This year has seen a significant rise in natural disasters globally, ranging from floods in Libya and New York to deadly wildfires in Hawaii and Greece, all of which are clear effects of climate change. The number of days with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius has doubled in the last 30 years, with this year being declared the hottest on record.
Malaysia has been grappling with its own climate challenges, such as rising temperatures leading to heat islands and devastating floods. The country has been criticized in the past for its contribution to global warming, but is now taking proactive steps to address these issues. Nik Nazmi, the minister for natural resources and environmental sustainability, has stated that more needs to be done to address climate change.
Under Nazmi’s leadership, Malaysia has decided to stop the creation of new palm oil plantations and coal plants. The country aims to shift towards alternative energy by increasing electricity tariffs for the wealthy and providing subsidies for the less privileged. This transition to sustainable living requires a shift in mindset and a return to shared human values.
Nazmi also mentioned plans for infrastructure, such as moving away from impermeable surfaces and expanding green spaces in cities. At one time, Malaysia faced criticism for its palm oil industry, but has since made significant progress in sustainability initiatives. The country has worked to protect its forests through the Sustainable Forest Management Programme and the Sustainable Palm Oil initiative.
In addition to forest protection, Malaysia has implemented measures to safeguard wildlife habitats and decrease coal usage. The country is working to transition to renewable energy sources and promote public transportation and electric vehicles.
While Malaysia’s current energy subsidies benefit the wealthy, Nazmi is working towards targeted subsidies for the less fortunate. He emphasized the need for a cultural and spiritual transformation to address climate change at a grassroots level, recognizing the importance of shared values across religions.
Overall, Malaysia is making significant strides in its climate mitigation efforts and is advocating for equity in climate action on a global scale. The country is committed to achieving the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement and is calling for collective progress to combat climate change.