Put simply, climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, mainly driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions. These actions increase greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane in our atmosphere, trapping heat and warming the planet.
In Malaysia, we’re already seeing the effects. Based on the Malaysia Climate Risk Profile 2021 publication by World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank:
- Between 1970 and 2013, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak regions experienced surface mean temperature increase of 0.14°C–0.25°C per decade.
- Under the “RCP8.5” climate scenario, which is the highest emissions pathway, average temperatures are projected to increase by 3.11°C by the 2090s and 0.8°C by the 2090s under the “RCP2.6” climate scenario which is the lowest emissions pathway.
- An increase in rainfall is also projected and is expected to be larger in Sabah and Sarawak than in Peninsular Malaysia, although there is generally large uncertainty around precipitation projections.
- Malaysia is particularly vulnerable to flooding, with this natural hazard contributing more damage than any other the country experiences. The frequency and extremity of flood events have increased in recent decades with projections showing they will continue to increase with continued global warming.
- The frequency and intensity of heat waves experienced in Malaysia is projected to increase significantly due to a warming climate.
- Coastal adaptation and disaster risk reduction issues have risen up the national agenda in Malaysia. Vulnerability assessments identify risks to agricultural production in coastal areas from sea-level rise in the range projected under the RCP emission pathways (approximately 0.4–0.7m by 2100, with greater sea level rise in Sabah-Sarawak).
- Modelling suggests that occurrence of droughts and floods early in the rice-growing season could reduce yields by up to 60%. Furthermore, drought conditions may impact the cultivation of rubber, palm oil and cocoa.
- In Malaysia, climate change threatens to exacerbate poverty and inequality, with low-income earners economically dependent on activities where climatic conditions play a prominent role, such as agriculture, fishing and informal sectors in the urban economy, and typically living in more exposed areas.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia, climate-related risks could impact the financial system, affecting banks, insurers, and businesses.
With the carbon tax coming with the Climate Change Bill expected to be tabled to Parliament Malaysia, companies and consumers alike will soon feel the financial cost of inaction.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. By investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green jobs, Malaysia has a chance to future-proof its economy and protect its people.
In conclusion, climate change is already here, and it affects all of us. Understanding it is the first step. Acting on it is our responsibility.
