Key Impact Points
- Thailand tackles transport emissions: The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program aims to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, which accounts for 30% of its total emissions.
- EV technology as a solution: Electric vehicles are positioned as a key tool in achieving Thailand’s climate goals, with a platform designed to compare emissions between EVs and traditional vehicles.
- Supporting climate commitments: The program aligns with Thailand’s pledge at COP26 to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, using real-time data to inform policy decisions.
Thailand’s Push for Sustainable Transport
In a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), and the automotive industry, with support from the Government of Japan, Thailand has officially launched the SDG and EV Climate Credit Program platform. This innovative tool aims to monitor vehicle carbon emissions, supporting sustainable transport policies and encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as the country works toward a pollution-free society.
The platform’s launch, which brought together stakeholders from the public, private, and automotive sectors, marks a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transportation. As the transport sector accounts for 30% of Thailand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, the new platform will play a critical role in guiding policies to reduce the country’s carbon footprint through EVs and other low-emission transport options. This initiative directly supports Thailand’s climate action goals, as pledged at COP26.
EV Technology: A Key Driver of Climate Action
The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program highlights the growing importance of EV technology in transforming Thailand’s automotive industry and reducing its environmental impact. With the support of partners like the Government of Japan, the platform is designed to increase the use of low-emission vehicles, driving the country toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand, stressed the platform’s importance in Thailand’s climate action journey: “In Thailand, 30% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transport sector, so the increase in the percentage of electric vehicles on the road is the decrease in the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That is why funding from the Government of Japan and leadership and collaboration from the Royal Thai Government and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, UNDP is rolling up its sleeves to be part of Thailand’s climate action journey.”
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Empowering Policymakers and the Public
The platform serves as a valuable tool for both policymakers and the general public. It enables users to compare the environmental impact of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This comparison provides crucial insights for policy development and raises public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of cleaner transportation options.
Sumittra Charojrochkul, Executive Director of the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), emphasized the role of the platform in public education: “This platform is an important tool used in comparing with everyday use of ICE vehicles. If we change from ICE vehicles to EVs or ZEVs, what would be the differences? If this platform is widely used in Thailand, initially, it will raise awareness among the general public.”
Supporting Thailand’s Climate Goals
Thailand has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, as outlined at COP26, with the transport sector being a primary focus for these reductions. The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program platform is a critical tool for monitoring the progress toward these goals, providing data that informs national climate policies.
Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, explained: “We developed NDCs with targets to reduce GHG emissions in the transport sector. As OTP is responsible for developing transport policies and plans, it is imperative for us to reduce GHG emissions in Thailand’s transport sector. This platform will be used as a monitoring and evaluation tool that tells us the extent of benefit from the public sector’s efforts.”
Toward a Sustainable Future
The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program represents a major milestone in Thailand’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon future. By monitoring emissions and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, Thailand is advancing its climate action goals and paving the way for a just energy transition that benefits all sectors of society.
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