The effects on climate change are becoming more and more evident as Earth is experiencing increase in temperature as well as level of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Malaysia is no exception to these changes.
In tackling climate change, among the efforts of the Sarawak government is currently developing a Climate Change Policy that will provide a comprehensive framework for addressing carbon emission and mitigating the impact of climate change.
It was announced that the Sarawak government will produce its own climate change policy following the completion of a study undertaken under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Causes of climate change;
- Generating power
- Manufacturing goods
- Cutting down forests
- Using transportation
- Producing food
- Powering buildings
- Consuming too much
(Source: https://www.un.org/en/ )
Effects of climate change;
- Hotter temperatures
- More severe storms
- Increased drought
- A warming, rising ocean
- Loss of species
- Not enough food
- More health risks
- Poverty and displacement
(Source: https://www.un.org/en/ )
The study on Sarawak’s climate change policy is in line with Malaysia’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent in 2030 and Sarawak’s vision, namely PCDS 2030 for sustainable development to ensure a clean and healthy environment.
It was also noted that a concurrent study will be the Low Carbon Society Blueprint, especially urban areas such as Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu.
The blueprints are said to help address local environmental challenges such as waste management, floods and air pollution while promoting ow-carbon lifestyle.
The policy will guide all communities in Sarawak towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Under PCDS 2030, one of the strategic thrust emphases on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, which is important to tackle climate change.
It if further explain in PCDS 2030 that Sarawak aims to balance economic growth with a responsible approach towards utilisation of natural resources and integration of climate adaptation and mitigation plans.
This approach prioritises the sustainable use of land and ocean ecosystem for economic growth, improved livelihood and jobs while preserving the health of the land and ocean ecosystem.
In line with sustainable development principle and commitment towards climate adaptation, various initiative will be implemented such as to maintain more than 50 per cent forest and tree cover, established an integrated watershed management policy to conserve and protect water resources, increase urban green spaces and priorities green mobile solutions, including developing electric vehicle (EV) based on public transport systems and expansion of renewable energy.
On March 2023, the Sarawak Premier announced that a Sarawak Climate Change Centre will be established to coordinate, manage, support and guide all matters concerning climate change and carbon trading initiatives in the state.
It is said that the centre would serve as a centralized hub for coordinating, managing, supporting, and guiding all climate change and carbon trading initiatives in Sarawak.
He was quoted saying, “With the establishment of the Sarawak Climate Change Centre, Sarawak can position itself as a leader in climate change and carbon trading initiatives in the region, attracting investment and talent to drive sustainable economic growth,”
