The Provincial Climate Change Committee and Working Group (1/2026) met at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 26). The meeting was chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by committee members, government officials and private-sector representatives.
The meeting focused on revising and strengthening Phuket’s greenhouse gas reduction action plan to ensure alignment with national climate policy and Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets. Officials reviewed progress across key sectors and discussed systematic implementation at the provincial level.
According to data presented at the meeting, Phuket emitted approximately 3.16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂eq) in 2019. The largest share of emissions came from the energy sector, accounting for 51.95%, followed by transportation at 42.80% and waste management at 5.21%.
Officials warned that without structured mitigation measures, provincial emissions could rise to an estimated 4.6 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
The committee agreed to continue using the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC) as the standard tool for calculating and monitoring provincial greenhouse gas emissions. The meeting also acknowledged the formal appointment of the Provincial Climate Change Committee and its working groups, with specialised teams established for the energy, transportation, waste management, and agriculture and forestry sectors.
Provincial officials said the action plan aims to support Thailand’s national targets of carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, while also promoting greenhouse gas reduction activities that can generate income for local communities and reduce long-term climate risks.
The committee resolved to hold its next meeting between February and April 2026 to report on progress, monitor implementation and ensure continuous momentum in Phuket’s climate policy.
‘PHUKET GO CLEAN GO GREEN’
Also yesterday, Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn.launched the ‘Phuket Go Clean Go Green’ campaign, bringing together government agencies, volunteers and the public to promote environmental conservation and waste management across the island.
The opening ceremony was held at the multi-purpose parking area at Saphan Hin. Joining Governor Nirat were his wife Ms Kusumal, Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut, Mueang Phuket District Chief Pairoj Srilamul, Phuket City Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsawapak, heads of government departments, Red Cross committee members, volunteers and members of the public.
Mr Rungruang said the campaign aims to encourage Red Cross volunteers, Junior Red Cross members, community volunteers and local residents to take part in environmental protection, expanding green spaces and managing waste in line with Thai Red Cross Society and provincial policies.
He added that the campaign also helps raise public awareness of the roles and responsibilities of Red Cross volunteers and the Phuket Provincial Red Cross in supporting community wellbeing.
Governor Nirat said the project aligns with the Phuket Provincial Announcement on waste management at source and is intended to build awareness among both residents and tourists about maintaining clean, attractive public areas and beaches.
He stressed that Phuket’s waste problem exceeds the capacity of local administrative organisations alone and requires cooperation from all sectors of society.
“Everyone must take responsibility and set a good example for young people and future generations,” the governor said, thanking all participating agencies and volunteers, particularly the Plai Laem Saphan Hin Club, which regularly carries out weekly clean-up activities in the area.
The ‘Phuket Go Clean Go Green’ campaign will run from January to August 2026, rotating activities across major tourist attractions and beaches throughout the province. The initiative is being carried out in cooperation with Phuket City Municipality, government agencies, the private sector and the public, with officials aiming to deliver tangible environmental improvements across the island.