By Erciana Fernandes Belo
Youth of JENESYS . By JICE Staff
In this article the writer express you about the climate Changes impacted towards the community life of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. The story telling by youth of Asean trough online platform of Youth Jenesys program, who offer by JICE and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan embassy. The objective of this program is intended to exchanges program among youth of ASEAN and Japan. Focus on Climate Changes, Energy and Environment.
Japan’s Friendship Ties Program was launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and intended to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the various nations of the Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and to encourage an understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics and diplomatic relations among participants.
“JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths)” is a people-to-people exchange program launched in 2015 between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. It is a successor program of JENESYS (2007-2012) and JENESYS2.0 (2013-2015).
To promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, and to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation. To encourage an understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics and diplomatic relations, and to build networks in these fields.
To have the participants convey information on the learnings of the program and the charms of Japan to the general public and others in the region through social media.
Chea Sarita, A5 group member of JENESYS, Cambodia. by Chea Sarita
In a recent interview, Chea Sarita shared her insights on climate change, its impacts in Cambodia, and the communities affected. Her responses highlighted the severity of the situation and the urgent need for action.
Sarita defined climate change as “significant and long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns,” particularly those linked to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuel use. She noted that in Cambodia, “climate change manifests through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, more frequent and intense storms, and increased flooding and droughts, which heavily affect agriculture, water resources, and overall livelihood.”
When asked about her observations, Sarita emphasized that many communities in Cambodia have experienced the effects of climate change, including “ increased frequency and severity of flooding, droughts, and storms.” She provided examples, stating, “the Mekong River floods and prolonged droughts have impacted agricultural productivity, leading to food and water shortages.” Additionally, she highlighted that “coastal areas are also facing erosion and saltwater intrusion, which affects local fisheries and agriculture.“
Sarita reflected on the awareness of climate change in Cambodia, noting, “Awareness of climate change has been growing, particularly in urban areas and among educated populations.” However, she mentioned that “rural communities, who are often most directly affected, may have less formal education about climate science but have a practical understanding of changes in weather patterns and their impacts.”
Regarding climate challenges, Sarita addressed significant events that have impacted Cambodia. “Cambodia faces significant climate challenges including frequent flooding from the Mekong River during the monsoon season, such as the severe floods in 2020, as well as prolonged droughts impacting the Tonle Sap Lake region in recent years like 2019-2020.” She also mentioned that “powerful tropical storms and typhoons have caused widespread damage, such as Typhoon Ketsana in 2009.” Furthermore, she explained, “the low-lying Mekong Delta is highly vulnerable to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion,” adding that “rising temperatures are lengthening the hot season and increasing heat waves.” Sarita cautioned that “climate change is also damaging coral reefs and projected to reduce rice yields, threatening food security.” She noted, “disruptions to seasonal rainfall patterns may upset agriculture, more extreme climate events could overwhelm response capacity.”
Sarita explained that “climate change is a global phenomenon, occurring due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.” She clarified that it is “not limited to a specific location or date but is a continuous process impacting various regions differently,” specifically pointing out changes in weather patterns in Cambodia.
When discussing who is most affected by climate change in her country, Sarita emphasized the plight of rural farmers “Rural farmers in Cambodia are heavily impacted as their livelihoods depend directly on agricultural production which is threatened by changes in climate conditions.” She also pointed out that “women and children are disproportionately affected – women in rural areas face greater burdens from water and food shortages while children are more vulnerable to health issues like malnutrition and disease.” She added, “Low-income and marginalized communities tend to live in flood-prone areas with limited ability to cope with or adapt to climate impacts due to fewer resources.”
Sarita affirmed that many households in Cambodia are impacted by climate change, stating, “Yes, climate change affects many households in Cambodia.” She referenced the 2020 floods, noting they “impacted hundreds of thousands of people, displacing many and causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.” For detailed statistics, she mentioned that data can be found in reports by organizations such as “the Cambodian National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), the World Bank, and various NGOs involved in disaster response and climate adaptation.”
Regarding charitable actions for food security for people affected by climate change, Sarita listed several organizations”In my opinion, there are plenty of charitable organizations that raise action for food security for the victims of climate change, some of them include: the World Food Programme (WFP), Oxfam, and CARE Cambodia.”
Sarita noted that various individuals and organizations are taking action against climate change, citing examples like “the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), and local NGOs such as CIRD (Center for International Research and Development).”
Although Sarita has not yet had the opportunity to take direct action to address climate change, she stated, “I have not been given the opportunity to directly take any action to address any climate change issues; however, I did grasp the opportunities given to spread awareness about it to friends and family, as well as doing research to make sure I stay educated on the topic.”
Finally, when asked about engaging the community in climate action, Sarita suggested that “to improve community engagement in climate efforts in Cambodia requires implementing educational programs to raise awareness of climate impacts at the local level.” She stressed the importance of involving people through “participatory adaptation projects like sustainable farming practices and disaster preparedness planning.” Sarita emphasized collaboration between “government, NGOs, and local leaders” and proposed that empowering community representatives to drive climate solutions can help address specific local concerns. She concluded that “fostering strong partnerships that integrate top-down support with bottom-up community participation in locally appropriate climate actions has the best potential to motivate long-term engagement.”
