Chuop Paris, secretary of state at the Ministry of Environment, noted the essential role of climate change awareness for journalists and the significance of possessing accurate scientific information to effectively inform the public.

Paris was addressing a seminar in Battambang province on December 23.

“If journalists lack a clear understanding of climate change, it could cause confusion. In the past, Cambodia was mistakenly blamed as the cause due to forest loss. However, it turns out we are the wrong culprits; climate change is a global problem,” he said.

“In reality, our country is a victim. We have low greenhouse gas emissions compared to developed countries. Developed nations, relying on fossil fuels, emit substantial CO2, contributing to global warming and climate change,” he said.

He explained that climate change has led to windstorms, floods, droughts and rising sea levels.

Paris also noted that developed countries are the primary contributors to climate change. Cambodia, with low CO2 emissions, is both a low emitter and a victim. This message has been consistently conveyed, notably at significant meetings such as the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), earlier this year, as articulated by environment minister Eang Sophalleth.

“Our nation may be small, emitting relatively less, but we’re strongly committed to engaging in global climate issues,” Sophalleth said at the event, held from November 30 to December 12.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has affirmed his government’s commitment to actively collaborating with the international community to tackle and alleviate the repercussions of climate change. 

He recently dismissed proposals for a 700MW coal power plant due to its substantial emission of greenhouse gases, favouring liquefied natural gas (LNG) for its lower environmental impact.

“We currently rely on renewable energy sources for about 62 per cent, including hydropower and solar. We’re steadfast in our commitment to increase this share to 70 per cent by 2030,” he said.

Concerning climate change mitigation, Paris mentioned that the ministry’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-28 outlines initiatives to plant a minimum of one million trees annually, expanding the Kingdom’s green spaces. 

Starting in 2024, the ministry will commence distributing free trees from nurseries to the public for planting anywhere.

“We’re encouraging community planting, aiming for carbon-neutral neighbourhoods that don’t emit carbon, utilise solar electricity and engage in tree planting. Additionally, our focus includes replanting trees in degraded areas,” he said.