Assessing the potential of a low-carbon future for Cambodia

Abstract

This paper examines Cambodia's current carbon pathway and considers if Cambodia could move towards a low carbon future. We do so by examining two of Cambodia's largest carbon emitting sectors: energy and transportation. We argue that Cambodia has a unique window of opportunity to pursue a low carbon pathway given that, despite significant economic growth, the country is currently producing less CO2 per capita compared to most other countries across Asia. Cambodia could benefit greatly (in economic, social, and environmental terms) from adopting a low carbon pathway. Promising harbingers are present, such as recent shifts to hydropower, adoption of urban master plans, and citizen frustration with traffic congestion and poor air quality that may enable public buy-in for innovative low-carbon solutions. Achieving this will require sharpened and harmonized policy, approaching all planning activities from a low-carbon perspective, and support (both institutional and financial) from regional bodies and multilateral organizations.