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June 5 marks World Environment Day to build awareness of environmental issues, especially climate change. This year's theme is “Your planet needs - unite to combat climate change”. It is essential for communities to work together to change attitudes towards environmental conservation
Department of Environment of the Water Resource and Environment Administration, Ms Chitsamon Ounsida: As we know, climate change is a serious issue in Laos because traditional weather patterns are beginning to change. People's livelihoods and health will suffer if something is not done soon. Many people's activities contribute to climate change, including the destruction of forests, the release of waste into waterways and the burning of fossil fuels to run vehicles. Air pollution damages the ozone layer, which turn in raises the Earth's surface temperature, leading to global warming. It would be good if people reduced carbon dioxide emissions to help address climate change. Climate change also impacts negatively on economic growth, so it is necessary for people to change their habits, and learn about conservation and sustainable management of the environment. We are working with the Lao Youth Union to teach young people to plant trees and dispose of rubbish properly to preserve the environment.  An employee at the Thai Embassy to Laos , Ms Ladsamy Soukthavone: Slash and burn cultivation in Laos contributes to the climate change problem, so the authorities should provide information to local people so they understand the importance of environmental protection. Today we have to accept many people still lack knowledge about environmental issues and what we're doing wrong. It would be good to see more advertisements about the issue on TV, posters, newspapers and radio. Recycling garbage is very important, because it reduces the amount of rubbish littering the country and can help to mitigate climate change. The Department of the Environment should encourage people to use cloth bags or baskets instead of plastic when they go shopping, as Lao people use a lot of plastic bags. The government should issue laws and regulations to control the use of plastics bags.
A retired Lao Air Force official, Mr Nounsouk Xayyasith: I believe our nation is being affected by climate change through flooding and droughts. If people don't change their behaviour, the negative impacts on agriculture, the environment, health, economy and people's living conditions will increase. The relevant authorities should encourage people to stop using forest timber, take care of trees and reduce the practice of burning garbage. If we continue to pollute the atmosphere it will damage the ozone layer and the Earth's surface temperature will rise. Ice in the polar regions will melt and the sea's surface level will rise, flooding low lying island countries. Climate change affects wildlife and aquatic animals and can lead to their extinction. Laos needs to have a strategic plan to sustainably preserve the environment. I think advertising in hospitals, schools and places of work will help people to understand environmental issues. An employee at a mining company, Mr Oulai Luanglath: It is not easy to change people's behaviour to reduce environmental destruction. It is important for the relevant authorities to look for ways to encourage people to take care of their natural surroundings. Environmental assessments for development projects are very important as they ensure responsible environmental, social and economic development. Tree planting can help offset carbon dioxide emissions. Young people should be given information on how to conserve the environment as they are the next generation. It is a good idea to encourage the use of biogas instead of petrol, and alternative energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce the use of fossil fuels. People should try to walk to work or markets as much as possible, or else use public transport. |
