilities. Because the environment doesn't have a household registration, pollution can move anywhere in the world, and its impacts are felt globally. Everyone is affected equally. This issue cannot be separated into two categories: if we act, but neighboring countries don't, the resulting pollution can potentially impact our own country. We can't just put a glass on pollution and confine it to one area."
Nakorn emphasized that despite the current situation, countries like the United States have diminished their role in this issue, overall progress is still being made. Various laws continue to be enacted and enforced. Crucially, the global crisis is not solely America's concern. The private sector, a key variable in this crisis, continues to drive this issue intensively, with policies aimed at helping the planet unabated. This is why the key driving force will come from the private sector.
Meanwhile, the world is embracing this issue without borders, whether America is waging a trade war with China or Russia is at war with Ukraine. When it comes to global warming, however, it's not as divided as other issues. This doesn't mean America won't buy carbon credits from China or Russia. There's no geopolitical conflict in addressing global warming, because this is a global problem. And it's not wrong for people to have different abilities. At the very least, let's all take responsibility for the planet.
Thailand is in a vulnerable group.
Poisoned Climate Change
Nakorn provided information that Thailand is considered a country that has “Fragility” Highly susceptible to climate change. In the past 20 years, Thailand has experienced more than 100 climate disasters, including major floods, droughts, heat waves, and coastal erosion, affecting people's lives, the grassroots economy, public utilities, and natural resources. Vulnerable populations, especially children, the elderly, the disabled, and low-income earners, have limited adaptive capacity and access to infrastructure, and are therefore at high risk when environmental disasters occur.
Data from IPCC research indicates that if average global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, the global climate change outlook predicts that 70-90% of coral reefs worldwide could die, impacting ecosystems and fisheries. Sea levels could rise by an average of 26-77 cm by 2100, impacting coastal areas. Thailand could face the risk of coastal flooding, particularly in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector, particularly rice and cassava, is at risk of drought and plant diseases spreading from the hot weather.
And if global average temperatures exceed 3 degrees Celsius, the global impact is expected to be four to five times greater than at present. Greenland and Antarctic glaciers are at risk of melting faster than expected, causing sea levels to rise by more than one meter within this century. Up to 50% of global biodiversity could be extinct. Meanwhile, the impact on Thailand is that over 30% of Bangkok's coastal areas and the central economic region are at risk of permanent seawater inundation (according to World Bank data, 2021).
The tourism sector, particularly the sea and coral reefs in Phuket, Krabi, and Satun, could be permanently damaged. Food security risks include shortages, as rice production may decrease by more than 15-20% in some years. Health risks are also heightened, as mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, could spread widely.
"If we focus on Thailand, we should consider how we will manage these situations if they occur. The water level in the riverbanks is already rising, and we need to consider management strategies as well. Resolving these issues will take time, as new infrastructure systems will be required to cope with the situation."
Use carbon credit mechanisms
Driving a low-carbon society
Nakorn stated that TGO's primary vision is to drive Thailand towards a "Low Carbon Economy & Society," focusing on creating mechanisms that facilitate greenhouse gas reduction across all sectors, linking economic growth with environmental sustainability through reliable international standards and mechanisms.
TGO's current primary mission is to develop and certify projects and drive activities that minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This covers both current and future initiatives. Existing initiatives must be further improved, while initiatives that can prevent or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions must be implemented in parallel.
“TGO is an organization that supports, educates, and promotes greenhouse gas emissions assessment and reduction. It also supports the creation of carbon credits as a mechanism for participation in global conservation, encouraging individuals and businesses to participate in global conservation efforts, either through mandatory or voluntary initiatives.”
In the voluntary sector, most organizations are prepared to participate, regardless of whether the activity is small or large. In the mandatory sector, both legal requirements and tax measures dictate what must be done.
Nakorn explains that nowadays people tend to think of global warming as carbon credits, but in reality, carbon credits are just a tool in the final step of three steps:
- Reduction : Businesses must begin by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through internal management. If done correctly, this can reduce costs for the business and contribute to global warming. For example, this can involve utilizing waste or reusing leftover materials from the manufacturing process, which can lower costs and benefit both the business and the planet.
- Remova l : If the reduction is still insufficient, carbon absorption can be used, through reforestation to allow trees to absorb carbon dioxide. Forest conservation and nature conservation are also at this stage. Many organizations are using this method quite a lot.
