On 31 July 2025, GIZ Thailand, through the EMPOWER project, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) and the Energy Research Institute (ERI), Chulalongkorn University, concluded the ‘Low-Carbon and Climate Action’ course, which was the last course in EMPOWER project Phase I.

The course was conducted for 54 DCCE staff on eleven training days from 30 April to 31 July 2025. Its core objective was to strengthen the DCCE’s capacity in implementing mitigation measures and related policies to drive the transition towards a low-carbon economy, with comprehensive consideration of social, economic and stakeholder factors. This supports the DCCE’s core responsibility as a national focal point for climate actions in Thailand.

Over the three-month course, the participants developed their learning journey through five key modules:

Module 1 provided foundational knowledge on climate actions, including national and international climate commitments, climate-related frameworks such as ‘taxonomy’ and the principles of GHG accounting at national, provincial and organisational levels.

Module 2 introduced mitigation strategies and technologies across five key sectors: energy, transport, industry, waste, and agriculture and land use. The mitigation prioritisation framework was presented to give participants a thinking framework on choosing mitigation measures based on factors such as the potential of emissions abatement, cost of implementation and rate of social acceptance.

Module 3 explored various modelling tools that can be used to predict changes in the climate system, project GHG emissions trends, assess the emissions reduction potential of mitigation measures, or forecast the socioeconomic impacts of climate policies. These tools significantly support evidence-based policy implementation.

Module 4 focused on the concept of a low-carbon economy and how to leverage various mechanisms e.g. policy, technology, economic and financing to support the transitioning.
Participants also learned how international organisations, local governments and the private sector contribute to achieving global climate commitments. Key lessons emphasised the importance of aligning GHG reduction targets and synchronizing policies in different levels and sectors.

Participants played the Carbon Detective boardgame

Module 5 emphasised communication strategies. Participants learned how to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders who have different responsibilities, understanding and attitudes toward climate change and climate policy. This module highlighted the importance of clear messaging and strategic planning communication in supporting the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

The course concluded the learning journey with mini-flagship project presentations, where participants proposed new studies or policy recommendation ideas for Thailand, for instance: 1) An approach to implementing a carbon pool assessment system for urban green spaces in Thailand. 2) A low-carbon economy tourism initiative for Koh Larn, Chonburi Province. 3) An analysis of the progress of Thailand’s ‘Just Transition’ policy in the energy sector.

Participants presented the mini-flagship projects they had developed over three months, starting with selecting the right topic. The winning team received a Power Jungle boardgame as an award.

Other activities throughout the course also included discussions with over 20 experts, group workshops and boardgames. In addition, a study trip at Kubota farm in Chonburi province was held to allow participants to gain hands-on experience with smart farming technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in farming, precision agriculture applications, drones and autonomous rice planting machines.

Overall, the course provided opportunities for participants to learn, exchange ideas and develop their mitigation knowledge, as well as test their climate policy ideas and studies. The mini-flagship projects can also be further developed and potentially integrated into national policy or be implemented under the DCCE’s responsibilities.

Participants actively engage in group discussions and workshops throughout 10 onsite classes

The conclusion of this course marked the end of Phase I of the EMPOWER project, which focused on strengthening the capacity of the DCCE. Phase II of the EMPOWER project will soon begin, expanding its target participants to include both the DCCE and Provincial Climate Change and Biodiversity Coordination Centres (PCCB) in different provinces in Thailand. EMPOWER is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) under the German government.

The training sessions were led by the ERI Chula team. In addition, the commentator team, which included Dr Amornwan Resanond, Thawatchai Saengkhamsuk, Nareerat Panmanee, Dr Weerin Wangjiraniran and Dr Jakapong Pongthanaisawan, provided feedback on the mini-flagship projects.