Thailand refuses to sign COP26's pledge to end deforestation by 2030. Prayut made a speech at the COP26 conferences, emphasizing that “Thailand has put climate action as a top priority,” with a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. Thai Enquirer

Thailand refuses to sign COP26's pledge to end deforestation by 2030

November 3, 2021

Thailand was one of the countries that did not commit to a COP26's goal to end deforestation, prompting concern from environmental quarters.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha did not commit to stopping and reversing deforestation and land degradation by 2030 at the COP26 climate conferences, despite over 100 nations adopting the vow.

This week, Prayut attended the World Leaders Summit, which is part of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Among the nations taking part are some of the world's major forest custodians, including Canada, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to CNN.

However, most Southeast Asian countries did not sign the commitment, with only Indonesia and Vietnam choosing to pledge their support.

The Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forest and Land Use commits to better-conserving forests, expediting their restoration, and promoting sustainable practices that do not lead to land degradation.

It also aims to empower indigenous peoples and local communities while increasing funding for sustainable agriculture and forest management.

Prayut made a speech at the COP26 conferences, emphasizing that "Thailand has put climate action as a top priority," with a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.