Environment - News

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LUMPUR: The active involvement of Malaysian scientists in global climate science is crucial in enhancing the nation\u2019s influence on international climate policy, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.<\/p>\r\r<p>The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister underscored the importance of Malaysia\u2019s participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) processes, particularly as the nation faces increasingly severe climate impacts.<\/p>\r\r<p>He said empowering Malaysian scientists is about creating a lasting impact, ensuring the nation\u2019s expertise and innovation are central to global climate solutions.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cToday, we have an exceptional opportunity for the climate scientists under IPCC to engage with Malaysian scientists, including many young and early-career researchers, who are the future leaders in climate science.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThese young minds are the innovators and thinkers who will shape the direction of global climate science in the years to come,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cIt is crucial that we create greater awareness of the IPCC among our scientists and encourage their active participation in the IPCC\u2019s processes.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cTheir involvement will not only contribute to global climate science but also enhance Malaysia\u2019s influence in shaping international climate policy,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\r<p>Nik Nazmi said this in his opening remarks at the IPCC Symposium themed \u201cBridging Climate Science and Policy to Accelerate Action\u201d here on Saturday (Dec 14).<\/p>\r\r<p>Reflecting on Malaysia\u2019s recent climate challenges, Nik Nazmi pointed to the devastating floods in November that displaced over 150,000 people across nine states, including Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWhile Malaysia has always been subject to monsoons, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events have risen significantly in recent years.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThese events underscore the urgency to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\r<p>He also highlighted the increasing risks of heatwaves, once considered a distant concern for Malaysia.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWe used to think we were immune to heat, but in recent years, heatwaves have led to fatalities.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThis is a stark reminder that we are not exempt from the effects of a warming planet,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\r<p>Nik Nazmi outlined Malaysia\u2019s commitment to addressing climate change through comprehensive policies aligned with international frameworks.<\/p>\r\r<p>These include the updated National Climate Change Policy 2.0 (NCCP 2.0) and the forthcoming National Climate Change Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament next year.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThese policies aim to transition Malaysia towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient development model.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThey are designed to integrate global scientific assessments, ensuring our efforts align with the international commitment to mitigate climate risks and achieve sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\r\r<p>He said the Bill would provide a legal framework for implementing mitigation and adaptation measures, supporting Malaysia\u2019s carbon trading initiatives in line with developments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).<\/p>\r\r<p>Nik Nazmi also highlighted the IPCC\u2019s role as the leading authority in climate science, providing robust and regionally relevant findings that guide global and national climate policies.<\/p>\r\r<p>He reaffirmed Malaysia\u2019s dedication to supporting its scientists in contributing to this global effort.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThrough initiatives like this symposium, we demonstrate our commitment to engaging Malaysian scientists in the IPCC\u2019s processes.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThis is vital not only for global climate science but also for amplifying Malaysia\u2019s voice on the international stage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\r<p>The minister called for active participation and collaboration among Malaysian scientists, policymakers, and international partners to accelerate climate action.<\/p>\r\r<p>As Malaysia faces the dual challenges of adapting to escalating climate impacts and reducing emissions, he said the active involvement of its scientific community will be key to navigating the path toward a sustainable and resilient future.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cLet us take full advantage of this platform. Engage actively, exchange ideas and challenge perspectives.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cTogether, we can strengthen our resolve and contribute to meaningful climate solutions,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\r<p> <\/p>\r\r<p> <\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Climate Change, Scientists, IPCC, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability 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12:13:33\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-12-14 14:22:41\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Navalan A\\\/L T.Subramaniam\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"0\"}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"Involvement,of,M'sian,scientists,in,global,climate,research,crucial,to,enhancing,local,policies,,says,Nik,Nazmi","seo_meta_description":"Involvement of M'sian scientists in global climate research crucial to enhancing local policies, says Nik Nazmi","seo_meta_title":"Involvement of M'sian scientists in global climate research crucial to enhancing local policies, says Nik Nazmi","publish_time":"2024-12-14 12:13:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"ARFA YUNUS","ts":"2024-12-14 14:32:07","last_edited":"2024-12-14 14:32:07","alt_publish_time":"2024-12-14 12:17:13","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/12\\\\\/14\\\\\/3069143.JPG\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"-Bernama filepic\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":1}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/12\/14\/involvement-of-m039sian-scientists-in-global-climate-research-crucial-to-enhancing-local-policies-says-nik-nazmi","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_publish_time":"2024-12-14 12:17:13","push_article":1},{"cms_article_id":3767770,"np_article_id":1506487,"article_name":"fitquick081224b_health_8pm","article_title":"Over 1.5 million deaths due to fire-related air pollution","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"This common form of pollution can result in fatal heart and respiratory diseases.","article_body":"<p>Air pollution caused by fires is linked to more than 1.5 million deaths a year worldwide, the vast majority of which is in developing countries, a major new study said on Nov 28 (2024).<\/p>\r\r<p>This death toll is expected to rise in the coming years as climate change makes wildfires more frequent and intense, according to the study in <em>The Lancet<\/em> journal.<\/p>\r\r<p>The international team of researchers looked at existing data on \u201clandscape fires\u201d, which include both wildfires that rage through nature and planned fires such as controlled burns on farming land.<\/p>\r\r<p>Around 450,000 deaths a year from heart disease were linked to fire-related air pollution between 2000 and 2019, the researchers said.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>ALSO READ: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/lifestyle\/health\/2023\/08\/13\/bad-air-is-hurting-the-heart-to-death\" target=\"_blank\">Bad air is hurting the heart to death<\/a><\/p>\r\r<p>A further 220,000 deaths from respiratory disease were attributed to the smoke and particulates spewed into the air by fire.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>ALSO READ: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/lifestyle\/health\/2022\/09\/24\/how-air-pollution-triggers-cancer-growth-in-the-lungs\" target=\"_blank\">How air pollution triggers cancer growth in the lungs<\/a><\/p>\r\r<p>From all causes around the world, a total of 1.53 million annual deaths were associated with air pollution from landscape fires, according to the study.<\/p>\r\r<p>More than 90% of these deaths were in low- and middle-income countries, it added, with nearly 40% in sub-Saharan Africa alone.<\/p>\r\r<p>The countries with the highest death tolls were China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia and Nigeria.<\/p>\r\r<p>A record amount of illegal burning of farm fields in northern India has been partly blamed for noxious smog that has recently been choking the capital New Delhi.<\/p>\r\r<p>The study authors called for \u201curgent action\u201d to address the huge death toll from landscape fires.<\/p>\r\r<p>The disparity between rich and poor nations further highlights climate injustice, in which those who have contributed the least to global warming suffer from it the most, they added.<\/p>\r\r<p>Some of the ways people can avoid smoke from fires \u2013 such as moving away from the area, using air purifiers and masks, or staying indoors \u2013 are not available to people in poorer countries, the researchers pointed out.<\/p>\r\r<p>So they called for more financial and technological support for people in the hardest-hit countries.<\/p>\r\r<p>The study was released a week after the United Nations climate talks where delegates agreed to a boost in climate funding that developing countries slammed as insufficient.<\/p>\r\r<p>It also came after Ecuador declared a national emergency over forest fires that have razed more than 10,000 hectares in the country\u2019s south.<\/p>\r\r<p>The world has also been battered by hurricanes, droughts, floods and other extreme weather events during what is expected to be the hottest year in recorded history. \u2013 AFP Relaxnews<\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"Over 1.5 million deaths due to fire-related air pollution\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Air pollution, pollution, fire, respiratory disease, heart disease\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"Wellness\"],\"summary\":[\"This common form of pollution can result in fatal heart and respiratory diseases.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"Wellness\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"Relaxnews\"],\"subtitle\":[\"Air pollution from fires linked to 1.5 million deaths a year \"],\"page_number\":\"2\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarHealth\",\"date_created\":\"2024-12-06 16:54:48\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-12-06 16:54:48\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Shiow Chin Tan \",\"section_color\":\"#c84cdb\",\"target_page\":\"2\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":152,"seo_meta_keywords":"Over,1.5,million,deaths,due,to,fire-related,air,pollution","seo_meta_description":"Over 1.5 million deaths due to fire-related air pollution","seo_meta_title":"Over 1.5 million deaths due to fire-related air pollution","publish_time":"2024-12-10 20:00:00","related_articles_ids":"1382029,1168515,1147840,1063237,824871","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":59,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"AGENCY","ts":"2024-12-06 16:54:53","last_edited":"2024-12-06 16:54:48","alt_publish_time":"2024-12-06 16:54:49","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/12\\\\\/06\\\\\/3054934.