KUALA LUMPUR – The Perikatan Nasional government has put climate change in the back seat despite green energy being a catalyst for economic growth, said DAP politicians at the virtual launch of the 100 Youth Ambassadors for Climate Action Campaign.
Bagan MP and former finance minister Lim Guan Eng said the climate crisis is a critical issue, given that the world will be passed down to future generations.
He emphasised that climate change is part of DAP’s agenda.
“For climate change, there is no vaccine.”
Bakri MP Yeo Bee Yin, who is also former energy, science, technology, environment and climate change minister, believes that reliance on renewable energy, such as solar, will not only contribute to a better climate, but also a better economy.
“We are no longer talking about reducing carbon emissions only, but also creating more jobs.”
Despite Malaysia being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, a treaty that aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions, the PN government has put climate change on the back-burner, said Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
However, he acknowledged that it may be difficult convincing some companies to support climate change initiatives and make the switch to renewable energy.
“There will be individuals and corporations against these initiatives. But, many large companies are on board and at the forefront to do things to fight climate change.”
Besides government and corporate cooperation, he said, individual participation is also crucial in the fight against global warming.
“For some of us, we can probably give up driving and use public transport, do rain harvesting, or maybe, even invest in an electric car. On my website, we have over 20 ideas on what we can do as individuals to fight climate change.”
Rajiv, who came up with the 100 Youth Ambassadors programme, said the initiative aims to reach out to other individuals, to promote the fight against climate change.
At the time of writing, four people have been recruited. Those interested can sign up here. – The Vibes, January 26, 2021
