Thailand sets carbon reduction goal

BANGKOK, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Thailand's Energy Ministry announced it set a new emissions reduction goal.

The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by between 15 percent and 20 percent by 2018, the Bangkok Post reported.

The goal specifically targets the emissions from the country's power sector, which is responsible for the majority of Thailand's emissions.

Thailand's Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul made the announcement in response to calls by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization to address growing concerns over climate change.

In 2003 Thailand's carbon dioxide emissions were 400 million tons, with 56 percent coming from the power sector.

In order to provide incentive to meet the goal, the government will provide a carbon trading mechanism.