Search Climate Insights Directory

This report analyzes the 'Sustainable urban tourism through low-carbon initiatives' (SUT) project conducted between 2012 and 2013 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Hue, Vietnam. The project aimed to identify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the tourism sector and develop mitigation strategies that simultaneously create pro-poor, green employment. In Chiang Mai, the project identified transport as the primary emission source and advocated for non-motorised transport (NMT). In Hue, the project focused on promoting traditional garden houses as carbon sinks and sources of local employment. The report details the methodology used for emission estimation, the specific local strategies adopted, and the enabling factors and challenges encountered during implementation.

This executive summary describes a project led by the Asian Institute of Technology, Chiang Mai Municipality, and the Hue Centre for International Cooperation to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism in Hue, Vietnam, while maintaining local development benefits.

This policy brief recommends that the Chiang Mai Municipality implement a two-phase Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) bicycle route project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and create local employment. Based on a GHG inventory and tourist surveys, the proposal suggests starting with a 607-meter route at Three Kings Monument Square before expanding to a 6,000-meter route around the city moat.

A 2011 inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from tourism in Chiang Mai, Thailand, found total emissions of 4,417,510 tons of CO2 equivalent, with travel as the dominant source (4,228,702 tons). Large hotels, restaurants, and local transportation were identified as the top three business contributors to these emissions.

This report provides a general introduction to Hue City, Vietnam, and presents an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from tourism-related activities in 2011, based on data collected from fifty tourism-engaged entities.

This policy brief advocates for the integration of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), such as walking and cycling, in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector and enhance city livability and tourism.

This case study describes the implementation of a non-motorised transport (NMT) system in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as a strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address the environmental strains caused by rapid urban growth and tourism.

This case study examines Chiang Mai's transition toward sustainable urban tourism through the implementation of a non-motorised transport (NMT) system. Facing high greenhouse gas emissions from the tourism sector—specifically ground transport—the city developed a participatory plan to increase bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The initiative aims to reduce CO2e emissions by 0.6–1.6% of ground transport totals while creating green jobs for the urban poor. The project has served as a catalyst for further low-carbon policies, including a GEF-funded pilot project and the planned creation of a City Council for Climate Change.

This case study examines the 'Sustainable Urban Tourism through Low Carbon Initiatives' project in Hue, Vietnam, which aimed to reduce the carbon footprint of the city's tourism sector while promoting local economic development. The initiative identified the promotion of traditional 'garden houses' as a primary strategy for climate mitigation and job creation, leveraging their role as carbon sinks and their ability to support non-motorised transport.

This research paper, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) in April 2014, examines strategies for implementing climate compatible development at the subnational level (cities, districts, and provinces) across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It identifies specific challenges, such as scientific uncertainty and limited resources, and highlights opportunities for local innovation and the use of indigenous knowledge. The paper provides a framework of effective strategies, including the use of knowledge partnerships and participatory processes, and discusses the necessity of scaling these local successes up to national levels and out to other jurisdictions to achieve global transformational change.

This report documents a thematic workshop held in February 2020 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, focused on integrating a human rights-based approach into the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Co-convened by several organizations including Natural Justice and UN Environment, the workshop aimed to provide text proposals and strategic options to ensure that biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing are aligned with international human rights standards.

This report analyzes the energy consumption and efficiency opportunities within Thailand's dairy cold chain, focusing on raw milk transportation, pasteurized milk processing, and the School Milk Programme. It identifies significant potential for energy savings through the adoption of best practices, electrification of transport, and the integration of renewable energy.