"Cambodia possesses the potential to achieve carbon neutrality through strategic investments and data-driven policy interventions. By leveraging lessons from successful models like Costa Rica and implementing a comprehensive sustainability plan, Cambodia can secure a sustainable and carbon neutral future"
Project Overview
To analyze Cambodia's historical and current carbon emission trends, identify key drivers, benchmark against successful sustainability models (Costa Rica), and provide data-driven recommendations for achieving carbon neutrality.
Country Overview
Key Findings
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In 2021, Global CO2 emissions were 37.1 gigatons. 1 gigaton is enough to create a mountain imagine 37 times.
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Cambodia’s CO2 emissions in 2021 were 19.03 million tons and a global share of 0.05%.
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With 0.02% contribution to the world should Cambodia be alarmed?
Top 3 major environmental challenges
Cambodia’s Industry CO2 Emissions vs. Land Use Change CO2 Emissions
An image of forest degradation throughout 2001 to 2016
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The conversion of Cambodia’s natural forests and habitats into agricultural land/urban areas have majorly contributed to the country’s greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions even more than CO2 emissions from industrial contributors.
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The carbon emissions from industrial contributors were at 2 mt (3.3% share of total CO2 emissions) in 2000 and has steadily increased throughout the years into 19 mt (39% share of total CO2 emissions) in 2020.
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Cambodia's 2021 CO2 emissions were 19.03 million tons and have surged 8.5 times.
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Cambodia's economy began to accelerate, so did its carbon emissions. The years following 2013 witnessed a dramatic surge that shows the nation's rapid industrialization and increasing energy demands, from an average rate of 1.09% per year in 2013 to 30.56% in 2016
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By 2021 per capita emissions were 1.14 tons.in 2021.
Comparative Benchmarking
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Side by side comparison between the year 2001 and 2021, showing the major contributors of Cambodia and Costa Rica’s Industry CO2 emissions to be oil, cement, and coal. One big difference between the two countries is that in 2021 Costa Rica has almost completely eradicated their coal emissions while Cambodia significantly increased in theirs at 4.7 million tonnes.
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Have you noticed the shift in coal emissions alone? Costa Rica now generates over 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, such as hydropower geothermal, and solar power.
Cambodia Decarbonisation Plan
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Reduce Deforestation and Promote Sustainable Forest Management:
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Strengthen law enforcement to combat illegal logging.
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Provide economic incentives for sustainable forest management practices.
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Promote community-based forestry initiatives.
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Invest in reforestation and afforestation programs.
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Develop Renewable Energy Sources:
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Prioritize the development of solar and wind power, leveraging Cambodia's significant potential.
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Phase out coal-fired power plants.
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Invest in grid modernization to integrate renewable energy sources.
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Promote decentralized renewable energy solutions for rural communities.
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Improve Energy Efficiency:
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Implement energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances.
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Promote industrial energy efficiency programs.
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Invest in building retrofits and energy-efficient infrastructure.
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Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
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Support farmers in adopting climate-smart agriculture practices (crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage).
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Promote agroforestry and sustainable land management.
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Reduce methane emissions from livestock.
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Develop Public Transportation and Sustainable Modes of Transportation:
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Invest in electric public transportation infrastructure (buses, rail).
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Promote the adoption of electric vehicles.
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Develop cycling and walking infrastructure.
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Implement fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.
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