The fuel imports in Thailand are expected to account for 70 percent of its total energy consumption in 2010, up from 63 percent in 2000 due to the continued expansion of industries and the economy, the Ministry of Science and Technology has said.

"Heavy industrial development over the next several years could lead to the steady rise in energy consumption, which makes Thailand more vulnerable to energy shortages and price increases than western countries," Suchinda Chotipanich, the ministry's deputy permanent secretary was quoted by Bangkok Post on Friday as saying.

"In 2030, the global energy demand will soar 50 percent and energy-related carbon-dioxide emissions will rise at the same pace, " according to Hiroshi Nishimiya, deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Environment Program.

As a result of rising temperatures, the earth's climate is changing with enormous consequences for the natural environment and thus the global economic system, said Nishimiya.

Source: Xinhua