As we step into 2021, we face crunch time for climate action. We have less than a decade left to achieve the massive global goal of halving carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.If not, we risk global temperatures rising above 2°C – beyond which, scientists warn, climate change may be irreversible and catastrophic. 

Malaysia has barely begun the energy transition to renewables: solar makes up just 0.4% of our energy mix. We are still stuck on coal, the most polluting fuel there is, which comprised 58% of the peninsula’s energy mix in 2018. Malaysia also ranks near the bottom in the global Climate Change Performance Index, which compares climate protection performances of countries that are responsible for 90% of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, we dropped down to 56th place, to the bottom 10 nations. 

Where is our action and urgency on the issue? Do you see climate laws being tabled or politicians pushing for this?

The planet is at a climate crossroads now. Scientists have said that ideally we should cap the temperature rise at 1.5°C and emissions should peak by 2020. Right now, the planet is heading towards a 3°C rise – in other words, catastrophe. We urgently need immediate, strong political action to reverse this calamitous course.