An ecological crisis

By Suchada Tupchai

Flooding and landslides in the North of Thailand and particularly in Ampur Laplae, Uttaradit have been far worse than during the floods of previous years. This year the number of deaths and missing persons has dramatically increased. The number of displaced families and the widespread damage to property is also testimony to the level of the crisis.
We are told by government officials that this is just another of the increasing number of natural disasters now affecting Asia as a whole, ranging from earthquakes and volcanoes to changing weather patterns that are causing extraordinary rainfall and consequently flooding. The world, we are told, is changing. There is little we can do in the face of climatic change except to clear up after the disasters.
Before we join the politicians and government servants in parroting the evils of climate change, let us take a look at statistics from Thailand’s forestry department. These reveal that there are about 104.6 million rai of forest and bush land in the country today. In 1961 there were 171 million rai. So in less than half a century the country has lost 40 percent of its total forest area.
Loss of significant amounts of natural forest itself means climate change. It also means erosion of land, aka landslides and the bursting of natural riverbanks. In other words, the abuse we heap on Mother Nature will eventually fall back upon us, no matter what the politicians say. It may well be convenient to blame something far away and intangible, but much of the mess on our own doorstep has unfortunately been caused by ourselves.
The Northern flooding has starkly revealed the environmental problems we now face, but it is not the first time such incidents have occurred and will not be the last.
Although there is a limited amount we can do to replace the stripping of forest land, what has been lacking is planning to reduce risk to residents, and adequate warning systems in an emergency. There is a lack of awareness and a lack of sense of responsibility.
We must leave apathy behind us. The floods are a wake-up call. We must care more, and we must ensure that those in a position to take positive action, do so. If not, then Thailand is setting itself up for a major ecological catastrophe.

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