Cambodia has a rich history and culture, but it also faces a number of environmental challenges. In recent years, the country has experienced rapid economic growth, which has led to increased deforestation, air pollution, and water scarcity.
These environmental challenges are seriously impacting the health and well-being of Cambodians. Deforestation leads to soil erosion and flooding, air pollution is causing respiratory problems, and water scarcity makes it difficult for people to access clean water.
There is a growing awareness of the need for sustainability in Cambodia. In recent years, the government has taken steps to address environmental challenges, such as developing the National Environment Strategy and Action Plan (NESAP) in 2017. This plan provides a roadmap for achieving many of Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals. This plan provides a roadmap for achieving many of Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, non-governmental organizations are working to promote sustainable development in the country
This article will explore the environmental challenges and discuss pathways to sustainability in Cambodia. Drawing on the findings from our latest Consumer Report Cambodia 2023, a joint effort with the local agency Confluences that gathered insights from over 1,000 respondents, we gained a deeper understanding of their perspectives and efforts towards sustainability in Cambodia. Additionally, the article examines the crucial roles of the government, businesses, and individuals in fostering and promoting sustainability.
Environmental Issues in Cambodia
Cambodia, located in the Greater Mekong Subregion of Southeast Asia, is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. However, the country faces significant environmental challenges threatening Cambodia’s precious ecosystems and the diverse plants, animals, and people relying on them. In this section, we will explore these environmental issues and their impact on the environment, wildlife, and human well-being.
1. Deforestation
Cambodia has been grappling with extensive deforestation caused by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. This has profoundly impacted ecosystems, resulting in biodiversity loss, heightened carbon emissions, and the displacement of wildlife due to the destruction of vital habitats such as wetlands, forests, and mangroves. The consequences of deforestation also extend to indigenous communities, jeopardizing their cultural survival and livelihoods. In 2022 alone, Cambodia lost approximately 100,000 hectares of natural forest, releasing 58.4 million metric tons of CO₂. Immediate and decisive action is imperative to combat illegal logging, protect forests, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the rights and well-being of indigenous communities, all while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
2. Water & Coastal Pollution
Water pollution in Cambodia is a pressing issue affecting both inland and coastal areas. Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and inadequate sewage treatment are major contributors to the contamination of water sources, posing a threat to aquatic life and impacting local communities’ livelihoods. Along the coast, vital ecosystems such as mangrove forests are under threat from sediment runoff caused by deforestation, carrying hazardous pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, poorly regulated shrimp farms lead to mangrove clearance and the release of excess nutrients, disrupting the ecosystem’s delicate balance and promoting the overgrowth of algae. These combined factors pose significant challenges to the sustainability and well-being of Cambodia’s water bodies and coastal regions.
3. Plastic Pollution
The surge in solid waste, particularly plastic waste, is a pressing issue in Cambodia, driven by rapid population growth and economic development. Cities like Phnom Penh face a staggering daily generation of more than 3,500 tons of municipal waste, with only about 80% of it being collected and disposed of at open dump sites. In impoverished urban and rural areas lacking waste collection services, open burning of waste is a common practice. Moreover, the remaining waste finds its way onto streets and local waterways, ultimately carrying plastic debris into rivers.
The consequences of plastic waste pollution are severe, both environmentally and economically. Major cities such as Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville suffer from increased flooding risks as plastic waste blocks waterways, clogging sewage and drainage systems. Burning plastics further exacerbates the problem, releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and posing significant public health risks. Addressing this issue is crucial to mitigate the detrimental impacts of plastic waste on Cambodia’s environment, economy, and public well-being.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability in Cambodia
Current Energy Consumption in Cambodia
According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia’s energy mix comprises various sources. As of the latest data available, fuel wood and other biomass contribute approximately 44.4% to the total primary energy supply. Oil and petroleum products account for approximately 38.5%, while coal makes up around 10.7%. Hydropower, a renewable energy source, represents 3.6% of the energy mix, and electricity imports contribute approximately 2.8%.
In terms of final energy consumption, Cambodia has witnessed significant growth, with an average annual increase of 6.9% between 2010 and 2015. In 2015, the energy consumption breakdown was as follows: petroleum products constituted the largest share at 50.5%, biomass accounted for 36.0%, electricity made up 13.1%, and coal represented a modest 0.4% of the total.
