SDG 13 CLIMATE CHANGE

HOW MALAYSIA HANDLE CLIMATE CHANGE

SANTHEYA A/P RAMAN (211222408)

NURJANNAH (211222395)

FARAH SYAMIMI BINTI MOHAMAD AZLI (211220518)

UVALACHUMY GOBAL (211220695)

PUMITA ARUMUGAM (211220652)

KAVILAHSHINIE CHANDRAN (211222363)

Universiti Malaysia Perlis

SMB31302 English for Academic Purposes

MADAM YUZIANA YASIN

July 4, 2023
 In 50 years, the planet will not be the same as it is today. Climate change is natural,
but in the last few centuries it has been artificially sped up. Firstly, what is climate change?
The phrase "climate change" refers to gradual alterations in temperatures and patterns of
rainfall over extended periods of time. Such fluctuations may have a natural cause, such as
variations in the energy of the sun or significant volcanic eruptions. The effects of climate
change are being experienced by all around the globe, and Malaysia is not an exception to the
rule in terms of being impacted by the consequences of climate change. According to the
study conducted by Serina Rahman (2020) , at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, then-Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad insisted that developing countries (those responsible for higher
carbon emissions) had already exploited poorer countries and should be allowed to continue
developing, albeit sustainably . This marked the beginning of Malaysia's commitment to
climate change. Carbon dioxide and methane are the two primary greenhouse gasses that are
contributing to the current state of the climate. These are produced during activities like
operating a vehicle with petrol or heating a house with coal, for instance. Carbon dioxide may
also be released into the atmosphere when land is cleared or when forests are chopped down.
Malaysia has taken the initiative to combat the effects of climate change via legislative
changes and sustainable development programmes, since the nation is home to both
vulnerable coastal residents and a diverse array of wildlife. In this article, we will look at
what the future holds for Malaysia's efforts to tackle climate change and how the country is
moving towards a more sustainable future right now. It is essential that the government of
Malaysia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the general population of Malaysia
all work together to increase their level of knowledge of the variables that contribute to
climate change. The efforts are development of renewable energy in Malaysia to fight against
climate change , the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and Malaysia has implemented
various measures to pursue low-carbon development in order to reduce climate change.

The development of renewable energy in Malaysia is an important step in the fight

against climate change and for the promotion of sustainability. Natural resources that are
regenerated at a faster pace than they are used are considered renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources abound and are easily accessible. Compared to burning fossil
fuels, the emissions produced by renewable energy generation are far lower. To combat
global warming, we must shift away from fossil fuels, the primary source of emissions today,
and towards renewable energy sources.Our country's Supply Agreement for Renewable
Energy (SARE) plan was established soon after, allowing customers to lease and install solar
panels at no upfront cost (Suruhanjaya Tenaga 2019). Additionally, renewables are now less
expensive than fossil fuels in most nations, and they provide three times as many jobs.
Development of renewable energy is important in the ecosystem because it is very helpful in
reducing global warming. Malaysia is one of many countries that practices renewable energy
technology by increasing in many industrial and other fields. Although the development of
renewable energy is very beneficial to the earth and society to tackle the problem of global
warming and climate change, there are also disadvantages of renewable energy.The reason is
because despite its many advantages, energy is not without its downsides. Example situation
is from a study from Dario Maradin ( 2021) ,when nuclear power is used to generate
electricity, there is no release of greenhouse gases. Nuclear energy is being studied in the
context of "renewable sources" since it is distinct from fossil fuels. But in this situation, we
tend to forget about the radioactive nuclear waste, which has serious consequences for both
the environment and human health. Growing renewable energy is vital for Malaysia to
address climate change successfully. It is possible to lessen the impact of climate change,
ensure a sustainable future, and promote economic development by moving away from fossil
fuels and towards renewable energy sources. By switching to renewable energy, Malaysia can
help improve the quality of the air we breathe. In conclusion, it is clear that if Malaysia is
serious about reducing its carbon footprint, boosting its economy, protecting its natural
resources, boosting public health, and encouraging technological advancement, it must invest
in the development of renewable energy.

Climate Change Education and Awareness is one of the keys undertaken by malaysia
to handle climate change.In Malaysia, promoting climate change education and awareness
among the public, schools, and communities has been a crucial aspect of the government's
efforts to address climate change.According to the study conducted by Kamaruddin in 2019,
as cited in (Ballantyne, 2006) “Environmental education is a step toward addressing
environmental issues with the hope that through environmental education, people are more
aware of the issues” (para.8). This approach is aimed at fostering a greater understanding of
climate change issues and encouraging behavioural changes that contribute to mitigation and
adaptation efforts. The Malaysian government recognizes the importance of educating the
public about climate change and its impacts to empower individuals and communities to take
action. Climate change education is integrated into the national school curriculum, ensuring
that students receive knowledge and understanding of climate change from an early age. This
includes subjects such as science, geography, and environmental studies, where the principles
and concepts of climate change are incorporated into the syllabus. “As an example, Universiti
Teknologi Mara (UiTM) includes a Sustainability Management course for master student
program as a core subject and Environmental Engineering and Sustainability for the
undergraduate student in the School of Civil Engineering” (Nur Dalila Mohamad,2022).
Additionally, the government has implemented initiatives to enhance climate change
education and awareness outside of formal education settings. This includes organising
seminars, workshops, and public campaigns to engage with communities and raise awareness
about climate change issues. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research institutions,
and community groups also play an active role in organising awareness programs and
community-based initiatives. One example of a climate change awareness program in
Malaysia is the "Kempen Hijau" or "Green Campaign." Kempen Hijau is an initiative led by
the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, in collaboration with various government
agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions.In conclusion, by prioritising climate change
education and awareness, Malaysia aims to foster a generation that is knowledgeable about
climate change and equipped with the skills to make informed decisions and take action. This
approach empowers individuals and communities to contribute to climate change mitigation
and adaptation efforts in their daily lives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and
resilient future.