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":1240,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":826,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"Air pollution caused by fires can result in fatal heart and respiratory diseases. \\\\u2014 AFP\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":1}","author_name":"","section_name":"Lifestyle","sub_section_name":"Health","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"lifestyle\/health\/2024\/12\/10\/over-15-million-deaths-due-to-fire-related-air-pollution","show_image_in_thumb":3054934,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"3054934\"}","article_publish_time":"2024-12-10 20:00:00","push_article":0,"duplicate_count":1},{"cms_article_id":3763610,"np_article_id":1498592,"article_name":"junmuralgerik201124_1498592","article_title":"The Malayan tiger roars into life","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"","article_body":"<p>IN the quiet town of Gerik, a group of artists has \u201ctaken it to the streets\u201d to raise awareness about the endangered Malayan tiger, with only about 150 of these majestic creatures remaining in the wilderness of Perak\u2019s forests.<\/p>\r\r<p>Led by Syal Sepehee, the artists have anchored their work on the Malayan tiger, aiming to inspire through their vibrant murals.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWe wanted to use our art to raise awareness about the plight of this magnificent species,\u201d says Syal, who is from Selangor.<\/p>\r\r<p>Her team was commissioned by the Gerik district council as part of the Visit Perak Year initiative.<\/p>\r\r<p>Visitors to the town, located about 120km north of Ipoh, are greeted by a striking artwork stretching across a couple of streets, featuring what Syal proudly describes as Malaysia\u2019s first \u201ctiger crossing.\u201d<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"In Gerik, Malaysia\u2019s first \u2018tiger crossing\u2019 hopes to make more people aware of the country\u2019s endangered Malayan tigers. \u2014 Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN\/The Star\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3037363.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 500px; height: 395px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>This mural has quickly become the main attraction in the small town, she says.<\/p>\r\r<p>Syal\u2019s journey began in early 2021 when she ventured out of her comfort zone to form a team known as \u201cDak Site,\u201d a nod to the diverse educational backgrounds of her members.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cEveryone comes from different fields,\u201d she says, adding that the team has a unique blend of skills, including in mechanical engineering, business, and architecture.<\/p>\r\r<p>She says the murals reflect the rich tapestry of local culture and celebrate the rich biodiversity of the northern state of Perak.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"Inspired by the wildlife of Perak, artists took their creativity to the walls of Gerik\u2019s alleys and streets.\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3037364.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 391px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe murals have become a tourist attraction and have helped in boosting local economic activities,\u201d claims Syal.<\/p>\r\r<p>The murals have certainly caught the attention of Gerik residents.<\/p>\r\r<p>Neda Keshvar, 45, says the artworks have enlivened streets that were once \u201cabandoned and dirty.\u201d<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cNo one really walked through here, and now it\u2019s completely different. It\u2019s a lot more vibrant and colourful,\u201d says the homemaker, who was on a stroll with her family.<\/p>\r\r<p>She likes the idea of using the Malayan tiger to raise awareness about threatened wildlife.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cIt\u2019s something that you don\u2019t see anywhere else. It\u2019s really good, especially when the tigers are facing a crisis,\u201d Neda adds, hoping it would echo a call to action to protect the Malayan tiger.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"Alleys in Gerik are a beautiful, colourful surprise nowadays.\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3037361.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 400px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>Local businesses have also felt the positive impact.<\/p>\r\r<p>Shamsiah Shamsul Hak, an eatery owner, says the murals have helped her business thrive as more visitors come to explore the town.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWhen people stay at the hotel, they see the murals and take pictures with them. I also benefit from it as my restaurant is located just next to the art,\u201d she says, who has operated her eatery for about four years.<\/p>\r\r<p>The younger generation is equally excited about the new art installation.<\/p>\r\r<p>Schoolboy Muhammad Aisar Hadif Azlan, 12, hopes more people would visit Gerik, saying, \u201cThe town is more vibrant with these murals!\u201d<\/p>\r\r<p>His peers echo his excitement, appreciating the educational aspect of the murals which highlight the state\u2019s rich biodiversity and history.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cI hope more people will come here and learn about our stories here in Gerik,\u201d says Nur Huda Batrisyia Kamal Azahar, 13.<\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Mural, Malayan Tiger, Gerik, Tourism\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/dai.ly\\\/x99suxa\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"StarExtra\"],\"summary\":[\"The endangered animal isn\\u2019t just king of the jungle but also rules the streets of Gerik, where murals tell their tales.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"6\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarExtra\",\"date_created\":\"2024-11-27 08:13:21\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-11-27 08:13:21\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Martin Ignatius\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"6\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"The,Malayan,tiger,roars,into,life","seo_meta_description":"The Malayan tiger roars into life","seo_meta_title":"The Malayan tiger roars into life","publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"By JUNAID IBRAHIM","ts":"2024-11-27 08:30:55","last_edited":"2024-11-27 08:30:55","alt_publish_time":"2024-11-27 08:13:24","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/11\\\\\/27\\\\\/3037366.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":1240,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":933,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"Neda (second from right) and her daughter putting their hands together to help Dak Site team members paint Malaysia\\\\u2019s first \\\\u2018tiger crossing\\\\u2019.\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":7}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/11\/27\/the-malayan-tiger-roars-into-life","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"3037366\"}","article_publish_time":"2024-11-27 12:00:00","push_article":0},{"cms_article_id":3763597,"np_article_id":1498598,"article_name":"womensrigghtsCOP271124_1498598","article_title":"Fears rise of gender setbacks in global climate battle","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"Some 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and girls, heightening risks of human trafficking and other abuses.","article_body":"<p><strong>Some 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and girls, heightening risks of human trafficking and other abuses.<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>AS global climate negotiators seek to eke out progress, participants say they are witnessing backsliding in one unexpected area \u2013 gender.<\/p>\r\r<p>Previous climate summits, like many United Nations (UN) events, have spoken routinely of the need to involve women, who studies say are facing a disproportionate burden from the planet\u2019s rising temperatures and disasters.<\/p>\r\r<p>But at COP29 in Azerbaijan, a draft proposal was stripped in negotiations of references to the experience of women and even of the word \u201cdiversity\u201d, Ireland\u2019s first female president, Mary Robinson, who has been in Baku for the talks, told AFP.<\/p>\r\r<p>Saudi Arabia has been the key force in opposing gender language and has enjoyed support from Russia, which speaks of promoting traditional values, Robinson and other participants say.<\/p>\r\r<p>After years of attempts, the opponents of gender language feel \u201cemboldened\u201d now, says Robinson.<img alt=\"Robinson says the opponents of gender language feel emboldened now.\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3037395.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: left; width: 300px; height: 281px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cI think they\u2019ve got a sense of entitlement to do it now, because gender is going backwards. There\u2019s a backlash against gender in the United States, for example, and in parts of Europe where you have right-wing governance,\u201d says Robinson, who has also served as the UN human rights commissioner and helped form a group of veteran leaders known as The Elders.<\/p>\r\r<p>A draft text circulated at COP29, where the top priority was ramping up money to the hardest-hit countries, has maintained one reference to gender, saying that climate finance must be \u201chuman rights-based and gender-responsive\u201d.<\/p>\r\r<p>More concretely, COP29 was to decide on a proposal to extend by another 10 years an initiative established in 2014 in Lima to incorporate gender systematically in policy work of the UN climate body.<\/p>\r\r<p>Opponents have refrained from openly campaigning against the gender language, but a Saudi official speaking on behalf of the Arab Group at COP29 said that human rights matters were \u201cnot relevant\u201d to climate finance.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe final decision must be short, concise and crisp,\u201d Albara Tawfiq told delegates.<\/p>\r\r<p>Decisions at UN climate conferences need to be reached by consensus, although the meaning of consensus is debated.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u2018Not so normal anymore\u2019<\/p>\r\r<p>Some 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and girls, heightening risks of human trafficking and other abuses, according to a United Nations study.<\/p>\r\r<p>Yet policymakers are overwhelmingly men. At last year\u2019s COP28 in Dubai, which activists credited with forward movement on gender, 34% of delegates were women, according to the Women\u2019s Environment and Development Organisation.<\/p>\r\r<p>At a UN-themed gender day at the conference, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock brought together fellow female envoys at COP29 for a group photo.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cNormally this is just a normal given thing, but we have realised \u2013 not only at this COP, also before, but especially at this COP \u2013 that somehow normal things are not so normal anymore,\u201d she says.<\/p>\r\r<p>Pointing to climate change\u2019s effect on women, Baerbock urges a renewal of the Lima programme and language on gender.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cFighting the climate crisis, it needs female power, it needs women power, and we can only fight the climate crisis together,\u201d she says.<\/p>\r\r<p>Ayshka Najib, a feminist climate activist at COP29, says the Azerbaijani hosts did not make gender a priority but credited pressure with restoring some limited language.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThis COP was meant to be as much a gender cap as it is a finance COP, yet what we are witnessing is not progress, but an alarming backslide on gender across agenda items,\u201d she says.<\/p>\r\r<p>Canada\u2019s climate negotiator, Catherine Stewart, says preserving a focus on gender was bowing to reality.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWe are concerned,\u201d she said. \u201cA text that brings us back 10 years is unacceptable.\u201d \u2013 AFP<\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Climate Change, COP29, Gender Language, Mary Robinson, Annalena Baerbock, Catherine Stewart\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/environment\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/27\\\/fears-rise-of-gender-setbacks-in-global-climate-battle\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"StarExtra\"],\"summary\":[\"Some 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and girls, heightening risks of human trafficking and other abuses.