How can we help protect the environment and ease the effects of climate change?

Environmental preservation is necessary because the earth’s resources are limited and threatened by human activity. Vientiane Times asked for opinions on ways to protect the environment and preserve the planet for our children and future generations.

Ms Phannga, a government official in Champassak province: As we all know, climate change is threatening humans, animals and other forms of life, and is the result of global warming. I think we should do more to preserve the environment. Recycling is one popular way, but not many people know exactly which items can be recycled. Glass, newspapers, aluminium, metal cans, plastic, motor oil and batteries can all be recycled. The authorities should do more to encourage recycling and advise people how to separate waste materials and pass on items that can be recycled so they can be turned into new products. Plastic bags that get thrown out end up in landfills or scattered across the land in unsightly ways. These can suffocate animals, who get stuck in them or may mistake them for food. Also, it takes many years for these bags to decompose. Schools should teach environmental awareness so that children learn good habits and continue them into adulthood.
 
Ms Bee Phommavong, a college student in Xaythany district, Vientiane: A healthy environment is essential for every form of life and we should all work together to tackle this issue. Environmental preservation takes place through legislation, community outreach, and public participation. We lose much of our land because so much is being given over to farming, industry, housing, tourism and other human-instigated developments. But you can help the environment right at home by being environmentally friendly and buying products that are derived from sustainable sources.
 
Mr Souvixay, an employee in Xayaboury province: I think forests are crucial to preserving the environment. Forests everywhere, and in Laos, are now at risk as large swathes have been degraded or felled in most countries. This is a critical issue and everyone should join forces to turn the situation around and halt environmental degradation. To restore our forests, I would like everyone, including young people and children, to think about the importance of tree cultivation and the most suitable types to plant, such as commercial tree species. We should not fell many trees, or use or buy wood derived from exotic trees. We should help each other to plant more trees because it will make our country become greener and preserve water sources, while enlarging the area that is forested. More trees and thick forests will make the air fresher and cleaner and help to reduce global warming.
 
Ms Ladda Vorachit, a student from Vientiane province: I think the preservation of water is very important. Even though 70 percent of the world is covered in water, only a small percentage is suitable for human consumption. Many people take the water that pours out of their taps for granted, but more than a billion people still can’t get fresh water for cleaning, bathing or cooking. I believe we can make a big difference in water preservation through the practice of small and simple habits. I think we have problems because so many businesses and factories don’t care about the environment and carelessly dispose of waste water. On the occasion of the National and World Environment Days, I urge those responsible to pay more attention to this issue and devise ways to protect our rivers and streams and keep the water clean. We should all seriously try to protect the environment, especially water resources, and support sustainable efforts to ensure that everyone has access to clean water.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update April 20, 2022)