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PHNOM PENH – Environment Minister Eang Sophallete has discussed action to tackle climate change and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 with Irish Ambassador Deirdre Ní Fhallúin.
During talks on May 21, Sophallete and Fhalluin also addressed the impact of climate change on Cambodia, posing serious challenges to economic development and rural livelihoods.
The Irish envoy outlined Ireland’s support for the Oxfam-led “Climate Resilience for All (CREFA)” program which provides funding of €800,000 in 2024 to address climate change vulnerabilities and enhance mitigation and adaptation strategies in Cambodia.
“Support for climate programs is a key part of Ireland’s strategy on international development. As part of our growing engagement in Cambodia, we are delighted to be increasing our funding for climate programs,” she said.
Welcoming Ireland’s increasing focus on Cambodia, Sophallete highlighted the ministry’s strategy on the environment 2023-2028 which aims to ensure sustainability, promote a green economy and respond to climate change.
“The Ministry of Environment recognizes that environmental issues have no borders and require global cooperation. We welcome all development partners who intend to join in the implementation of our climate strategy,” he said.
CREFA, funded by Ireland, aims to reduce vulnerability to climate change among Cambodians. The program works to increase the resilience in Cambodia and transform the risks of climate change into opportunities for sustainable development through effective and efficient adaptation and mitigation responses.
According to Oxfam, Cambodia is one of the most vulnerable countries in the face of climate change due to its geography, high reliance on the agriculture sector, and low adaptive capacity, including limited financial, technical, and human resources.
On the Climate Change Risk index, the country is classified as high risk.
Phean Sophoan, national director, said Oxfam is working to address climate change in some of the poorest regions in Cambodia.
CREFA are focusing on areas in Tonle Sap biosphere region and northeastern provinces including Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.
Cambodia has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, becoming the third least-developed country and one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to set such an ambitious goal with a clear deadline. It aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 41.7 percent by 2030 and reach neutrality by 2050.
Addressing emissions from land-use change, deforestation and forest degradation, transportation, and the energy system are central to Cambodia’s strategy.