Climate Change Awareness and Responses: Some Initiatives and Perspectives from Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is committed to addressing climate change both internationally and nationally. Apart from participating actively in the negotiation processes and ratifying the multilateral environmental agreements on climate change, the country has also implemented its commitments to the agreements and harnessed the opportunities created by them. Furthermore, since the 1990s there have been other national responses, including policies, plans and programmes that indirectly contribute to addressing climate change, in tandem with the country’s pursuance of sustainable development. As the awareness and capacity grew through participation in international climate change discourse and the implementation of national activities, the need for a concerted holistic policy on climate change became apparent. Despite the existence of several relevant sectoral policies, stakeholders deemed that a dedicated policy is necessary for addressing climate change as it is cross-sectoral in nature, involving more than merely environmental issues, but also affecting economic growth and human well-being. The policy, which is currently being drafted with a view to steer strategic responses to fortify the nation’s resilience to the implications of climate change on development and economic growth, consists of several key elements that include objectives, principles, strategic thrusts and key actions. Its formulation and finalization involves extensive stakeholder consultations before it is presented to the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change for adoption. The drafted policy will help ensure security in supply of resources, water and energy in particular, for the continuous and growing needs of economic sectors, as well as the provision of basic societal needs, notably food and water, for sustainable livelihood.