Thailand Clean Air Network (or Thailand CAN) has made small but determined strides towards solving the air pollution crisis that affects the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. As a citizen-driven volunteer group that includes professionals from multi-disciplinary fields, Thailand CAN relies on broad-based citizen support to spread awareness and promote policy solutions.
We interviewed Thailand CAN’s cofounder, Weenarin Lulitanonda, who has been at the forefront of the organisation’s advocacy from the start. After a long stint at the World Bank, Khun Weenarin has become a thought leader in corporate finance and corporate sustainability within Thailand. With her support, Thailand CAN developed the first citizen-led Clean Air Bill, which has been submitted to the Thai Parliament for consideration.
Khun Weenarin believes, first and foremost, that beneficial change in clean air policy can only come from the bottom up. “Throughout history, it has been ordinary citizens standing up against vested interests that have brought about clean air,” explains Khun Weenarin.
Her efforts not only address the pressing environmental challenges in Thailand but also have significant implications for tourism across the Greater Mekong Subregion, where air quality and sustainable practices are increasingly vital to maintaining the region’ s appeal to travelers.
Can you describe the current state of air pollution in Thailand and the Mekong region and its broader impacts on the environment and public health?
The impact of air pollution on human health represents a serious public health crisis across Asia and the Pacific. According to UNEP, around 92 per cent of the region’s people are exposed to levels of air pollution that pose a significant risk to their health according to World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines.
What specific effects is climate change having on the Greater Mekong Subregion, and how might these changes influence tourism in the region?
Air quality and climate change are, by their very nature, distinct issues in their own right, although they are interlinked at a certain level.
For example, half of the global warming impact is due to the increase in short-term air pollutants. Obviously, traveling to any destination where breathing clean air is a novelty, or if the warming impacts are so dire, will certainly give pause for any traveller who may have otherwise considered coming to the Mekong region on their next vacation!
This is also exacerbated by the climate change now visibly making air turbulence worse and causing many travelers to already have second thoughts on taking long-haul flights in the first place.
What specific measures can be taken to improve air quality by local stakeholders?
Air pollution is a manifestation of a much larger structural problem, that stems from a long entrenched and unsustainable growth model which focuses on economic growth over environmental protection.
But it does not have to be this way. There are sustainable solutions successfully implemented in many countries, which have shown that addressing air pollution does not necessarily curb economic growth.
However, a necessary precondition is the passage of a well-crafted clean air legislation – one that addresses the root causes of this public health crisis. The Thailand Clean Air Network (or Thailand CAN, www.ThailandCAN.org) has drafted and submitted the only citizen-led Thai Clean Air Bill that is currently being considered as passage into law.
Many important clauses such as the protection of citizen’s right to clean air, the establishment of an effective clean air agency, and ensuring adequate funding will be available through the employment of polluter pays principle will likely receive a lot of pushback.
As anyone who needs to breathe clean air to remain alive and well, you are a stakeholder, and if you love your life and those of your loved ones then you should be empowered to take on this cause and help be the voice of support for this important legislation.
Throughout history, it has been ordinary citizens standing up against vested interest that have brought about clean air.
What role should national organizations, including tourism boards, play in improving air quality and mitigating the effects of climate change? For example, could stricter air quality regulations benefit both public health and tourism?
Tourism promotion organizations, be they national or regional bodies, have the responsibility to support tourism in their respective country or region. It is undeniable that toxic air quality will have an impact on their sector and business prospects. Therefore, it is imperative that they take a proactive role to channel their concerns to the respective policy-makers.
How can local communities and tourists themselves contribute to improving air quality and reducing the environmental impact of travel?
Local communities can push for more ecotourism in their areas and tourists should also demand for local-driven ecotourism offerings. On the environmental impact of travel itself, that is always difficult and ultimately the most sustainable travel is one that created the least carbon footprint, rather than one where travelers simply bought carbon offset.
To learn more about Thailand Clean Air Network, visit their website, or check out their Facebook page.
MTCO Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) or its member countries. While we support the importance of environmental awareness and advocacy, we recognize the diverse approaches and challenges faced by each country in addressing air quality and sustainable development.
