ASEAN Nations Launch 'CLEAR SKY Strategy' to Combat Haze Pollution
Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar Commit to Addressing Cross-Border Air Pollution
On October 29, 2024, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar announced the 'CLEAR SKY Strategy 2024-2030' at a ceremony in Bangkok.
The initiative aims to address the persistent haze pollution, primarily caused by crop burning, affecting the region.
The event was attended by Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Natural Resources Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, alongside their counterparts from Laos and Myanmar, Bounkham Vorachit and Khin Maung Yi.
The groundwork for this strategy was laid during an online meeting in April 2023, where the countries agreed on collaborative efforts under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed in June 2022.
'CLEAR' stands for Continued Commitment, Leveraging Mechanisms, Experience Sharing, Air Quality Networks, and Response.
The strategy is designed to combat pollution from industry, transport, agriculture, and forest fires, with Thailand set to host an ASEAN conference on the issue.
Maris emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation, noting that the strategy would tackle expected increases in PM2.5 levels during cooler months.
Chalermchai highlighted the focus on forest fires and transboundary haze, stressing close collaboration with neighboring countries.
The initiative aims to address the persistent haze pollution, primarily caused by crop burning, affecting the region.
The event was attended by Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Natural Resources Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, alongside their counterparts from Laos and Myanmar, Bounkham Vorachit and Khin Maung Yi.
The groundwork for this strategy was laid during an online meeting in April 2023, where the countries agreed on collaborative efforts under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed in June 2022.
'CLEAR' stands for Continued Commitment, Leveraging Mechanisms, Experience Sharing, Air Quality Networks, and Response.
The strategy is designed to combat pollution from industry, transport, agriculture, and forest fires, with Thailand set to host an ASEAN conference on the issue.
Maris emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation, noting that the strategy would tackle expected increases in PM2.5 levels during cooler months.
Chalermchai highlighted the focus on forest fires and transboundary haze, stressing close collaboration with neighboring countries.