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"AFP\"],\"subtitle\":[\"Fears rise of gender setbacks in global climate battle \"],\"page_number\":\"5\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarExtra\",\"date_created\":\"2024-11-27 07:55:21\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-11-27 07:56:11\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Martin Ignatius\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"5\"}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"Fears,rise,of,gender,setbacks,in,global,climate,battle","seo_meta_description":"Fears rise of gender setbacks in global climate battle","seo_meta_title":"Fears rise of gender setbacks in global climate battle","publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"By SHAUN TANDON\rlifestyle@thestar.com.my","ts":"2024-11-27 08:04:05","last_edited":"2024-11-27 08:04:04","alt_publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:55:25","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/11\\\\\/27\\\\\/3037394.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"A woman carrying a child following flash flooding in Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra in March. Rising climate change impacts \\\\u2013 from floods to droughts and extreme heat \\\\u2013 take a disproportionate toll on women, experts say. (Photo by REZAN SOLEH\\\\\/ AFP)\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":2}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/11\/27\/fears-rise-of-gender-setbacks-in-global-climate-battle","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_publish_time":"2024-11-27 11:00:00","push_article":0},{"cms_article_id":3763594,"np_article_id":1498597,"article_name":"OceansCOP271124_1498597","article_title":"To make oceans a climate priority, advocates look beyond COP29","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"","article_body":"<p>AS the world\u2019s largest carbon sink, the ocean is a crucial bulwark against runaway global warming, yet marine issues usually receive scant consideration at the annual United Nations climate summit.<\/p>\r\r<p>While observers didn\u2019t expect a breakthrough in Baku, Azerbaijan, at COP29, ocean solutions are slowly getting on the agenda.<\/p>\r\r<p>COP26 established the \u201cOcean and Climate Change Dialogue,\u201d an annual meeting convened before the climate summit to discuss marine issues. The co-facilitators of this year\u2019s dialogue, held in June in Bonn, were allotted three minutes to present their report on the opening day of the Baku conference.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cBlue carbon ecosystems, renewable ocean energy and advanced ocean technologies are key to scaling ocean-based solutions, but require sustainable financing and capacity-building support to maximise their potential,\u201d co-facilitator Niall O\u2019Dea, a Canadian fisheries official, told the delegates.<\/p>\r\r<p>While ocean issues aren\u2019t on the official agenda, they were discussed daily at COP29 at the Ocean Pavilion, a side event that featured panels on topics ranging from marine carbon dioxide removal to sustainable ocean finance.<\/p>\r\r<p>A 2023 report commissioned by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy found that eliminating offshore oil and gas production, ramping up offshore wind generation, decarbonising shipping and restoring marine ecosystems could help limit temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution to 1.5\u00b0C.<\/p>\r\r<p>That\u2019s the more ambitious target the 2015 Paris Agreement set to avoid the worse consequences of climate change.<\/p>\r\r<p>The Baku meeting was called the \u201cfinance COP\u201d as the main objective was to leave Azerbaijan with an agreement to dramatically ramp up climate funding for developing nations.<\/p>\r\r<p>Observers knew it was highly unlikely that any final agreement would mention financing for ocean climate solutions. Instead, advocates are focusing on countries\u2019 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).<\/p>\r\r<p>Under the Paris Agreement, every nation must submit an NDC every five years, with a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the actions it\u2019ll take to achieve that goal.<\/p>\r\r<p>Under the current NDCs, 73% of coastal and island nations have included at least one ocean-based climate action, according to a 2023 UN report, such as building offshore wind farms.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWe are increasingly seeing countries include ocean-related issues and coastal resilience into their NDCs, but it is still not high enough on the international agenda,\u201d says Karen Sack, executive director of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, a Washington nonprofit.<\/p>\r\r<p>But pledges to take ocean-based climate action are just words without the money to implement them, so with updated NDCs due in February 2025, ocean advocates are pushing for the inclusion of specific measures with quantifiable results that could attract funding.<\/p>\r\r<p>That could involve a mangrove restoration project certified to sequester a certain amount of carbon dioxide or tidal energy system that would replace so many megawatts of fossil fuel generation.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cNDCs are roadmaps through which the ocean as a climate solution can mobilise financing,\u201d says Sack.<\/p>\r\r<p>Anna-Marie Laura, senior director of climate policy at environmental nonprofit the Ocean Conservancy, says the expansion of offshore wind is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions, but only about 14% of NDCs include marine renewable energy measures.<\/p>\r\r<p>Most NDCs focus on nature-based solutions, such as conservation of wetlands that sequester carbon dioxide and protect coasts from storms.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe restoration of those habitats absolutely is a solution but some of the most important solutions on the mitigation side are yet to be recognised in the way that we hope they could be,\u201d says Laura, who attended COP29.<\/p>\r\r<p>Sack says it\u2019s critical to supercharge financing for ocean climate action regardless of the outcome of COP29.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe bottom line is we don\u2019t really have time to negotiate for the next 10 years as to what the key words are that recognise the ocean as a climate solution,\u201d she said. \u2013 Bloomberg<\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"COP29, Ocean Changes, Climate Change, Niall O\\u2019Dea, Paris 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summit.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"Bloomberg\"],\"subtitle\":[\"To Make Oceans a Climate Priority, Advocates Look Beyond COP29 \"],\"page_number\":\"5\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarExtra\",\"date_created\":\"2024-11-27 07:53:32\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-11-27 07:53:32\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Martin Ignatius\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"5\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"To,make,oceans,a,climate,priority,,advocates,look,beyond,COP29","seo_meta_description":"To make oceans a climate priority, advocates look beyond COP29","seo_meta_title":"To make oceans a climate priority, advocates look beyond COP29","publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"By TODD WOODY\rlifestyle@thestar.com.my","ts":"2024-11-27 08:03:16","last_edited":"2024-11-27 08:03:16","alt_publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:53:36","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/11\\\\\/27\\\\\/3037391.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":1240,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":826,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"Oceans absorb substantial amounts of heat. -- SEBASTIAN VOORTMAN\\\\\/Pexels\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":1}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/11\/27\/to-make-oceans-a-climate-priority-advocates-look-beyond-cop29","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_publish_time":"2024-11-27 10:00:00","push_article":0},{"cms_article_id":3763590,"np_article_id":1498594,"article_name":"planet271124_1498594","article_title":"Mopping up while the tap\u2019s running","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"","article_body":"<p><strong>In this special edition of Planetary Health Matters, Wong Pui Yi and Hema Sulakshana Mahadevan join columnist Dr Jemilah Mahmood to persuade Malaysian ministers and negotiators at the Global Plastics Treaty to seize the moment and shape an agreement that could transform our planet\u2019s future.<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>AS proud Malaysians, we are deeply concerned about the final round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, South Korea, that are currently ongoing until Dec 1. The decisions made in Busan will not only shape our future relationship with plastics, but also determine the trajectory of planetary health.<\/p>\r\r<p>The facts are stark. Plastic production more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, growing from 234 million tonnes to 460 million tonnes. If current trends continue, we could see production balloon to 736 million tonnes by 2040.<\/p>\r\r<p>This exponential growth is already overwhelming waste management systems and wreaking havoc on ecosystems. What we see today \u2013 plastics choking our rivers, polluting our oceans, killing our reefs, and entering our food chain and bodies \u2013 is just the beginning. Without commitments to reduce production, the problem will worsen dramatically, and no amount of recycling or waste management will be able to cope.<\/p>\r\r<p>The global plastic crisis is not simply a matter of waste management; it is fundamentally an issue of overproduction. Governments worldwide are already allocating billions of dollars to manage plastic waste, a figure that will continue to balloon unless we address unchecked production at its source. Focusing solely on waste management is akin to mopping up while leaving the tap running. The real solution lies in curbing plastics production, not merely dealing with its aftermath.<\/p>\r\r<p>Malaysia must take a proactive stance on this issue. As plastics production spirals out of control, incremental improvements in waste management will not be enough to address the scale of the problem.<\/p>\r\r<p>The focus must shift towards limiting production, not just improving disposal practices. This approach is essential not only for Malaysia\u2019s domestic wellbeing but also for our role as a responsible member of the global community. By addressing overproduction, we can mitigate the environmental and economic costs of this escalating crisis.<\/p>\r\r<p>Malaysia has a long-standing reputation for taking bold, forward-thinking stances on environmental issues. We have often been a leader among developing nations, pushing for more ambitious international agreements that serve not just our interests but the global good. In the plastics arena, we were once strong advocates for reducing harmful plastic production and tackling pollution across the full lifecycle of plastics \u2013 from creation to disposal.<\/p>\r\r<p>However, at the most recent Plastics Treaty negotiations in Ottawa in April, Malaysia in its written submission proposed \u201cOption 0\u201d regarding \u201cPrimary Plastic Polymers\u201d. This position sought to remove obligations related to control measures on the production of plastic materials from the treaty, which was a major setback.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cOption 0\u201d sidelines the core issue of plastics polymer production \u2013 the building blocks of all plastics \u2013 by removing them from the treaty\u2019s framework. This weakens the treaty\u2019s ambition and aligns Malaysia with countries advocating to dilute its effectiveness.<\/p>\r\r<p>We are deeply troubled by this shift. Malaysia is known for doing what is right, not what is convenient. By supporting \u201cOption 0\u201d, we risk undermining a treaty pivotal in saving our planet from plastics pollution. We cannot remain silent in the face of this.<\/p>\r\r<p>Malaysia must act decisively. We join the call for our leaders to instruct negotiators to reaffirm our commitment to addressing plastics pollution across its entire lifecycle, starting from production. This means advocating for global reduction targets for virgin plastics production, phasing out harmful chemicals, and embracing innovative reuse and refill practices. Without these steps, efforts to manage plastics waste will be in vain, and future generations will bear the brunt of our inaction.<\/p>\r\r<p>Beyond the negotiations in Busan, it\u2019s equally important to support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring companies take responsibility for the waste their products create, and redesign them to ensure longevity and durability.<\/p>\r\r<p>EPR will help reduce plastics pollution and promote better resource use. Plastic is not only an environmental burden but also a health risk. Plastics contain toxins. We must advocate for a hazard-based approach in the treaty, ensuring toxic chemicals are phased out entirely. The presence of microplastics in our bloodstreams, organs, and ecosystems is a manifestation of this toxicity, a silent but escalating threat to global health.<\/p>\r\r<p>Moreover, Malaysia has a unique responsibility to address the global plastics waste trade. After China banned solid waste imports, our country became a top destination for plastics waste. This influx has overwhelmed domestic waste management systems, leading to illegal dumping, environmental damage, and serious health risks, particularly for poorer communities. The treaty negotiations in Busan offer Malaysia the opportunity to push for stronger regulations on the transboundary movement of plastics waste and ensure our country does not become a dumping ground for the world\u2019s rubbish.<\/p>\r\r<p>At this critical juncture, Malaysia has the chance to lead once again. We must push for a treaty that prioritises reducing plastic production, phasing out hazardous chemicals, and fostering circular systems that emphasise reuse and repurposing.<\/p>\r\r<p>Agreeing on robust regulations that eliminate the intentional use of microplastics in products, address microplastic pollution, and phase out of single-use plastics is an essential element of the treaty. Each year, thousands of non-essential plastic products flood the market, designed for single use and destined for landfills. Our consumption patterns must shift towards a circular economy that values durability and safer alternatives.<\/p>\r\r<p>Malaysia Madani must lead on sustainability. We now have an opportunity: Will we step up on the global stage by proposing innovative policies and business development, or will we retreat into inaction? Are we to be cowed by low-ambition parties, including fossil fuel giants, who are driving the dilution of this treaty\u2019s ambitions rather than embracing the chance to innovate and pivot towards the future?<\/p>\r\r<p>Our government, ministers, and negotiators have the power to shape a treaty that could transform our planet\u2019s future \u2013 and they must seize this moment. Let us champion a future free from plastics pollution and ensure history remembers the moment when Malaysia led with courage and vision.<\/p>\r\r<p>The success of the Global Plastics Treaty hinges on a comprehensive approach that addresses plastics throughout their lifecycle. The choices made in Busan will determine whether we leave a legacy of plastics pollution or one of sustainability and health.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>The column\u2019s guest writers are Wong Pui Yi, a research consultant for the Basel Action Net-work; and Hema Sulakshana Mahadevan, public engagement campaigner, Greenpeace Malaysia. Dr Jemilah Mahmood, a physician and experienced crisis leader, is the executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University. She is the founder of Mercy Malaysia and has served in leadership roles internationally with the United Nations and Red Cross for the last decade. She writes on Planetary Health Matters once a month in Ecowatch. <\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p><strong>The views expressed here are entirely the writers\u2019 own.<\/strong><\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Planetry Health Matters, Dr Jemilah Mahmood, environment, plastics pollution, Global Plastics Treaty, Busan\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"StarExtra\"],\"summary\":[\"In this special edition of Planetary Health Matters, Wong Pui Yi and Hema Sulakshana Mahadevan join columnist Dr Jemilah Mahmood to persuade Malaysian ministers and negotiators at the Global Plastics Treaty to seize the moment and shape an agreement that could transform our planet\\u2019s future.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"starstory\"],\"subtitle\":[\"LIFE planet271124 Fwd: Star Column - November \"],\"page_number\":\"4\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarExtra\",\"date_created\":\"2024-11-27 07:51:12\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-11-27 07:51:12\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Martin Ignatius\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"4\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"Mopping,up,while,the,tap\u2019s,running","seo_meta_description":"Mopping up while the tap\u2019s running","seo_meta_title":"Mopping up while the tap\u2019s running","publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"","ts":"2024-11-27 08:02:13","last_edited":"2024-11-27 08:02:13","alt_publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:51:15","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/11\\\\\/27\\\\\/3038056.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":652,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":447,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":1}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/11\/27\/mopping-up-while-the-taps-running","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_publish_time":"2024-11-27 09:00:00","push_article":0},{"cms_article_id":3763581,"np_article_id":1498593,"article_name":"llfishy201124_1498593","article_title":"From darkest space to deepest ocean","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"","article_body":"<p><strong>Erratic weather, foreign encroachment and warming seas are cutting into our seafood supply, but aquaculture aided by space technology may help.<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>STRADDLING the Indian Ocean to the west and the South China Sea on the east \u2013 two of the world\u2019s richest marine ecosystems \u2013 it\u2019s no secret that Malaysian waters are a hotbed for fishing.<\/p>\r\r<p>Our abundant seas are home to an estimated 4,000 marine fish species, ranging from the humble sardine to the coveted yellowfin tuna.<\/p>\r\r<p>But it\u2019s not just local fishermen or anglers who are benefiting from that aquatic bounty \u2013 in recent years, encroachment by foreign vessels into our seas has become increasingly frequent.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"Mapping of the fish farms by MyDOFGiS using various satellite images.\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3038049.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 310px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>In the span of just three years from 2020 to 2023, a total of 482 foreign fishing vessels has been detected within our territorial waters, resulting in a whopping RM823.88mil in losses for the local fishing industry, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu told Parliament in March.<\/p>\r\r<p>Furthermore, climate change, warming oceans, erratic weather and overfishing are all weighing heavily on our fish production statistics.<\/p>\r\r<p>Unpredictable weather sometimes keeps the 116,000 registered fishermen in the country from heading out to sea, while species such as the mackerel and the round scad are, according to scientists, also migrating to cooler oceans as the waters here get warmer.<\/p>\r\r<p>Data on the Fisheries Department\u2019s website shows that marine fish landings peaked at 1.57 million metric tonnes in 2016 but have been gradually declining since then (see graphic).<\/p>\r\r<p>This decline, which became even more evident from 2019 to 2023, is coming at a time when Malaysians remain huge consumers of fish and seafood, lapping up 52.74kg per year per capita in 2021, according to Our World In Data.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3038047.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 405px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>Aquaculture production has been showing a sturdy increase in growth from 2004 to 2012, too, and while there have been some ups and downs, overall production remains high.<\/p>\r\r<p>The local fisheries industry in 2023 was valued at RM16.5bil, with an annual growth rate of 3.6%, says Dr Azhar Hamzah, senior director of research at the Fisheries Research Institute.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe fish farming sector \u2013 part of the aquaculture subsector \u2013 is increasingly important as a source of the nation\u2019s fish production, especially to meet domestic demand,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\r\r<p>So, can aquaculture, which is also facing its own set of challenges, step up to the plate for Malaysians?<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Eye in the sky<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>In September, the Fisheries Department, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), an agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, signed a note on a strategic partnership that was initiated back in 2018 for the development of the Fisheries Biosecurity Control Management System (bioDOF-Map System).<\/p>\r\r<p>With this note, the parties agreed to expand the system\u2019s functionality to encompass all activities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, covering inland, coastal, and marine zones across the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.<\/p>\r\r<p>The document was signed between Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain and Mysa director-general Azlikamil Napiah, and witnessed by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"The MyDOFGiS website\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3038048.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 455px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>Now known as the Integrated Fisheries Management System Based on Space Technology (MyDOFGiS), it was previously limited to ornamental fish and edible fish farms in six fisheries biosecurity zones, including goldfish farms in Kluang, Kulai, and Johor Baru in Johor; koi fish farms in Kuala Kangsar and Kinta in Perak; and edible fish farms in Pekan, Pahang.<\/p>\r\r<p>Developed by Mysa, MyDOFGiS is based on space technology, incorporating remote sensing, a Geographic Information System (GIS), the Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as the use of information and communication technology (ICT), according to a joint statement from the Fisheries Department and Mysa.<\/p>\r\r<p>The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, through Mysa, says it remains committed to providing comprehensive solutions through the use of space technology.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cWith careful planning, this renewed collaboration aims to map up to 8,327 farms across Malaysia, comprising 7,492 edible fish farms and 835 ornamental fish farms,\u201d it says.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Fish farm problems<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>The Fisheries Research Institute\u2019s Azhar says the main issues currently facing fish farmers in Malaysia include water quality, unpredictable weather, pollution, disease, and limited access to accurate and up-to-date environmental data.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"MyDOFGiS will eventually cover the more than 8,000 fish farms around the country.\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3038046.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 451px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cAll these factors can negatively affect the productivity and health of farmed fish,\u201d he stresses.Systems like MyDOFGiS, says Azhar, can help fish farmers with, among others, near real-time monitoring of water quality, providing early warnings about changes in critical parameters such as temperature or dissolved oxygen in the water, as well as giving them access to weather data and environmental forecasts that make it possible to make quick and accurate decisions, particularly in preparation for weather changes.<\/p>\r\r<p>Others are pollution and water cleanliness monitoring \u2013 which can help farmers avoid significant losses due to the death of farmed fish \u2013 and the effective management of fish farming locations by identifying suitable areas through spatial analysis modules.<\/p>\r\r<p>For example, using MyDOFGiS\u2019 spatial analysis modules that will be developed later, farmers would be able to identify the most suitable areas for fish farming based on water currents, water depth and distance from pollution sources. It can also be used to map disease outbreaks, which would then allow farmers to make informed decisions on quarantines and other preventive measures.<\/p>\r\r<p>All these functions, elaborates Azhar, will provide farmers with more accurate and up-to-date information, enabling them to make more precise decisions based on data and scientific forecasts.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cAs a result, the MyDOFGiS system helps to control and monitor the farms\u201d he says, adding that the spatial mapping activities of all 8,327 farms in Malaysia is expected to be completed by the year 2030.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>The right stuff<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>In elaborating, Mysa\u2019s Azlikamil says the project involves the mapping of aquaculture farms by identifying the locations of these farms along with their spatial details.<\/p>\r\r<p>This mapping, he says, uses satellite images from SPOT 6 and SPOT 7, Pleiades and RadarSat-2.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cSPOT 6 and SPOT 7 satellite images are high-resolution images (up to 1.5m) that are used to prepare data layers containing information such as zones, compartments, farm boundaries, water bodies, and land use.<\/p>\r\r<p><img alt=\"Azlikamil: Mysa aims to develop five new applications each year.\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/11\/27\/3037376.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 400px;\" \/><\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cPleiades satellite images are very high-resolution images of up to 0.5m, used to map more detailed information such as farm pond boundaries and various farm facilities,\u201d he says, adding that these include drainage systems, disposal sites, storage areas, workshops, inlet and outlet water treatment ponds, and even farm entrances.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cAdditionally, radar images are used to produce annual maps of monsoon flood zones. These maps are created to identify aquaculture farms that have experienced flooding. This information enables better planning to mitigate the impact of flood disasters,\u201d he says.<\/p>\r\r<p>Overall, the development of the system involves a data collection and integration process that takes around eight to 12 months.<\/p>\r\r<p>However, the system, according to Azlikamil, can be continuously improved over time according to the needs of user agencies.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe development of this system fully utilises the internal expertise of Mysa research officers and its existing facilities,\u201d he says.<\/p>\r\r<p>The MyDOFGiS system is one of 55 space technology-based application systems developed by Mysa for over 90 government agencies, ranging from disaster management to environmental health.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cCurrently, Mysa aims to develop five new applications each year, subject to the needs and demands of user agencies,\u201d adds Azlikamil.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Value-added<\/strong><\/p>\r\r<p>Despite these ongoing challenges, Azhar believes that the value of the local fisheries industry, particularly the fish farming sector, is expected to continue rising due to several factors.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cForeign fishing activities in Malaysian waters pose challenges to the local fishing industry. To counter this competition, fish farming is seen as a more controlled and sustainable alternative.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe increasing demand for fish and seafood in the local market also highlights the significant potential for expansion in the fish farming sector,\u201d he says.<\/p>\r\r<p>Meanwhile, the adoption of technology and the MyDOFGiS system will enhance the farming environment\u2019s quality, as would improvements in the fish fry supply and disease control, contributing to the growth of this sector.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe MyDOFGiS system is expected to provide up-to-date and accurate information to farmers,\u201d declares Azhar, adding that the sector is expected to continue contributing to the overall increase in the value of the fisheries industry as well as help reduce dependence on marine resources.<\/p>\r\r<p>Currently, fish farmers in Malaysia use various systems and technologies to enhance aquaculture production, including the Aquaculture Delivery and Support System (SPeKS AKUA) and Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP), as well as the Aquaculture Integration Development Programme.<\/p>\r\r<p>The fisheries sector, Azhar points out, is a key focus of the Cabinet Committee on National Food Security Policy and the Agri-Food Policy 2.0.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThe strategic direction of the Fisheries Department must align with these existing policies and goals.\u201d<\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Fisheries Dept, Fisheries Research Institute, Remote Sensing, Azhar Hamzah, Aquaculture, Mysa, Azlikamil 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07:42:23\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-12-02 05:46:29\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Martin Ignatius\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"3\"}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"From,darkest,space,to,deepest,ocean","seo_meta_description":"From darkest space to deepest ocean","seo_meta_title":"From darkest space to deepest ocean","publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"By SIM LEOI LEOI\rlifestyle@thestar.com.my","ts":"2024-12-02 06:00:51","last_edited":"2024-12-02 06:00:51","alt_publish_time":"2024-11-27 07:42:28","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/11\\\\\/27\\\\\/3038051.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":7}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/11\/27\/from-darkest-space-to-deepest-ocean","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"3038051\"}","article_publish_time":"2024-11-27 09:00:00","push_article":1},{"cms_article_id":3753024,"np_article_id":1478967,"article_name":"fitquick031124a_health_8pm","article_title":"Record-breaking climate change threats to health","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"The progressive changes in our climate are causing increasing danger to human health.","article_body":"<p>Climate change poses a growing threat to human health in a variety of record-breaking ways, a major report said on Oct 30 (2024), with the authors warning that \u201cwasted time has been paid in lives\u201d.<\/p>\r\r<p>The new report was released as heatwaves, fires, hurricanes, droughts and floods have lashed the world during what is expected to surpass 2023 to become the hottest year on record.<\/p>\r\r<p>It also comes just weeks before the United Nations COP29 talks are held in Azerbaijan (on Nov 11-22, 2024).<\/p>\r\r<p>The eighth Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, developed by 122 experts, including from United Nations agencies such as the World Health Organization, painted a dire picture of death and delay.<\/p>\r\r<p>Out of 15 indicators the experts have been tracking over the last eight years, 10 have \u201creached concerning new records\u201d, the report said.<\/p>\r\r<p>These included the increasing extreme weather events, elderly deaths from heat, spread of infectious diseases, and people going without food as droughts and floods hit crops.<\/p>\r\r<p>Lancet Countdown executive director Marina Romanello said that the report showed there are \u201crecord threats to the health and survival of people in every country, to levels we have never seen before\u201d.<\/p>\r\r<p>The number of over-65-year-olds who died from heat has risen by 167% since the 1990s, the report said.<\/p>\r\r<p>Rising temperatures have also increased the area where mosquitoes roam, taking deadly diseases with them.<\/p>\r\r<p>Last year (2023) saw a new record of over five million cases of dengue worldwide, the report noted.<\/p>\r\r<p>Around 5% of the world\u2019s tree cover was destroyed between 2016 and 2022, reducing Earth\u2019s capacity to capture the carbon dioxide humans are emitting.<\/p>\r\r<p>It also tracked how oil and gas companies \u2013 as well as some governments and banks \u2013 were \u201cfuelling the fire\u201d of climate change.<\/p>\r\r<p>Despite decades of warnings, global emissions of the main greenhouse gases rose again last year (2023), the World Meteorological Organization said earlier this week.<\/p>\r\r<p>Large oil and gas companies, which have been posting record profits, have increased fossil fuel production since last year, the report said.<\/p>\r\r<p>Many countries also handed out fresh subsidies to fossil fuels to counteract soaring oil and gas prices after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.<\/p>\r\r<p>Fossil fuel subsidies amounted to US$1.4 trillion (RM6.1 trillion) in 2022, which is \u201cvastly more than any source of commitments to enable a transition to a healthier future\u201d, Romanello said.<\/p>\r\r<p>But there were also \u201csome very encouraging signs of progress\u201d, she added.<\/p>\r\r<p>For example, deaths from fossil fuel-related air pollution fell by nearly 7% to 2.1 million from 2016 to 2021, mainly due to efforts to reduce pollution from burning coal, the report said.<\/p>\r\r<p>The share of clean renewables used to generate electricity nearly doubled over the same period to 10.5%, it added.<\/p>\r\r<p>And there are signs that climate negotiations are paying more attention to health, Romanello said, pointing to the COP talks and national climate plans to be submitted early next year (2025).<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cIf action is not taken today, the future will be very dangerous,\u201d she warned.<\/p>\r\r<p>\u201cThere is really no more time to waste \u2013 I know we have been saying this for many years \u2013 but what we are seeing is that the wasted time has been paid in lives.\u201d<\/p>\r\r<p>For people at home, Romanello advised a climate-friendly diet, travelling without burning dirty energy, ditching banks that invest in fossil fuels and voting for politicians promising greater action on global warming. \u2013 AFP Relaxnews<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>ALSO READ: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/lifestyle\/health\/2024\/06\/21\/eat-for-your-health-and-mother-earths\" target=\"_blank\">Eat for your health and Mother Earth\u2019s<\/a><\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"Record-breaking climate change threats to health\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Clima change, 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health.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"Wellness\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"Relaxnews\"],\"subtitle\":[\"Climate change driving \\\\'record threats to health\\\\': report \"],\"page_number\":\"2\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarHealth\",\"date_created\":\"2024-11-01 12:38:04\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-11-04 20:43:13\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Navalan A\\\/L T.Subramaniam\",\"section_color\":\"#c84cdb\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"2\"}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":152,"seo_meta_keywords":"Record-breaking,climate,change,threats,to,health","seo_meta_description":"Record-breaking climate change threats to health","seo_meta_title":"Record-breaking climate change threats to health","publish_time":"2024-11-04 20:00:00","related_articles_ids":"1366170,1336726,839608,799836,676745","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":59,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"AGENCY","ts":"2024-11-04 20:43:21","last_edited":"2024-11-04 20:43:13","alt_publish_time":"2024-11-01 12:38:11","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/11\\\\\/01\\\\\/2994965.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"Aside from an increase in natural disasters like heatwaves, fires and droughts, rising temperatures also mean more areas where mosquitoes \\\\u2013 and the diseases they carry \\\\u2013 can roam. \\\\u2014 AFP\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":1}","author_name":"","section_name":"Lifestyle","sub_section_name":"Health","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"lifestyle\/health\/2024\/11\/04\/record-breaking-climate-change-threats-to-health","show_image_in_thumb":2994965,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"2994965\"}","article_publish_time":"2024-11-04 20:00:00","push_article":1,"duplicate_count":1},{"cms_article_id":3742663,"np_article_id":1458384,"article_name":"ecoplanet_online","article_title":"Why the UN Pact for the Future matters to Malaysia","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"It\u2019s a call to action for humanity, and Malaysia, as Asean chair, can ensure a healthier, more equitable, and resilient future for the region and the world.","article_body":"<p>AS the world faces unprecedented challenges \u2013 from climate change to inequality \u2013 the United Nations\u2019 Pact for the Future, approved two weeks ago by the UN General Assembly (the bit of the UN where all countries have a seat at the table), is a critical roadmap for global action.<\/p>\r\r<p>This Pact outlines 56 key actions that could, with sufficient political will and common sense, shape international collaboration for decades. At its heart lies an urgent call to ensure human dignity, eradicate poverty, restore the planet, and foster peace.<\/p>\r\r<p>As Malaysia prepares to chair Asean in 2025, with the imminent release of the Asean Community Vision 2045 and the finalisation of our National Planetary Health Action Plan \u2013 the first globally \u2013 an exciting opportunity is open to our diplomats and politicians to pursue an approach that protects both people and the planet.<\/p>\r\r<p>The Pact was introduced at the UN in response to multiple existential crises facing humanity. It offers a framework built on the principles of sustainable development, human rights, and social equity.<\/p>\r\r<p>The key areas of action include eradicating poverty, addressing climate change, ensuring gender equality, fostering innovation, and reforming global governance. These are not aspirational goals, they are necessary steps to secure a world where everyone can thrive.<\/p>\r\r<p>For Malaysia, the relevance of the Pact aligns with our own development path. We have made some progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but many remain at risk of not being met due to economic, environmental, and social pressures. The Pact renews the urgency to tackle these challenges head-on, placing human dignity and planetary health at the centre. And Malay-sia\u2019s development of the National Plane-tary Health Action Plan (NPHAP) demonstrates our readiness to lead by example.<\/p>\r\r<p>The NPHAP has the potential to become a turning point not just for Malaysia, but also for regional and global environmental and public health governance. As regular readers of this column know, planetary health links the wellbeing of human societies with the health of Earth\u2019s natural systems. It recognises that human health cannot be sustained in a world where ecosystems are degraded, biodiversity is lost, and the effects of the climate crisis are rampant.<\/p>\r\r<p>Malaysia\u2019s pioneering work positions it at the forefront of this essential global conversation.<\/p>\r\r<p>The planetary health approach is not simply environmentalism; it is the recognition that human health and sustainability are inseparable. Actions to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and restore ecosystems directly reduce disease burdens, improve food security, and enhance human wellbeing.<\/p>\r\r<p>This holistic framework is not just applicable within Malaysia\u2019s borders but offers a model for how Asean, under Malaysia\u2019s 2025 chairmanship, could address the region\u2019s interconnected challenges.<\/p>\r\r<p>As Asean chair 2025, Malaysia will play a crucial role in shaping the regional agenda. The forthcoming Asean Community Vision 2045 provides an ideal platform for Malaysia to integrate planetary health principles into policy, ensuring human and ecological wellbeing are prioritised.<\/p>\r\r<p>Several key areas for collaboration and action stand out:<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Climate resilience for human and environmental wellbeing:<\/strong> As Asean faces intensifying climate change impacts, these shocks affect human health through food insecurity, water scarcity, and displacement. A joined-up regional approach focused on ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy will not only protect natural resources but also reduce vulnerabilities to climate-induced diseases, ensuring access to safe water and food.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Public health and pollution control \u2013 protecting people and the planet:<\/strong> Pollution is a leading cause of death in South-East Asia, contributing to a surge in noncommunicable diseases like asthma, cardiovascular conditions, and cancers. By driving regional initiatives to reduce industrial emissions, improve waste management, and regulate pollutants, Malaysia can protect the health of millions while restoring degraded ecosystems. Stricter pollution controls across Asean are critical in achieving these dual benefits.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Food security through sustainable agricultural practices:<\/strong> Agriculture is both a driver of environmental degradation and a victim of climate change. Unsustainable practices lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions, threatening nutrition and food security. Advocating for climate-smart agricultural techniques will restore soil health, conserve biodiversity, and lower emissions, ensuring a resilient food supply for Asean\u2019s growing population.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>Youth and innovation as drivers of a healthy future:<\/strong> The future of Asean depends on its youth, who are increasingly aware of the intertwined crises of environmental degradation and public health. Malaysia can empower young people to develop innovative solutions in sustainable development, from clean energy technologies to biodiversity conservation projects. By investing in youth-led innovations that prioritise planetary health, Malaysia will foster a generation of leaders dedicated to securing the wellbeing of all inhabitants.<\/p>\r\r<p>Malaysia\u2019s leadership in Asean coincides comes at a critical moment. The SDGs are at risk, and many global systems, from healthcare to economics, need urgent reform. Without finding a new way forward that respects the health of the planet, we are in trouble. The Pact for the Future provides a roadmap for addressing these issues, but it requires bold leadership \u2013particularly from nations like Malaysia.<\/p>\r\r<p>The Pact is not just another international agreement; it is a call to action for humanity. For Malaysia, this is a unique moment to lead by example, particularly as we prepare to chair Asean in 2025. The finalisation of the world\u2019s first National Planetary Health Action Plan demonstrates our readiness to adopt a transformative approach. By embedding these principles into the Asean 2045 Vision, Malaysia can ensure a healthier, more equitable, and resilient future for the region and the world.<\/p>\r\r<p><em><strong>Dr Jemilah Mahmood, a physician and experienced crisis leader, is the executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University. She is the founder of Mercy Malaysia and has served in leadership roles internationally with the United Nations and Red Cross for the last decade. She writes on Planetary Health Matters once a month in Ecowatch. The views expressed here are entirely the writer\u2019s own.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\r<p> <\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"Why the UN Pact for the Future matters to Malaysia\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Planetry Health Matters, Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Pact for the Future, UN\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/environment\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/05\\\/why-the-un-pact-for-the-future-matters-to-malaysia\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Lock Later\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"Environment\",\"Climate\",\"Healthcare\",\"ASEAN\"],\"summary\":[\"It\\u2019s a call to action for humanity, and Malaysia, as Asean chair, can ensure a healthier, more equitable, and resilient future for the region and the world.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"starstory\"],\"subtitle\":[\"LIFE ecoplanet051024 Fwd: Star Column - October 2024 \"],\"page_number\":\"4\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarExtra\",\"date_created\":\"2024-10-06 09:02:50\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-10-06 09:02:50\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Malini Dias\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"4\"}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"Why,the,UN,Pact,for,the,Future,matters,to,Malaysia","seo_meta_description":"Why the UN Pact for the Future matters to Malaysia","seo_meta_title":"Why the UN Pact for the Future matters to Malaysia","publish_time":"2024-10-05 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"Dr Jemilah Mahmood","ts":"2024-10-06 09:30:09","last_edited":"2024-10-06 09:30:09","alt_publish_time":"2024-10-06 09:02:50","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/10\\\\\/06\\\\\/2947588.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"The UN\\'s Pact for the Future offers hope of addressing urgent global issues, but it requires bold leadership \\\\u2013 particularly from nations like Malaysia, which is assuming the Asean chair next year. \\\\u2014 Filepic\\\\\/Straits Times\\\\\/Asia News Network\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":1}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/10\/05\/why-the-un-pact-for-the-future-matters-to-malaysia","show_image_in_thumb":2947588,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"2947588\"}","article_publish_time":"2024-10-06 09:02:50","push_article":1},{"cms_article_id":3742661,"np_article_id":1458382,"article_name":"ecollwishlist051024_online","article_title":"Budget 2025 Malaysia: Their green wishes","article_headline":"","article_subtitle":"Ahead of the tabling of the national budget on Oct 18, 2024, in Parliament, we ask some of Malaysia\u2019s environment and conservation groups what they have on their wishlists.","article_body":"<p>OVER the years, the tabling of the national budget in Parliament has become an annual affair that has Malaysians glued to their screens for the latest updates to find out what they will be getting \u2013 or not getting.<\/p>\r\r<p>For some environmentalists and conservationists, this is what they are hoping nature will get in 2025 when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announces the Budget at the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18, 2024.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"Meenakshi Raman\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2947575.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 600px;\" \/>Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong>Tax exemption for environmental NGOs:<\/strong> Currently, such NGOs are not tax exempt despite the valuable work they do. The government should provide incentives to these groups by exempting them from taxes. Many have to raise money on their own for the nonprofit activities they do. Tax exemption will value their work and boost environmental activities further for the benefit of the nation and the planet.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>2.<\/strong> <strong>Significant increase in the amount allocated for the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) for biodiversity conservation:<\/strong> Budget 2024 saw an allocation of RM200mil for EFT for biodiversity conservation (RM50mil up from the original RM150mil).<\/p>\r\r<p>The EFT needs to be raised much more significantly, and it should be used not only for biodiversity conservation but also for forest protection and conservation. This is critical if we are to protect water catchment forests to enable water security, and prevent soil erosion and floods. States will be less tempted to convert their forests and biodiversity with increased resources for the provision of these ecosystem services.<\/p>\r\r<p>The \u201cPact for the Future\u201d adopted on Sept 22, 2024, at the United Nations General Assembly has reaffirmed the need for halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. To do this, much more significant financial transfers must be provided to the states. RM200mil does not go far enough at all to secure the incentives needed for states to do what is needed.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>3.<\/strong> <strong>Increase financing for adaptation to, and loss and damage caused by, climate change:<\/strong> While Malaysia is currently preparing its National Adaptation Plan \u2013 which will take some time to be ready \u2013 the government can already begin to provide more resources for ecosystem-based adaptation measures that can strengthen resilience to climate change.<\/p>\r\r<p>This can include enhanced protection of highlands and hill slopes from erosion caused by intense rainfall; mangrove projects to strengthen coastlines and improve livelihoods of fisherfolk; creation of more sponge-like spaces in cities to absorb and mitigate flood problems; tree- planting programmes and the creation of open spaces to mitigate the impact of higher temperatures in urban spaces.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>4. Significantly increase resources for ecosystem- based approaches to flood mitigation and not just focus on smart tunnels and other infrastructure:<\/strong> At COP 28, the Dubai climate change conference in 2023, governments agreed to put in place multihazard warning systems by 2027. We have to enhance efforts for such systems to be in place in response to adaptation and loss and damage.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>5. Provide more social protection:<\/strong> Farmers and local communities affected by climate-related impacts such as fires, droughts, and floods need better support.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>6. No to increasing incentives for carbon capture and storage projects:<\/strong> In Budget 2024, the government announced that stakeholder agencies were reviewing and formulating tax incentives for carbon capture storage and hydrogen sulphide projects; the incentives will be finalised by the end of this year. (Hydrogen sulphide projects look into ways to break down the gas, a product of the petrochemical industry, into less harmful components.)<\/p>\r\r<p>Rather than providing incentives for these projects, which are unproven and expensive, the government should channel incentives into increasing renewable energy use as well as for energy efficiency and conservation.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>7. Plastics:<\/strong> The government should introduce a tax on plastic production, manufacture, sale, use, and disposal as an initial step towards reducing its production, use, and disposal. It should also impose and enforce a ban on problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic products and packaging.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"Dr Mark Rayan Darmaraj\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2949134.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 397px;\" \/>Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia Programme country director Dr Mark Rayan Darmaraj<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p><strong>1. Harnessing and harmonising forest protection initiatives:<\/strong> Explore new funding mechanisms and potential financial sources such as the carbon market, biodiversity impact bonds, nature-based solutions which include biodiversity and carbon credits, and biodiversity sukuk (Islamic bonds), to name a few, to diversify and increase funding options to protect wildlife habitats.<\/p>\r\r<p>I hope to see the harmonising and optimising of some of the existing initiatives that the government already has or is planning to have, for the benefit of biodiversity protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation.<\/p>\r\r<p>The establishment of the EFT as a mechanism to reward states to preserve their forests is a good start to address the issue of habitat loss, although the quantum of compensation needs to be increased dramatically to provide sufficient incentive for this to be done effectively. In addition, how states use EFT funds needs to be better governed and streamlined so that the highest priority is ensuring existing natural forests are not converted to other uses or degraded.<\/p>\r\r<p>Other forest protection plans such as the existing federal document called the Central Forest Spine Master Plan for Ecological Linkages \u2013 this identifies many important linkages necessary for wildlife protection \u2013 would require substantial state-level political backing and significant financial outlay to mitigate against planned development or to rehabilitate\/restore.<\/p>\r\r<p>Here, it would be useful for funds to be allocated towards establishing connectivity, which may include existing forest patches, secondary forests, and plantation areas or concessions. This effort can be linked to forest carbon offsets by corporates or other financial mechanisms to set aside and rehabilitate\/restore plantations or degraded land to a state that is conducive enough to be utilised by wildlife to move between forest patches.<\/p>\r\r<p>Funds could be allocated to a particular ministry\/agency\/think tank to spearhead the harnessing and streamlining of all these initiatives and upcoming financial mechanisms to better protect existing intact forests, rehabilitate degraded areas, and secure important wildlife corridors.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>2. Long-term funding for community rangers to patrol terrestrial and marine areas:<\/strong> It is high time we recognise that the Orang Asli\/Asal are our greatest allies in the protection of wild spaces, and that these environmental stewards need to be embedded within a system that will enable them to have a steady income.<\/p>\r\r<p>Since 2020, the Malaysian government has put aside allocations to hire indigenous community members as well as veteran Armed Forces personnel under the Community Ranger Programme to patrol forests in Malaysia. In 2024, an allocation to hire 2,000 individuals (1,500 for Peninsular Malaysia and 500 for Sabah and Sarawak) under this programme was given, which is an increase from previous years.<\/p>\r\r<p>While this is good, this programme still depends on annual budget allocations. Long-term sustainable funding for this programme reduces the risk of uncertainty in maintaining the high patrolling efforts required in Malaysian forests \u2013 which, if compromised, would potentially allow encroachment and poaching in areas where gaps exist.<\/p>\r\r<p>Thus far, the focus of this programme has been on terrestrial areas, but this model can also be duplicated and implemented for marine areas to safeguard coastal and marine biodiversity.<\/p>\r\r<p>I would love to see the contract hiring of indigenous people as rangers under this programme to be converted to permanent positions and to be institutionalised so that this initiative will not be dependent on annual Budget allocations. As a first step, funding for a feasibility study could be afforded to assess the enabling of such permanent hires.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>3. Step up efforts to recover population of wild animals that tigers need for food:<\/strong> Based on Malaysia\u2019s first national tiger survey (2016-2020), fewer than 150 Malayan tigers remain in the wild. A critical element needed to recover Malaysia\u2019s tiger population is to have a strategy to augment tiger prey.<\/p>\r\r<p>This can be done by improving food availability conditions in prey habitats, and professionalising the captive breeding of prey animals like the sambar deer and or even bearded pigs (recognising that the latter may have been impacted by African swine fever disease).<\/p>\r\r<p>Tiger recovery is greatly dependent on prey recovery. At the same time, we must make sure that tiger habitats are not further lost, degraded, and fragmented due to land use conversion for agriculture, mining, large-scale monoculture plantations, and building roads and infrastructure, as well as ensuring that poaching is eradicated.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>4. Identify gaps and assess the effectiveness of current conservation initiatives: <\/strong>The National Biodiversity Policy outlines specific goals, targets, and actions essential for conserving biodiversity within the country. However, achieving these objectives requires a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, needs, and existing efforts across various sectors involved in biodiversity conservation.<\/p>\r\r<p>WCS Malaysia proposes organising a series of targeted consultation workshops, each focused on different goals outlined in the policy, such as terrestrial biodiversity, marine biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems, and enhancing ecological connectivity, among others.<\/p>\r\r<p>These workshops will bring together relevant stakeholders to identify existing gaps and challenges, discuss additional requirements, including funding, explore updated methodologies, and re-evaluate current initiatives. The aim is to ensure a more coordinated and effective approach to achieving the policy\u2019s goals.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>5. Enhance the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):<\/strong> Marine conservation efforts are often given less attention than terrestrial ones, so WCS Malaysia hopes to see an increase in funds to improve the management effectiveness of MPAs, and to increase our understanding of other important but nonprotected marine areas through comprehensive marine biodiversity assessments; this will enable critical interventions and science-based recommendations to be applied in these areas.<\/p>\r\r<p>In addition, a better understanding is needed to assess how local communities can play a more active role in marine conservation efforts.<\/p>\r\r<p>The introduction of tools such as SMART (spatial monitoring and reporting tool) \u2013 which is designed to help conservationists manage and protect wildlife and wild places \u2013 can help standardise and streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting, making it easier for key information to get from the field to decisionmakers.<\/p>\r\r<p>This system is widely used in terrestrial wildlife protection efforts by both government agencies and NGOs, but its application is limited within marine landscapes.<\/p>\r\r<p>Funds to engage and empower local communities to be marine conservation stewards by improving abilities to gather basic necessities and affording enough resources for managers to apply tools such as SMART, and investing in marine research\/biodiversity assessments with a clear targeted management intervention in mind would be beneficial.