Is it Time to Invest in Environmental Mega-Projects?

Right now, tourists can see changes all over the city of Beijing. Previously plagued with environmental pollution problems, Beijing has taken on a new look with improved atmospheric freshness. Today, in preparation for the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games, China’s government aims for an all-out impression on the world by dealing with environmental problems that have been ignored for many years. One sad realization is, however, that if not for China hosting the 2008 Olympics, this environmental management would not be happening.

In Thailand, several problems are currently experienced in our capital city, Bangkok. Traffic jams, and environmental deterioration brought on through air pollution, vehicle dust, construction sites, and factory-induced toxic fumes are all highly problematic. Another less known source of pollution is the toxic waste of more than five hundred low standard crematoria all over Bangkok. Thus, Bangkok people, just as Beijing’s population, have precious little fresh air to breathe.

Bangkokians must also face many serious problems, which the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has still not succeeded to resolve - the problems of polluted water, refuse fill and disposal, and the effective isolation and systematic recycling of much hazardous waste thrown away with the refuse. The more these environmental problems increase, the worse the state of our capital city will be.

In my opinion, we must “dare” to invest in environmental management by launching Environmental Mega Project Investment. Environmental Mega Projects will require a huge technology budget. For example, about sixty million baht should be spent on each Bangkok temple to align below standard crematoria, to good city standards. Thus, five hundred crematoria would require at least 3,000 million baht to finish the project. Bangkok’s water pollution problem also requires a good wastewater treatment factory. This would necessitate the spending of thousands of millions of baht by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Moreover, refuse disposal must be effective, ensuring that all resources are first utilized to maximum benefit before disposing of them in a revolutionized refuse system where there is “zero waste.” The problem will not be resolved by looking for a new dumping site for refuse, but maximum gain will be sought from it. Its collection is also important, as is the behavioural change of people on this matter. Perhaps the Bangkok Metropolitan area should use recycled products only. For example, city litter bins, public benches, streetside flower tubs, and so on. To change the whole system, we must accept the fact that much money will be required to achieve the goal.

In my view, a country’s management team that recognizes the value of its population will in no way hesitate to make serious environmental investment and continue with this policy until its set goals are all reached. I am highly hoping that the Thai government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has good intentions to deal with Bangkok’s environmental problems, and will dare to announce its engagement with Environmental Mega Projects, without waiting for international pressure, as we see that the Chinese government is now facing.

Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School , Harvard University
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, kriengsak.com, drdancando.com