Introduction
	Updated Information and Resources on Energy Policy and Climate Change
	Publications

The Heinrich Böll Foundation promotes a sustainable energy policy based on social and gender justice and responsive to our joint climate change responsibility. We believe that a multi-level approach bringing together various key actors and new policies for the generation of renewable energies is crucial for the energy future of Thailand and the Southeast Asian region.

Thailand has a huge potential for renewable energies, mainly lying in biomass, microhydro, wind and solar energy. However, with a rapidly growing energy demand, Thailand’s dependence on non-sustainable fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil, remains high. Consequently, the increase of renewable energy generation and the introduction of nuclear energy have been discussed as potential solutions. Although increasing energy consumption and a growing awareness of pollution have resulted in some first steps towards a more sustainable energy policy, concrete actions need to follow.

The recent establishment of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization is another step in the right direction. It currently deals with the approval of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, which the country is showing an increased interest in.

The unfortunate decision to introduce nuclear energy as an alternative and “clean” energy prompted the Foundation to support a Nuclear Monitoring Network of diverse partners and stakeholders. It monitors policy developments and educates the public about involved risks and side effects, thereby demystifying nuclear power for the Thai people. Knowledge and information management constitutes a priority in our advocacy work regarding energy and climate change policy. Although the complex problems related to climate change are increasingly recognized and publicized in Thailand, more information on global warming, its impacts and measures how to reduce harmful emissions in daily life need to be made accessible to the public. Here, HBF contributes with various activities such as publications and a website including an interactive blog on Thai climate change policies and politics, http://www.thaiclimate.org/

"Climate Change and Energy Policy in Thailand. Politics versus Realities", by Vanessa Buth, published by HBF