Phung Ngoc Mai, A5 group member of JENESYS, Vietnam. by Phung Ngoc
In a recent interview, Phung Ngoc Mai shared her perspectives on climate change, its impacts in Vietnam, and the actions being taken to address it. Her responses highlight both awareness and the urgency of the challenges posed by climate change in her country.
Ngoc Mai defined climate change as “a long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns that negatively affects our ecosystem, biodiversity, and health.” She emphasized that these shifts have profound effects on individuals and communities alike.
When asked about recent changes in her country, Ngoc Mai noted, “Yes. The last winter in my country was shorter and warmer than ever because of climate change.” This observation underscores the tangible effects of climate change experienced by the Vietnamese population.
On the topic of public awareness, Ngoc Mai stated, “Vietnamese people are highly aware of climate change and its effects.” This awareness is crucial for mobilizing collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Ngoc Mai highlighted specific climate-related challenges faced in Vietnam, stating, “In my country, the sea temperature is getting warmer. That is one of the contributions to the Yagi storm, a devastating natural disaster that happened on September 7th.” She elaborated that global warming leads to “warmer sea temperatures, which is one of the contributions to the Yagi storm.” This storm resulted in “14 fatalities, dozens injured, thousands of fallen trees, and damage to houses and facilities in Vietnam.”
When discussing the prevalence of climate change, she remarked, “Climate change occurs every day, everywhere on the Earth. The air temperature is increasing, the sea level is rising, and natural disasters are happening more.” This statement encapsulates the ongoing and widespread nature of the crisis.
Ngoc Mai highlighted the groups most affected by climate change, noting that it can cause health problems for “the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,” including “pregnant women, children, elderly people, the poor, the homeless, and people with underlying health conditions.” She specifically emphasized, “In my opinion, children are the most affected groups since their immune systems haven’t developed completely, so their health problems could be more severe than adults’.”
Discussing assistance for food-insecure communities impacted by climate change, Ngoc Mai stated, “A large number of non-profit organizations and programs are actively helping food-insecure communities, especially those affected by climate change, such as The World Food Programme.”
In response to governmental efforts, Ngoc Mai pointed out that “the Vietnam government made a commitment to achieve ‘net zero’ emissions in 2021.” To support this commitment, she mentioned that “the government established a National Steering Committee,” which is tasked with implementing climate action measures.
Ngoc Mai expressed her desire to take action in the future, saying, “No, I haven’t. However, if I have a chance in the future, I’d be happy to take action to fight against climate change.” This sentiment reflects a readiness to engage more actively in climate solidarity efforts.
Finally, when asked about how individuals can contribute, she suggested, “We should voluntarily participate in some climate groups that implement climate actions, such as cleaning up the beach or picking up trash on the streets.” This call to action emphasizes the importance of community involvement in local environmental initiatives.
Carlos Leanglar, A5 group member of JENESYS, Thailand. by Leanglar
Carlos Leanglar shared his insights on climate change, its implications in Thailand, and the collective efforts needed to address this pressing issue. His responses reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by communities in light of ongoing climate changes.
Leanglar described climate change as a phenomenon caused by both “natural variations and human activities.” He further explained that it leads to significant alterations in climate that impact nature, the environment, and ultimately everyone on Earth.
When asked about the effects of climate change in his community, Leanglar noted, “The hotter weather has a very negative impact on my community.” He emphasized that extreme heat makes daily life challenging, particularly for those who have to work outdoors. “This problem really affects everyone,” he added, highlighting the widespread implications of rising temperatures.
Concerning awareness surrounding climate change in Thailand, Leanglar shared, “My country is very aware of climate change, and everyone works together to be a part of making climate change affect us as little as possible.” He pointed out that many individuals are turning to electric public transport and collaborating with both private and governmental agencies to plant forests, indicating a proactive community spirit.
Leanglar explained how climate change manifests in Thailand, particularly during the rainy season. “Thailand is greatly affected in the rainy season,” he stated, noting that “every year there will be floods in each area near the water source.” He underscored the impact of heavy rains that can lead to nationwide flooding, affecting homes and livelihoods.
He provided a geographical perspective on where climate change occurs, indicating that it is most prevalent “in areas near the main rivers of the country.” He noted that this typically coincides with the rainy season, particularly between July and September when storms are most likely to strike.
When discussing which groups are most affected by climate change, Leanglar asserted, “Everyone in the area where climate change occurred, especially marginalized people.” This acknowledgment highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities.
Addressing the scale of the impact, Leanglar shared alarming statistics”From the latest flood, more than 7,500 people have suffered more than 12,000 rai of agricultural land.” This data underscores the extensive damage climate change can inflict on both people and agriculture.
In terms of charitable actions taken for those affected by climate change, Leanglar pointed to the government as being actively involved in providing assistance and support.
Leanglar also highlighted the role of various organizations working against climate change in Thailand. He mentioned both public and private agencies, citing the “Children and Youth Council of Thailand” as an example of an organization that consistently provides support and resources.
When asked if he has taken action to address climate change, Leanglar admitted, “I don’t have an operational plan yet, but I want to be one of the people who want to create change and make people in my country aware of the importance of climate change.” His eagerness to contribute signifies a desire for personal involvement in the movement toward sustainability.
Finally, Leanglar proposed solutions for better community engagement in climate action, suggesting “educational activities and practical guidelines for a sustainable environment both in the community and nationally.” Emphasizing the importance of education, he believes this is vital to fostering a culture of sustainability and awareness. Leanglar ended.
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