- Carbon Credit : If both steps are not enough, then enter the payment mechanism. First, the Carbon Tax must be calculated. If you do not want to pay the tax, then enter the step of purchasing carbon credits to fill the gap.
“Carbon credits are the final component, but most people tend to bring them up first because they're attractive, tradable, and subject to price fluctuations. When they're brought up first, it can lead to the misconception that you don't need to do anything; just buy carbon credits and be done with it. In reality, this isn't possible.”
Nakorn further explained that the Net Zero requirements allow for the use of carbon offset credits of no more than 10%. The ideal mechanism is for organizations to adjust first, then replant if the adjustments are insufficient, and then purchase carbon credits if the planting is still insufficient. This is to prevent "green watchers." Reductions must be achieved by 90% on their own, with a remaining 10% remaining before the carbon credit mechanism can be used.
TGO has been working with the business sector to support the Thai private sector in adapting and helping businesses find answers to how to adapt, using the carbon credit mechanism as an incentive for participation.
For example, TGO has been working with sugar producers to convert sugarcane waste into biomass, which can then be reused in the production process. This reduces pollution and costs, but requires additional investment. TGO can help sugar producers sell the resulting carbon credits to reduce their investment.
As for the calculation of carbon credits, it is calculated from the reduced energy used. For example, in past work, 8 units of energy were used to produce sugar. However, if the sugarcane cobs were converted to energy for personal use, the remaining 5 units of purchased energy would be used, a reduction of 3 units. This reduction is then calculated as carbon credits.
The unit of carbon credits is 1 tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent because there is more than just one type of greenhouse gas emitted in the world, and each gas has different concentrations and severity. Therefore, the ratio of other gases to carbon dioxide must be converted to 1:1 to become a universal unit that everyone understands. This makes it easier to buy and sell.
Nakorn further explained that the TGO is responsible for proving how much of an organization's greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced and converted back into carbon credits. Instead, they rely on ISO standards, which are international standards. TGO's role is to explain these standards and adapt them to each organization's national context and activities. There are already formulas for certifying the concentration of a given gas relative to carbon dioxide. The tricky part is to examine each activity to determine which gases are emitted.
For example, a plastic water bottle. Each company that produces water bottles has a different production process, from raw material selection to energy use to production time and the complexity of different machinery. Therefore, each activity must be classified to determine how much of each gas is released and how much energy is used. Then, all of this must be compared to the ratio of carbon dioxide to be converted back into units of tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. All of this is called a carbon footprint. The same principle applies to the production of water bottles. If every activity of an organization is classified, it will result in a carbon footprint of the organization.
And if we break it down further, it can be divided into 3 levels: Scope 1, which is the internal processes directly related to production; Scope 2, which are various support processes related to production; and Scope 3, which covers everyone in the production ecosystem, such as various suppliers and transportation companies.
In collecting data at these three levels, Scope 3 is the most difficult part, as it mostly involves smaller companies that are not yet fully prepared in this area. TGO's duty is to assist these companies so that they can gather data to use with the manufacturing companies until they have complete data for all three Scopes. This is helping the small companies so that they can help the big companies as well.
Nakorn stated that once the carbon footprint can be calculated, the organization can effectively implement greenhouse gas reduction projects in each of its activities. This can be extended to selling carbon credits on the carbon market, using the greenhouse gas market mechanism. These can be divided into two groups: 1. Mandatory and 2. Voluntary.
Compulsory The government will determine how much greenhouse gas emissions each industry can emit. If emissions exceed this amount, taxes must be paid or activities must be undertaken to compensate. However, if emissions fall below this limit, the portion can be sold. Businesses will then calculate the selling price, the taxes to be paid, and the costs involved. If the calculations show that the costs of reducing emissions are high, they may choose to purchase carbon credits or pay a carbon tax, depending on each organization's strategy.
Voluntary sector : This is a broad-based approach, covering everything from simple everyday activities like reducing the use of straws or plastic bags, turning off the lights, lowering the temperature of the air conditioner, to engaging in public-spirited activities that contribute to the world. Each activity must demonstrate that it is truly effective. The measurement used to make this decision is the carbon footprint emitted by each activity.
"Today, TGO is moving forward with the Carbon Neutral Event project by collecting all data related to the event, including event organization, transportation, catering, premium items, opening ceremonies, travel, and attendee accommodations. Once we know how much carbon an event emits, we can purchase carbon credits to offset it. This process allows those who generate carbon credits to continue their work, while organizers can promote the event as a globally beneficial event, creating a mechanism that can operate in tandem."
