At the Sustainability Expo 2025, a panel discussion titled “From Climate Change to Disaster” brought together experts to share alarming truths about our planet’s condition.
Pawit Kesawong, Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Climate Change, revealed that Thailand ranks 9th in the world among countries most at risk from global warming, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.
Prof. Dr. Pisuth Piarnmongkol from BiOST warned that the Earth is nearing the 2°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement—the tipping point beyond which climate change becomes irreversible.
Large cities face a severe threat of flooding. Bangkok and Samut Prakan, just 1.5 meters above sea level, could become “drowned cities” within this century if sea levels rise by 1 meter by 2050—or up to 2.5 meters in the worst case. The World Bank lists Bangkok among the top 10 cities most vulnerable to flooding.
Dr. Kannika Chen, Deputy Director of the National Science Museum Organization, emphasized the growing risk to food security, as declining rainfall and the massive loss of bees—which pollinate over 70% of global food crops—threaten agriculture.
Another pressing issue is climate justice. Despite more than 30 COP conferences, global greenhouse gas emissions remain high. Developed countries continue to build wealth through fossil fuels, while developing nations—those least responsible—receive inadequate compensation.
The discussion concluded with a sobering truth: disasters are inevitable. The key question is not if they will come, but how we will live with them. The world in 20–30 years may face unimaginable crises—but if humanity truly cooperates and builds resilience, we may still have time to adapt and protect a livable planet for the next generation.
