Preparing the future generation to solve Thailand’s notorious climate change problem

Moving towards sustainable transport

Each year the Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation hosts the National Science and Technology Fair with the aim to showcase and interest children of all ages in technology and its potential for sustainable development and innovation. Schools of the entire country visit the fair between 13^th and 23^rd of November, which attracts roughly 1 million visitors each year.

A discussion round between school children and the German Ambassador to Thailand, Georg Schmid, showed how important climate change and the environment are to the young generation:

“The grown-ups always trade environment with economic growth. However, it is our generation who will live with climate change consequences in the future, and we don’t want that. It is time now that we must seriously react to these issues and finally take some action.”

Student during discussion round

“Sustainability is a hot topic that has been wildly discussed among Thailand’s younger generation. We want to live our lives more sustainably. But, living a sustainable life in Thailand is actually expensive and a luxury and we students are not able to afford that most of the time. For example, organic foods are much more expensive than the normal one, and if you want to travel by sky train you have to be lucky to live nearby the rail systems.”

Another student during discussion round

The GIZ Thailand Transport Team showcased solutions for a more sustainable transport system and engaged the children in games around sustainable transport.