VIENTIANE: The government has announced a nationwide observance of World Environment Day and National Environment Day on June 5, calling on all citizens, businesses, and international partners to unite in discussing ways to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speaking in the run-up to the day, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, said the world is no longer facing ordinary “global warming”, but has entered an era of “global boiling”, underscoring the urgent need for collective action to respond to climate change.
This year sees the 53rd World Environment Day and the 27th marking of National Environment Day in Laos. The occasion is an opportunity to strengthen environmental awareness and encourage practical actions to reduce pollution and protect forests.
Dr Linkkham said Laos is increasingly experiencing environmental impacts, including extreme heat, forest fires, air pollution, irregular rainfall, floods, and soil erosion, all of which threaten livelihoods, agricultural production, infrastructure, and overall development.
To address these challenges, the government has introduced several policies and strategies, including the National Climate Change Strategy, climate-related decrees, and carbon credit mechanisms.
Laos has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon absorption by 60 percent by 2030, while targeting Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The country additionally aims to expand forest cover to 70 percent by 2035.
This year’s Environment Day activities will take place alongside National Arbour Day under the theme “Stop Forest Burning and Plant Millions of Trees for Clean Air”.
Events will start on May 29 at Nam Phou Fountain in Vientiane, featuring exhibitions of tree species and environmental innovations, along with stage shows and publicity campaigns.
There will also be a “Run For Our Forests and Climate” on May 31, with runners receiving tree seedlings to plant as part of the country’s reforestation efforts.
Additional events include talks on climate change, environmental competitions, drawing and video contests, and educational activities designed to engage youth and communities in environmental protection.
Government officials say the occasion is not intended merely to raise awareness but also to inspire concrete action, encouraging people to reduce plastic use, stop open burning, protect forests, and participate directly in building a greener and more climate-resilient Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