These figures highlight Cambodia’s diverse energy landscape, with biomass and petroleum products playing substantial roles in powering the country. However, the growing importance of renewable sources like hydropower and the need for effective management and sustainable development of Cambodia’s energy sector in the future is worth noting.
Government Initiative in Investing in Green Energy
Aligned with the Paris Agreement, Cambodia unveiled its Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN) in February 2022. This strategic roadmap outlines priority actions for each sector, aiming for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. The LTS4CN demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to global climate goals and serves as a visionary policy tool to guide future decisions without replacing existing national and sectoral strategies. It emphasizes the vision of a carbon-neutral and resilient society, providing a comprehensive framework for development and sustainability in Cambodia, involving all stakeholders.
National Policy on the Development of Electric Vehicles
In a significant push towards green energy, the Cambodian government has set an ambitious target to increase the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to 30,000 by 2030, as outlined in its National Policy on the Development of EVs for 2024-2030. EVs have gained popularity in Cambodia due to their cost efficiency and environmental benefits. For instance, operating EVs costs only $2.35 for 100 kilometers, compared to $8.71 for petrol or diesel cars. To date, Cambodia has registered 1,614 electric cars, 914 electric scooters, and 440 three-wheeler electric vehicles, supported by 21 EV charging stations across the kingdom.
Since 2021, the government has also incentivized EV adoption by reducing import duties by about 50% compared to traditional vehicles, making EVs an increasingly attractive option.
Corporate Responsibility Towards Environmental Sustainability in Cambodia
Corporations operating in the country have a crucial role to play in driving environmental sustainability in Cambodia. Companies can significantly impact by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, implementing effective waste management systems, and minimizing their ecological footprint. Embracing corporate social responsibility benefits the environment, enhances brand reputation, and fosters long-term profitability.
Our report found that an overwhelming majority of 61.7% of respondents believe that companies should take a proactive and transparent approach to addressing global environmental challenges. These findings indicate that local consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of corporate responsibility for environmental sustainability in Cambodia. They expect companies to take a leading role in adopting sustainable practices and making a meaningful contribution to addressing environmental issues.
Indeed, Dimitri Nauwelaerts, Country Representative & Regional Commercial Manager of ADD (Asia Data Destruction) highlighted the growing interest and awareness of environmental issues in Cambodia, such as waste, pollution, and deforestation. He pointed out that
“Even though it might only be a small percentage, many foreign-owned companies are investing in better sustainable manufacturing processes. These include factories using renewable energy, and innovative waste management systems like waste-to-energy.”
Consumers On The Importance of Environmental Sustainability in Cambodia
Consumer awareness and behaviour also play a vital role in achieving environmental sustainability in Cambodia. When individuals make informed choices and support environmentally friendly products and services, they actively contribute to reducing environmental degradation. It is crucial to educate the public about the importance of sustainable consumption and encourage responsible consumer behaviour.
In the same report, a majority of Cambodians (59.6%) believe that their efforts to sustain the environment will have a significant impact on whether or not the planet gets better or becomes worse.
Specifically, when asked about sustainability-driven measures they had regularly carried out during the previous month, more than half of them answered to have avoided food wastage (56.4%), while around 32.8% of them preferred to walk, bike, or use public when commuting. Additionally, a significant 32.6% of Cambodians stated that they bought and preferred local items.
This coincides with Cambodians’ sentiments when asked about sustainability-driven actions that they had consciously done over the past year, wherein 42.3% of them answered to have bought products or services based on the sole purpose of supporting eco-friendly and ethical practices. Furthermore, 24.9% of them answered to have boycotted or stopped buying from non-environmentally friendly or non-ethical brands.
To wrap up
Cambodia stands at an environmental crossroads, facing significant challenges such as deforestation, water and coastal pollution, and plastic waste. While the country has made strides towards sustainability, including the government’s Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and growing consumer awareness, concerted efforts from all stakeholders are necessary to address these issues. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy, and promoting responsible consumer behavior, Cambodia can preserve its precious ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and create a greener and more resilient future for its people and the planet.
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