Thailand’s coastline at risk as world’s largest iceberg melts, Illustrative Image (Photo: thai.news)

Bangkok – A Thai environmental expert has warned that the country’s coastline faces a risk of disappearance within 25 years as the world’s largest iceberg, A23a, melts rapidly due to rising global temperatures, contributing to rising sea levels.

Sonthi Kotchawat, an esteemed oracle of environmental and health sciences, revealed that the iceberg A23a, pning approximately 3,500 square kilometres with an average thickness of 280 metres, has been grounded off South Georgia Island near Antarctica since breaking away in 1986, local media reported.

As global temperatures continue to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold set by the Paris Agreement, A23a is at risk of breaking into smaller icebergs, which can disrupt key shipping routes in the Southern Ocean. This fragmentation could also impact commercial fishing and threaten local wildlife, including seals and penguins, Sonthi said.

The expert explained that when melting, the iceberg releases carbon dioxide and unlocks a cascade of nutrients into the azure waters—a biochemical serenade that might spur paradoxical blooms of life in the form of plankton, whose proliferation could reverberate through food chains.

According to Sonthi, in Thailand, where sea levels have already been rising by an average of 5.8 mm per year, the most vulnerable areas include Phra Samut Chedi district in Samut Prakan province, Bang Khun Thian district in Bangkok, and Bang Krachao in Samut Sakhon province.

He also cited a report by UNESCO, warning that if current trends persist, severe flooding will become more frequent in Thailand’s low-lying areas by 2050, negatively affecting 10% of the country’s population.

Hanoi – Air quality in Laos has worsened, with PM 2.5 particles reaching hazardous levels, affecting cities across the country, the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported on March 25.

The air quality index in the northern province of Xayaboury has reached a hazardous level, with PM 2.5 concentration hitting 284 micrograms per cu.m, exceeding the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cu.m, the ministry said.

The capital city of Vientiane, and the provinces of Xieng Khuang and Sekong also saw PM 2.5 levels surpassing 260 micrograms per cu.m, reaching hazardous levels.

PM 2.5, the fine particulate matter that causes smog, is an air pollutant containing tiny particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. With their extremely small size and harmful components, these particles can lodge in the lungs and enter blood vessels, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

Vietnam Electric Cable Corporation (CADIVI), a leading brand in Vietnam’s electrical wire and cable market, has officially introduced a new line of eco-friendly products, featuring lead-free (LF) insulation and low smoke halogen-free (LSHF) materials.

Backed by significant investment in research and the application of advanced technology, the new LF and LSHF wire lines aim to reduce environmental pollution, enhance user safety, and minimise toxic smoke emissions in case of fire.

The initiative marks a notable step in improving electrical safety and supporting the protection of the community’s living environment.

Ho Quang Nhan, CEO of CADIVI, expects that the introduction of LF and LSHF electric cables will bring optimal solutions for green and eco-friendly buildings.

Ho Quang Nhan, CEO of CADIVI, expressed confidence that the introduction of these products will offer optimal solutions for green and eco-conscious construction projects. Both product lines are engineered with a focus on durability, safety, energy efficiency, and resource conservation—key criteria in sustainable building development.

For years, CADIVI has maintained strong investment in research and development, adopting cutting-edge technologies to create high-performance products that meet the growing demands of both domestic and international markets. This emphasis on innovation also strengthens the company’s competitive edge and supports Vietnam’s broader green economic transition.

“The green transition is not just a global trend—it’s a business strategy,” said Nhan. “While Việt Nam has support mechanisms such as LEED and EDGE certifications to encourage green development, enterprises must proactively invest in emissions-reducing technologies, including solar energy, natural ventilation systems, and low-carbon materials.”

According to Nhan, CADIVI promotes the use of non-toxic materials and modern production processes to reduce emissions. The company has also deployed rooftop solar systems at its factories and continues to optimise production to reduce material waste and improve operational efficiency.

“We are not only contributing to the development of green buildings but also actively participating in Việt Nam’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said.

CADIVI is a member of Gelex Electric JSC, under Gelex Group. As part of its development strategy, Gelex also places strong emphasis on R&D to drive sustainable product innovation and expand international cooperation through technology transfer.

Nguyen Trong Hien, chairman of Gelex Group, noted that the group encourages member companies to allocate up to 2 per cent of annual revenue to research and development in the electrical equipment sector, underscoring its commitment to fostering high-quality human resources and technological advancement.