Thirdly, Malaysia has implemented various measures to pursue low-carbon

development in order to reduce climate change. The Malaysian government is committed to
pursuing low-carbon development pathways. The government encourages energy efficiency
and promotes sustainable transportation. According to environmental analyst Nasha Lee in
(2019), “In many Malaysian cities, a low-carbon vision or action plan has already been
established. Additionally, inventories of greenhouse gases that may be used to track low-
carbon initiatives are being created. Urban regions have pledged to reduce their carbon
footprints by joining city alliances like the C40 and ICLEI, including Kuala Lumpur,
Iskandar Malaysia, Seberang Perai, and Melaka. The Low Carbon City Framework
Programme, which promotes plans and activities to decrease carbon emissions at the
municipal level, currently includes 52 local authorities in total.” Implementing sustainable
transport is crucial as it plays a vital role in mitigating climate change and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. Malaysia’s proactive approach towards sustainable transport is
paving the way for a greener and more efficient future, as the country embraces innovative
solutions to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly modes of transportation.
Moreover, Malaysia has introduced initiatives such as building standards and certification
systems to encourage the construction of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly
buildings. The Green Building Index (GBI) and the Malaysian Carbon Reduction and
Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST) are examples of initiatives that promote
sustainable building practices, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and use of
renewable energy. MyCREST, according to J. A. Bamgbade (2022), may be the best rating
system for green building design in the tropics, especially in Malaysia. This is because it has
performance-based standards that assess green building design, construction, and operations
using a framework that connects sustainability indicators to carbon emission criteria, which is
the pinnacle in lowering carbon emissions and enhancing occupant health. Communication
and outreach efforts to educate and inform the public about these initiatives may not have
been extensive enough to ensure widespread recognition. Moreover, insufficient reporting
and transparency regarding the progress and impact of low-carbon development initiatives
can contribute to a lack of recognition. To conclude, without clear and accessible information
on the results and benefits achieved, it becomes challenging for the public to recognize and
appreciate the efforts being made.

To sum it up all, Malaysia has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate

change through various initiatives and strategies. These collective efforts not only contribute
to global climate action but also bring co-benefits, such as improved air quality, enhanced
energy security, and economic opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The
development of renewable energy sources not only diversifies the energy mix but also
reduces reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions. The establishment of the National Climate Change Policy provides a
comprehensive framework and roadmap for addressing climate challenges, setting clear goals
and strategies to reduce emissions, promote sustainable practices, and enhance resilience to
climate impacts. Additionally, Malaysia’s pursuit of low-carbon development is evident
through the implementation of measures across multiple sectors. Industries are encouraged to
adopt cleaner technologies and processes, supported by rewarding programs and technical
assistance. Ultimately, Malaysia’s journey towards climate change mitigation and sustainable
development serves as an inspiration for other nations, demonstrating that a commitment to
environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with economic growth and a prosperous
future for generations to come.

References

1. C C Ohueri, J A Bamgbade (2022) The Development of BIM-MyCREST Process

Model for Concept Design of Green Buildings. From
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1101/3/032005/pdf

2. Kamaruddin, H. (2019). Environmental Education In Malaysia: Past, Present And

Future. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.10.25

3. Lee, Nasha. “Low Carbon Cities - Malaysia’s Response to Global Climate Emergency
| United Nations Development Programme.” UNDP, 13 Dec. 2019,
www.undp.org/malaysia/news/low-carbon-cities-malaysias-response-global-
climate-emergency.

4. Maradin, D. (2021). ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE

ENERGY SOURCES UTILIZATION. International Journal of Energy Economics
and Policy, 11(3), 176–183. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.11027

5. Rahman, H. A. (2018). CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIOS IN MALAYSIA:

ENGAGING THE PUBLIC. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329642223_CLIMATE_CHANGE_SC
ENARIOS_IN_MALAYSIA_ENGAGING_THE_PUBLIC

6. Rahman, S. (2020, July 1). Renewable Energy: Malaysia’s Climate Change Solution
or Placebo? Cambridge Core.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-
malaysias-climate-change-solution-or-placebo/
71B01B86A6F79013F5F4409F2F238D73
Appendices

Introduction:
Body 1:
Body 2:
Body 3: