PENANG is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and emissions as it strives to become a changemaker in protecting the environment from climate change.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow made the commitment when opening the Penang International Green Conference and Exhibition at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
"Together, we stand as changemakers, united by the mission to protect our environment and inspire others to take collective, impactful action," said Chow.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), without urgent, decisive action, global temperatures may exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius as early as 2030.
As a coastal state, Penang is particularly vulnerable.
Rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose significant threats to our communities and our future.
These realities underscore the urgent need for transformative policies and actions to ensure resilience for generations to come, said Chow.
Hence, Penang is committed to a greener tomorrow as Chow outlines certain targets to surpass in the following years - hopefully, some before his term ends by 2027.
For recycling to reduce carbon emissions and footprints, Chow spelt out that Penang wants to achieve up to 70% recycling rate from now 50% by 2030.
"Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 aligns with both the Paris Agreement and Malaysia’s pledge to lower emissions intensity by 45% within the same timeframe.
“These milestones are more than figures; they represent a shift in our values toward creating a more sustainable legacy."
He also unveiled a Penang Energy Framework (PEF), a crucial initiative under Penang2030 that will drive our state’s energy transition.
Led by state infrastructure committee chairperson Zairil Khir Johari and his dedicated team, the PEF aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
"Nationally, we aim to achieve 31% renewable energy by 2025, 40% by 2035, and an impressive 70% by 2050.
“In Penang, our goal is to reach 25% renewable energy by 2030, further solidifying our role as a leader in sustainable energy within Malaysia."
"Through initiatives like Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Feed-In Tariffs (FiT), we are making solar energy more accessible to households, businesses, and industries."
Chow also spoke about harnessing solar power.
It is learnt that Penang is now exploring recycling wastewater and rainwater harvesting on the prodding by National Water Services Commission chairperson Charles Santiago, as it strives to be a state endowed with sustainability. - The Vibes, November 17, 2024.
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