Business Driven Net Zero Pathway
Promote carbon credits to “asset” status
Nakorn said that businesses worldwide are currently working hard to achieve Net Zero, a goal that doesn't allow for the purchase of additional carbon credits to reach net-zero emissions. Instead, they can only use up to 10% of their total emissions. TGO will support businesses in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and any excess emissions will need to be marketed to sell carbon credits to reduce costs.
These processes create supply and demand in the market. Today, TGO is striving to increase demand by promoting the benefits of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and incentivizing it through carbon credit mechanisms. Long-term plans are in place to promote the transformation of carbon credits into assets, enabling them to be leveraged or utilized in other areas, such as using them as collateral for business guarantees with banks. Once carbon credits become assets, they will begin to have a price, leading to trading and even future speculation.
On the producer or supply side, if demand is unclear, supply will be difficult to come by. This has led TGO to try to push for the use of carbon credits in various forms to make demand clearer, including pointing out market needs, for example:
If market demand is 300 but market supply is 50, which is not enough to meet demand, businesses that want carbon credits must pay 250 in taxes. However, if the supply side sees an opportunity to make a profit from this, they will create the other 250 to meet market demand.
However, if demand-side figures are unclear and market demand is unknown, supply-side demand will not materialize. Therefore, TGO must provide knowledge support and create as much understanding as possible for the market, particularly in the voluntary sector. This is because the mandatory sector already has clarity on how much can be released and how much must be bought back, and what the organization's burden is. However, in the voluntary sector, where there are no regulations, clarity should also be developed.
"Current trends are concentrating on carbon capture and absorption, as corporate greenhouse gas emissions reductions will reach a point where further reductions are no longer possible. Therefore, the trend is focused on carbon capture and absorption. However, carbon capture is limited due to the limited global area. Therefore, alternative methods are needed, such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and various other new techniques."
"Of course, everyone must take responsibility. Those who are prepared in any area should share responsibility according to their own preparedness and abilities. Because the environment does not have a household registration, pollution can move anywhere in the world, and the resulting impacts are felt globally, regardless of who is affected."
Raising awareness of carbon reduction
Support businesses to reduce costs and aim for sustainability
Nakorn said TGO's mission is to focus on two areas: creating and supporting.
1. Creation: Currently, TGO certifies carbon footprint labels for various activities such as products, organizations, events, and individuals. It also has a CoolMode clothing label, or clothing that reduces global warming. If it moves up to the corporate level, it will focus on creating a vision for Carbon Neutral or Net Zero, showing how businesses must operate.
Another group TGO is planning to expand awareness of is the tourism sector, as the current tourism trend is starting to shift to low-carbon travel. TGO will assess the carbon emissions of each trip and the sources of these emissions, similar to a carbon neutral event. Then, TGO will offer an opportunity to purchase offsets from the tourism area. For example, if you visit Chiang Mai, you should purchase carbon credits from a Chiang Mai vendor so that you can return to care for the area. This is exactly what TGO is planning.
2.Support : It helps businesses reduce costs and benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions. TGO uses AI technology in its assessment and inspection, significantly enhancing its capabilities in various areas. This reduces costs, whether it's calculating carbon footprints, recycling waste energy, or implementing any project, making it easier and more cost-effective. This helps address bottlenecks that many organizations face, a key issue preventing them from investing or moving forward.
“TGO supports every aspect of the process, from initiating self-assessment to evaluating various aspects, enabling organizations to make easier decisions. When organizations gain a clearer picture, they'll know the next steps. We're a tool to facilitate the journey to sustainability. Looking deeper, TGO must help make both the creation and the support even more valuable.”
Nakorn said TGO also prioritizes the development of digital financial innovations, collaborating with the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to promote Carbon Credit Tokenization, which will enhance the liquidity of carbon credit trading. This will enhance the trading mechanism to be more transparent, flexible, and accessible.
This aligns with the global trend of developing new financial infrastructures and increases the opportunity for Thailand to become a regional carbon credit trading hub in the future, supporting Thailand's Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero goals.
"TGO is an organization that supports, educates, and promotes greenhouse gas emissions assessment and reduction. It also supports the creation of carbon credits as a mechanism for participation in global conservation, encouraging individuals and businesses to participate in global conservation efforts, either through mandatory or voluntary initiatives.
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