Siem Reap (FN), Nov. 3 – Cambodian environment minister Eang Sophalleth said that Cambodia has committed to achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 41.7% by 2030, and the government has taken several strategic steps in building a climate change strategy framework, including the adoption of the Environment and Natural Resources code and the launch of the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1.
Cambodian environment minister spoke during the Cambodia Climate Change Summit 2023 (CCCS23) on Friday (Nov. 3) in Siem Reap.
Minister Eang Sophalleth said that it is clear that climate change is a grave and mounting threat to a healthy planet.
“We need to focus not only on the formulation of policy and strategy, but also need real action to support the needs of people who are affected by climate change. We need to work together to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all Cambodians,” environment minister underscored.
The minister also announced the new Environmental Circular Strategy 2023-2028, launching on 15 November 2023.
“Climate change is one of the biggest threats faced by our region. This summit has been an opportunity to discuss practical actions to adapt to the effects of climate change and achieve net zero by 2050,” Australian ambassador to Cambodia Justin Whyatt underlined.
“Australia is stepping up our climate action cooperation in Cambodia. Through CAPRED we will connect off-grid villages to clean electricity, improve water security through increased access to clean water in rural Cambodia, and support zero-waste business models in agriculture,” ambassador Justin added.
In his remarks, US ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy emphasised the importance of the 2023 climate change event as Cambodia and the world prepare for the 28th Conference of the Parties in Dubai.
“We collectively work to improve our coordination and cooperation in support of Cambodia’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality,” ambassador Murphy underscored.
“The United States has invested over USD100 million in foreign assistance focused on combating climate change, including facilitating the sale of more than USD40 million in carbon credits to US companies such as Disney and Delta,” added ambassador Murphy.
Chairman of MFI Neak Okhna Sear Rithy mentioned the summit underscores the shared understanding that addressing the challenge of climate change is inseparable from the future of the next generation, the nation, and the world.
“At the Mekong Future Initiative, we have examined these issues and have found climate change to be one of the most critical, particularly for those who are most vulnerable," Sear Rithy said.
MFI director general Allen Tan added that this year’s summit has been a resounding success, with more than 330 attendees encompassing climate experts and stakeholders from governments, the private sector and development agencies—as well as prominent youth representation.
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) director of cooperation in Cambodia Markus Bürli said, “We need to make sure that the many already existing technologies and services to mitigate and adapt to climate change are put into practice.”
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