Clinton wants Thais to think creatively

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Clinton wants Thais to think creatively 
Bangkok Post: 13 Nov 2010
Clinton wants Thais to think creatively
Cutting greenhouse gas is an opportunity

Former US President Bill Clinton has called for leadership from all stakeholders in Thailand to bring about creative initiatives that can address the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Thailand, with its growing population, can lead its Asian counterparts in finding solutions on how to come up with a good model, he said.

Mr Clinton was speaking last night to about 700 representatives from parliament, the government, state agencies, the private sector and civil society, gathered at Government House.

It is his sixth trip to Thailand and he said he hoped Thailand can make a commitment to deal with climate change.

He urged the government to come up with policies and lawmakers to introduce legislation that promotes investment in environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar power, wind turbines and geothermal sources.

He suggested Thailand promote the production and use of electric vehicles that will not just reduce carbon emissions, but can also generate economic opportunities.

The country won't have to depend so heavily on crude oil.

Mr Clinton said it is important to find economically productive ways to make energy, foster those who oversee and regulate policies, and leadership that can find ways forward.

Leaders could also support urban transport networks that run on electricity and produce less greenhouse gas.

There is also a big opportunity for private investment in these areas.

Some countries, such as Japan, are interested in buying electric hybrid cars. They are likely to import these cars because they lack manpower to produce them. Therefore, if Thai leaders can commit financial and regulatory support for these sectors, local manufacturers could win, and the country can benefit from growth in capital income.

"You might develop a whole new segment of the economy," he said.

Policy support can make companies feel confident about selling electric cars here. The result is that they may decide to invest in producing the car.

Mr Clinton, who also runs the William J. Clinton Foundation, urged Thailand to be careful about going ahead with the development of nuclear energy.

"No one can find a satisfactory way to deal with nuclear energy, including the US," he said.

In the past, the US has shut down nuclear facilities when they developed malfunctions.

The government should be cautious about supporting biofuel energy, too, because food shortages and deforestation could result from too much involvement.

Reducing greenhouse emissions is an important goal which needs long term strategic planning and financial commitment from all sectors, he told his audience.

The government has ample sources of revenue and could increase taxes from the private sector if it needed more to embark on its mission of reducing greenhouse gases.

Mr Clinton said all countries should explore productive ways to change the way energy is consumed for the sake of the planet.

They should also encourage economic growth, and to bring people together at the time of social and political conflicts, he said.

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