PHNOM PENH: The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, Neth Pheaktra, has said that Cambodia is a leading country in the fight against climate change, achieved through actively participating in the implementation of various climate change-related conventions and progress made on environmental protection.
Speaking at the press conference to summarize the Ministry's work results in 2022 and set the work direction for 2023 on Monday, 31 October, Spokesperson Neth Pheaktra said that Cambodia has actively participated in carrying out various activities in line with conventions on combatting climate change, and made much progress on work related to environmental protection, thus making Cambodia a leading figure in this field.
"Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage within the framework of combating climate change [places the country] at the forefront," he said.
He added that Cambodia is not only a leading country in the fight against climate change but also has a clear plan ahead and specific reports on the progress made in tackling environmental issues.
"Every time the United Nations has set the stage for planning, Cambodia has always been at the forefront of planning and providing a report that has been accepted as real," he said.
The Spokesperson highlighted that the Ministry of Environment is currently working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to increase environmental awareness at a time when many countries around the world are facing the effects of climate change.
He said that the Royal Government of Cambodia, as the chair of ASEAN in 2022, has established a vision to make the ASEAN region green and resistant to climate change, through the adoption of clean energy sources and other related activities.
Some of the main effects of climate change include an increase in natural disasters and abnormal weather phenomena. Natural disasters that have been occurring more frequently in the world include hurricanes, unseasonal heavy rains, droughts, floods, abnormal temperatures, and wildfires caused by extreme heat.
In the 20 years between 2000 and 2019, the number of natural disasters worldwide increased by 83% compared to the 20 years between 1980 and 1999, according to the United Nations. This includes an increase of floods by 134% and an increase of natural disasters caused by abnormal temperatures by 232%.