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>6. Increased Budget allocation for human-wildlife conflict mitigation:<\/strong> Every year, we hear about numerous cases of human-wildlife conflict which often involve long-tailed macaques, elephants, wild boar, and crocodiles; yearly losses incurred run into the millions and sometimes even result in humans being injured or killed.<\/p>\r\r<p>This is expected to increase as the habitats of these species keep shrinking due to deforestation and fragmentation caused by development projects and the expansion of linear infrastructure such as highways which cut across forest habitats.<\/p>\r\r<p>There should be sufficient allocations to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in terms of staffing, affording conflict mitigation tools such as electric fences and other innovative tools that use newer technology, and wildlife population fertility control measures, as well as exploring insurance schemes to compensate smallholders and the public against financial losses.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"S. Piarapakaran\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2947576.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 533px;\" \/>Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p><strong>1. Energy use in the transportation sector:<\/strong> Before Covid-19 began in 2020, national final energy demand for 2019 showed high energy usage in the transportation sector at 37.6%, followed by the industrial sector at 28.5%. High energy allocation to the transportation sector is not economical or sustainable.<\/p>\r\r<p>If a stricter exit and in-flow regime is introduced for vehicles, unnecessary traffic blockage over short distances can be avoided, especially on arterial roads. New intersections, ramps, turns, or even U-turns should be based on actual traffic management studies and not on demands from certain quarters alone. A reduction in traffic congestion will reduce fuel consumption.<\/p>\r\r<p>Based on Awer\u2019s national level study, there is an opportunity to have a good 60% public transport modal share. Integration as well as proper planning is vital to ensure an increase in public transport usage to assist the public to reduce their fuel cost expenditures.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>2. Completion of the National Water Services Industry Restructuring (NWSIR) process:<\/strong> The first part of the NWSIR has been completed. The second part, outlined in the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015), is supposed to parcel off nationally centralised sewerage operations (that is, the Indah Water Konsortium) and merge them with state water operators. The merger will return sewerage operations to state governments, to be regulated via the Water Services Industry Act model. This move has been delayed for more than a decade now.<\/p>\r\r<p>Next year, the government will be tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030) and we still have a major component of the 10th Malaysia Plan being delayed. Awer urges the Madani government to complete this major part by 2025 so that holistic water treatment, water supply, and sewerage services can be operated at state level to achieve a sustainable solution. This will also assist the water services industry to move towards full cost recovery.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>3. Ban explosive and nonexplosive fireworks beginning Jan 1, 2025:<\/strong> A few decades ago, fireworks and firecrackers were banned due to high incidents of bodily injury, loss of body parts, as well as being a fire hazard. However, these banned items were still being smuggled into the country and set off during festive seasons. Since 2018, some types of fireworks from two specific brands have been made legal for sale to the public.<\/p>\r\r<p>Studies have shown that toxic fumes released when fireworks are set off contain a cocktail of chemicals, including metal oxides like lead (plumbum), sulphur, nitrogen oxides, dioxin, furan, and many other harmful substances. Beginning Jan 1, 2025, the government must ban both explosive and nonexplosive fireworks as well as firecrackers, as the acute exposure of toxic fumes will have long-term health impacts on humans as well as the possibility of entering our food chain.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2947581.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 625px;\" \/>Malaysian Nature Society president Anna Wong<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p><strong>1.<\/strong> Renewable energy investments like increasing funding for solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>2.<\/strong> Subsidies for homeowners and businesses to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels so that we are not solely dependent on nonrenewable energy<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>3.<\/strong> For climate change mitigation, investment in research and development for carbon capture and storage technologies.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>4.<\/strong> Allocation to support community- and NGO-based projects such as RUGS (Rantaian Urban Green Space) to maintain green lungs in city centres as well as linkages among the fragmented forests in cities. This will help to provide fresh air and reduce greenhouse gasses\u2019 effects on the atmosphere and slow down climate change.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>5.<\/strong> Provide grants for local communities to develop green spaces, urban gardens, and conduct community clean-up efforts.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>6.<\/strong> Support indigenous land stewardship and traditional ecological knowledge among Orang Asli or Orang Asal.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"Dr Daljit Singh Karam Singh\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2947572.jpeg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 573px;\" \/>Biochar Association vice-president Dr Daljit Singh Karam Singh<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p><strong>1.<\/strong> For Budget 2025, a significant focus must be placed on environmental research, particularly regarding forest conservation and rehabilitation.<\/p>\r\r<p>Degraded forests, often impacted by poor soil quality, require targeted studies and documentation to understand soil types and their mineral content. This knowledge is crucial, as soil serves as the foundation for nutrients and supports microbial activity, which is vital for composting and overall ecosystem health.<\/p>\r\r<p>Investing in this research will inform the selection of suitable tree species for replanting, ensuring the success of forest conservation programmes.<\/p>\r\r<p>Furthermore, increased funding is needed to promote awareness of our forest resources, highlighting their genetic diversity, especially in tropical forests, which are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>2.<\/strong> Increased funding is also crucial for documenting and publicising our forest resources, highlighting their genetic diversity, especially in tropical forests. This information should be shared both locally and internationally, showcasing our environmental management efforts.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"Dr Wong Ee Phin\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2949135.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 549px;\" \/>Society for Conservation Biology-Malaysia Chapter president Dr Wong Ee Phin*<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p><strong>1.<\/strong> As humankind\u2019s footprint grows, there are increasing interactions between people and wildlife such as elephants. Although human-elephant conflict mainly centres around crop damage, unfortunately, from time to time, there are cases of people and elephants getting injured or killed.<\/p>\r\r<p>To be clear, this is not about people versus wildlife. We have to strive to look after both.<\/p>\r\r<p>My wish for Budget 2025 is to support agriculture communities in fostering a harmonious coexistence with elephants and other wildlife, while at the same time preserving and restoring nature and its diverse ecosystems, valuing their services for all.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>*<\/strong>Wong is also associate professor and principal investigator for the Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants, University of Nottingham Malaysia.<\/p>\r\r<h3><strong><img alt=\"Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2024\/10\/06\/2947578.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"float: right; width: 400px; height: 326px;\" \/>Ecological Association of Malaysia president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail<\/strong><\/h3>\r\r<p>There should be more allocations for the following:<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>1.<\/strong> Monitoring and protecting biodiversity and environmental quality.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>2.<\/strong> Supporting research to get more information on our biodiversity, as Malaysia is the top 12th mega biodiversity country in the world.<\/p>\r\r<p><strong>3.<\/strong> Support more Cepa (communication, education, and public awareness) activities to ensure that Malaysians are supporting nature conservation and other environmental issues. For example, our plastic pollution has already become an international issue.<\/p>\r\r<p><em>Photos: Filepics\/The Star\/Bernama\/provided<\/em><\/p>\r\r<p> <\/p>","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"Budget 2025 Malaysia: Where environmentalists want the money spent\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"climate crisis, NGOs, allocations, green budget\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/environment\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/05\\\/budget-2025-malaysia-their-green-wishes\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Lock Later\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"Environment\",\"Budget 2025\",\"Climate\"],\"summary\":[\"Ahead of the tabling of the national budget on Oct 18, 2024, in Parliament, we ask some of Malaysia\\u2019s environment and conservation groups what they have on their wishlists.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"3\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarExtra\",\"date_created\":\"2024-10-06 08:56:04\",\"date_modified\":\"2024-10-06 08:56:04\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Malini Dias\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"3\"}","cms_type":"live","author_id":0,"section_id":1,"seo_meta_keywords":"Budget,2025,Malaysia:,Their,green,wishes","seo_meta_description":"Budget 2025 Malaysia: Their green wishes","seo_meta_title":"Budget 2025 Malaysia: Where environmentalists want the money spent","publish_time":"2024-10-05 07:00:00","related_articles_ids":"","article_tags":"","sub_section_id":57,"visit_count":0,"sponsored_flag":0,"offer_flag":0,"featured_article_flag":0,"media_gallery_flag":0,"video_gallery_flag":0,"highlight_flag":0,"top_story_flag":0,"is_updated":0,"is_old_article":0,"old_article_id":0,"article_byline":"Sim Leoi Leoi","ts":"2024-10-06 09:01:47","last_edited":"2024-10-06 09:01:47","alt_publish_time":"2024-10-06 08:56:04","image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\\\/images\\\\\/2024\\\\\/10\\\\\/06\\\\\/2947579.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":\\\"{\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\":{\\\\\\\"image_original_width\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"image_original_height\\\\\\\":null,\\\\\\\"icd_image_type\\\\\\\":\\\\\\\"original_image\\\\\\\"}}\\\",\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"Photo: 123rf\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":8}","author_name":"","section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Environment","slide_show":0,"breaking_news":0,"visit_count_update_date":null,"old_cms_article_id":null,"permalink":"news\/environment\/2024\/10\/05\/budget-2025-malaysia-their-green-wishes","show_image_in_thumb":2947579,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"2947579\"}","article_publish_time":"2024-10-06 08:56:04","push_article":1}]}; 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