Climate change is moving faster than us, and we are
out of time
PEOPLE POWER
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE CRISIS?
The rapid growth of human population and industry continues to alter natural climate processes at an unprecedented rate. Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases have reached critical levels, significantly warming the Earth's temperature.
The unsustainable economic system, driven by corporate interests, has caused CO2 concentrations to rise dramatically since the industrial revolution. As of 2023, atmospheric CO2 levels have surpassed 420 parts per million (ppm), reaching levels not seen in over 4 million years.
IMPACT ON MALAYSIA
In Malaysia, climate impacts are intensifying through more frequent heat waves and floods. Urban areas are experiencing dangerous combinations of heat and humidity that threaten public health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Marine ecosystems are under severe stress, with coral reefs facing increased bleaching events that threaten both biodiversity and fishing communities' livelihoods.
Global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, leading to warming seas, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasingly extreme weather events. Malaysia is particularly vulnerable to these changes.
Land use changes and deforestation continue to amplify local temperature increases. Malaysia has lost significant forest cover, affecting not just biodiversity but also crucial ecosystem services like water regulation and carbon storage. Recent studies show that primary forest loss continues to threaten water security and increase flood risks.
Sea level rise poses an increasing threat to coastal communities, with projections showing that many Malaysian coastal areas could face significant flooding by 2050. This creates cascading effects on urban migration, economic stability, and social inequality, particularly affecting marginalised communities, women, and children.
Food security faces growing challenges as extreme weather events become more frequent. Recent years have seen crop damages from both floods and droughts, affecting not just agricultural productivity but also food prices and farmer livelihoods. Climate projections suggest these impacts will intensify without immediate action.
Gender imbalances hinder the ability and potential of women to be actors in curbing climate crisis. For example, access and control over natural resources (water, land, etc.) , access to education and information , access to financial resources , and equal rights and access to decision-making processes to determine the response of women and men in the context of climate change
Reduction of agricultural products due to floods or droughts reduces the financial safety net of families, and indigenous women. Health problems that arise as a result of environmental degradation such as dirty water, or prolonged flooding can cause death and impact on newborns such as malnutrition and so on. Lack of access to quality health systems exacerbate the disproportionate health risks
The IPCC [International Panel on Climate Change] found that the climate crisis would exacerbate gender inequality and that it would result in higher workloads for women, the dangers of work inside and outside the home, psychological and emotional stress, and higher mortality than men
In the context of the climate crisis, rural communities such as the Orang Asli are known as the "frontline community". They are among the first to be affected by the impact of the climate crisis due to their dependence on forests and natural resources.
Loss of critical 'indigenous knowledge' such as the loss of herbal plants for the 'post-natal' recovery adopted by indigenous women.
ACT NOW
According to the latest IPCC reports, we are likely to reach 1.5°C of warming in the early 2030s without drastic emissions cuts. We're already experiencing severe climate impacts at the current 1.2°C of warming, with every fraction of a degree bringing worse consequences for Malaysia and globally. We need immediate & immediate action!
Ecological and wildlife destruction should not be neglected by unethical and corrupt parties.
We urge all parties to be aware of the critical issue of climate change in the socio-economic and political movements of the country. Can the future of Malaysia survive if we remain silent? Our younger generation will inherit a legacy of destruction and will point the finger at our failure to act. Malaysia is facing an existential crisis!
When the government fails to ensure the protection, security and well-being of its people and the future of the country, it is the right and responsibility of the people to speak out!
KAMY urges all parties from various backgrounds, sectors of society and society to participate and take action to urge national politicians to take the issue of climate change as a CRISIS!