The effects of natural disasters experienced in Malaysia recently is proof that there is an urgency for climate action. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 and themed ‘Invest In Our Planet’, is calling on all parties, from governments and businesses, to NGOs and individuals, to act. Climate change is real, and with the speed in which it is catching up to us, there is no better time to act than now. The youth, whose futures are most at risk are unabashedly speaking up on the matter, and asking the most important question, “what are we doing to stop it?”
University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) alumni, Dulanga Witharanage and Jasmin Ilham, are two examples of young advocates leading conversations on local and global climate action. Dulanga currently serves as a Country Team Coordinator and Climate Change and Environment Focal for the Market Development Facility; an Australian Government Project in the Indo-Pacific implemented by the Palladium Group in Partnership with Swisscontact to create sustainable livelihoods for those most vulnerable to poverty and climate change. She shared her thoughts on the matter.
“One of the largest causes of climate change, in my opinion, is our greed for continuous material development. Add to that, the cases of misinformation, disinformation, and an overall lack of awareness,” Dulanga said. She adds that it is important for us not just to understand each party’s role in the matter, but to also hold them accountable for their actions.
Jasmin, who works to address the impact of climate change on children and their access to clean and sustainable environments as UNICEF Malaysia’s Climate and Environmental Consultant, added, “I believe that there is an urgent need to strengthen climate governance in Malaysia and that key decision makers have to put climate change high up on their agenda.”
Government in action
For governments who are the main policy makers and regulation enforcers, climate change needs to be made top priority and streamlined across all ministries. Jasmin explains that although there are plans and policies at work, such as the Climate Change Act, National Policy on Climate Change revision and more, it needs to be followed through with strategic and concrete roadmaps in order to ensure successful implementation.
In addressing a lack of awareness, misinformation and disinformation, governments also have a responsibility to uphold better climate literacy. This includes governing conversations on climate change, ensuring opinions are backed with facts and figures. If governments can improve climate literacy to educate the nation, we become one step closer to achieving tangible and positive change.
Shifting market supply to meet eco-conscious demands
As global societies become more aware of the detrimental consequences of climate change, businesses are in critical positions to tip the scale of global climate action. Proven by the rise in sustainable or green products, there has been a definite shift in the wants and needs of consumers today, urging brands to pivot not only quickly but thoroughly.
“Businesses need to shift to sustainable models and adapt their operations to the needs of our environment. This requires revisiting and revising supply chains, to eliminate harmful emissions across the board,” shared Dulanga.
Jasmin also highlights the damaging effects of brands jumping on the green bandwagon, especially without proper research and implementation. “Greenwashing is everywhere, but long gone are the days where consumers are easily taken by such efforts. We are more knowledgeable, more connected. Businesses need to take an honest approach in improving their operations if they want to retain their consumers in the long term.”
Simple and achievable acts to save our planet
Citizens also have a large responsibility in mitigating climate change and all it takes are a few simple acts, raising awareness being only one of them. With increased mobilisation of grassroots, particularly amongst the youth, speaking up can help spur key decision makers into taking immediate action. Even more, who we choose to elect to government will impact what changes are made and how quickly they are enacted.
Other simple acts include opting for public transportation, practicing consistent use of reusable cups or straws, reducing our single-use plastic and food waste, recycling consciously, conserving energy, shopping wisely and actively volunteering in environmental programs.
Dulanga and Jasmin both emphasise the importance of understanding that the problem is ‘ours’, not one for our leaders and businesses alone. “Our efforts today, no matter big or small, will determine the state of our planet tomorrow,” they echoed.
Both Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science graduates of UNM, Dulanga Witharanage and Jasmin Ilham represented Malaysia at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Conference of Parties (COP) 22 held in Marrakech, Morocco.
