Is all about global warming and how we can arrest it. Predictable cycles of monsoon season and floods now has been altered due to climate change. Responsibility to address climate change should be shouldered by everybody.
Malaysians, once accustomed to the predictable cycles of mid-year droughts and year-end floods in certain regions, now face an unsettling reality regardless of time and place. The recent incident in Klang has yet again indicated the predicaments of a changing climate, where multiple factors converge to unleash a perfect storm of destruction.
In the span of two relentless hours, an unyielding downpour coincided with high tide conditions and the subsequent closure of tidal gates resulted in a torrential surge of water that overwhelmed the nearby river’s capacity to contain it. Tragically, a woman found herself submerged in the rapidly rising waters, reaching a perilous height of 1.3 metres. Fortunately, she was rescued in a nick of time, sparing her from an even graver tragedy.
This incident not only exposes the immediate dangers faced by individuals and communities but also lays bare the vulnerabilities existing within our society when it comes to climate-related challenges. What was once perceived as a seasonal phenomenon confined to specific regions has now evolved into an unpredictable threat capable of disrupting the equilibrium and resilience of even the most unsuspecting areas.
While the responsibility for addressing these challenges primarily falls upon the government and associated industries, we must acknowledge the cumbersome nature of political and bureaucratic systems that hinder the prompt implementation of necessary measures. As individuals, we cannot rely solely on these entities for prompt action; we must take ownership of the issue and drive change from within.
The recent survey conducted in Malaysia by the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub (MCCCRH) reveals that 97% of respondents acknowledge the reality of climate change. However, there is a lack of confidence in their ability to effectively mitigate its impact, possibly due to the perception that climate actions seem daunting or disconnected from individual capabilities and purpose, making it challenging for them to establish a deep connection and sense of purpose behind these actions.
For instance, simple acts such as carpooling, cycling, or walking instead of self-driving may be viewed merely as cost-saving measures rather than intentional efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, Malaysia’s tropical climate of hot, scorching sun and torrential downpour, along with inefficient transportation systems, can discourage individuals from embracing alternative modes of transportation, further impeding the progress.
Drawing from the authors’ experiences abroad, particularly in Europe and Australia, they witnessed the inherent mindfulness and environmentally conscious attitudes prevalent in those nations. Sustainability has become deeply ingrained in their societies, guiding their everyday choices. They recognise their interconnectedness with the earth and understand that every action they take has consequences for the environment. They strive to make individual choices that not only reduce harm to the environment but also empower them as responsible individuals.
How can Malaysians forge a deep connection to the pursuit of climate action?
To establish this deep connection, we need to cultivate climate-consciousness within us, driven by curiosity. Here’s an insight to help illuminate the connection. Think about the moments when we are captivated by the stunning effects and lifelike animations in movies. Behind these awe-inspiring visuals lies a profound truth—an intricate connection between our actions and the planet’s well-being. These visuals are brought to life by the remarkable rendering capability of supercomputers powered by enormous amount of electricity.
Suppose that this electricity is sourced from fossil fuels, this very process significantly contributes to the carbon footprint through the release of carbon during combustion. The heat-trapping properties of this carbon fuels global warming which drives the climate changes that we witness and personally experience. However, many of us are unaware that our purchases of movie subscriptions or tickets indirectly contribute to the carbon emissions equation.
This realisation may strike a chord deep within us, but it does not imply that we should stop watching movies altogether. Instead, it emphasises the importance of awareness and education. By being informed about these little-known facts, we can awaken our consciousness and become more mindful of the environmental impacts of our actions. This growing awareness gradually deepens our understanding of the intricate connections between our choices and their consequences for the environment.
While Malaysia’s contribution to global carbon emissions is relatively small, the threats of climate change know no boundaries and affect us all in every aspect, including our financial well-being. Consider the increasing electricity bill resulting from prolonged use of air conditioner and increased reliance on computers and televisions as we seek refuge indoors from the rising temperatures, or the disruptions in the availability and affordability of essential goods due to erratic weather patterns affecting agriculture and the supply chain.
In these testing times, regardless of our direct or indirect contribution to anthropogenic climate change, taking proactive action at the individual level is more effective than to wait for relevant authorities to save us from the climate distress. By embracing climate-consciousness and realigning our actions, we can begin taking intentional steps to transform our lifestyle. In the long run, when climate-consciousness becomes deeply ingrained in every Malaysian, the whole nation will be transformed.
To wrap up, we invite all Malaysians to activate and nurture the climate-consciousness within us. Addressing climate change requires collective action and individual commitment. When contemplating what intentional steps to take, it is always wise to start with baby steps that will lead to disruptive long-term change that prioritises the well-being of our nation and our beloved planet. After all, there is no Planet B!
