On 8 November 2024, the Ministry of Interior (MoI), through the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT) organised an academic seminar titled “Urban Solutions for the Climate Crisis: Cities for Climate Resilience” to commemorate World Town Planning Day 2024. The seminar aimed to increase public knowledge and understanding of the significance of urban planning in tackling climate change. It highlighted innovative concepts and approaches for enhancing the urban planning framework and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the seminar sought to promote collaboration among all sectors to support the essential goals of urban planning, focusing on improving the quality of life for people and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The DPT invited GIZ, through the Integrated Urban Development for Low-Carbon and Resilient Cities (Urban-Act) project, to jointly organise this event. As a key project implementing partner of Urban-Act, the DPT plays a significant role in establishing policies and spatial measures, as well as in planning and developing low-carbon, resilient cities. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the safety of lives and property while reducing the impacts of future disasters. The knowledge and diverse perspectives shared by experts at this seminar are essential for creating a vision and inspiring policymakers and practitioners at the city level. Together, they can design urban development strategies that address the challenges posed by climate change.

Urban plan helps to reduce climate impacts

Sabida Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of the Interior, graced the opening ceremony and emphasised the urgent awareness surrounding the seriousness and impacts of the climate crisis globally. This crisis poses threats to human health, agriculture, and economic stability. The implementation of policies to mitigate and adapt to these challenges plays a crucial role. This includes increasing forested areas and urban green spaces, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the use of renewable energy, and conserving and restoring water resources.

Deputy Minister of the Interior, Sabida Thaiseth, visited the Urban-Act exhibition booth and received a briefing on the project from Dr Siwaporn Tangwanichagapong, Senior Advisor.

Urban plan needs empirical data from various perspectives

In the seminar,urban development experts from both the public and private sectors, along with academics shared their experiences and exchange ideas from various perspectives to enhance urban planning and introduce new viewpoints at both local and policy levels. It aimed to lay the groundwork for sustainable urban development in the future, ensuring that cities are equipped to address the increasingly severe climate crisis in all dimensions.

During the morning session, Dr Chalump Oonariya, a meteorologist from the Meteorological Department, delivered a lecture on the “Climate Crisis.” He presented empirical data regarding the observed climate patterns in Thailand, including changes in rainfall and temperature. These changes present significant challenges for spatial management.

A presentation on “Urban Planning for Climate Change” was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr Wijitbusaba Marome, Director of the Urban Futures & Policy Research Unit at Thammasat University. She discussed the effects of rising global temperatures on cities, covering various aspects such as spatial impacts, transportation, and public services. Dr Wijitbusaba highlighted how urban planning tools can be utilised to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Furthermore, Touchapon Suntrajarn, a landscape architect and executive board member of Landscape Collaboration Co., Ltd., gave a presentation on “Urban Design for Climate Change.” In his talk, he highlighted the importance of spatial development in relation to ecosystems. He discussed how landscapes can be designed to create safe spaces for water retention and to slow down water flow. Additionally, he emphasised the use of specific plant species to treat community wastewater and the advantages of native ecosystems in supporting economic development and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The morning session concluded with a case study of China, presented through a video on “China’ s Climate Change Policy and Action” by the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC).

A panel discussion on “Smart Technologies and Solutions for Sustainable Low-Carbon Cities that Support People of All Ages”
Left to right : Dr Jongrak Thanakul, Promotion and Dissemination Specialist, Department of Climate Change and Environment; Dr Chalump Oonariya, Meteorologist, Meteorological Development Division, Thai Meteorological Department; Asst. Prof. Dr Shusak Janpathompong, Director of International Program in Design and Architecture (INDA) and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University; Dr Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director-General, Office of Transport And Traffic Policy and Planning, Ministry of Transport; Assoc. Prof. Dr Wijitbusaba Marome, Director of the Urban Futures & Policy Research Unit, Thammasat University; and moderated by Onuma Kasetpheutphon

Technologies help to solve problems

In the afternoon, a panel discussion focused on “Smart Technologies and Solutions for Sustainable Low-Carbon Cities that Support People of All Ages.” The panellists emphasised several key approaches for adapting to current challenges. They highlighted the importance of developing data to support decision-making, particularly climate data, and creating early warning systems for future disasters. They also discussed using existing ecosystems as a foundation for urban development and stimulating political will through economic incentives. Additionally, the panellists stressed the need for public involvement and collaboration with local agencies. They advocated for partnerships between cities and the private sector to collectively address the climate crisis and achieve national development goals.

The seminar was attended by over 300 in-person and online participants at the Grand Ballroom of the Golden Tulip Sofia Hotel, Bangkok.

Watch the full recording of the live stream at:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPT.PR.GO.TH/videos/1543762473172220
  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19JgozlbuLo
• Presentation slides : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HR7IhNfYtkzwVQA1rpov0_GT38z7CaeK?fbclid=IwY2xjawGejWRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdDsw3aCq-pRhxT4MDojOtISRwVqyYLRmYQz4osCudeW6NCMGj9PYqy0Xg_aem_Qbqn8cGqdy3CNuSG0AFUYQ