Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
The climate crisis has been a hot topic for a number of years – but many take it for granted. Unless one feels the adverse effects of climate change themselves it’s hard to believe that it’s something that is not only going to be destructive in the future, but also something that is rearing up to hit us even now.
Malaysia’s climate is one that is hot and humid with monsoon winds and rains that can be very disruptive. Look at what flooding and droughts do to Malaysia and you have a good idea of how the climate crisis will be affecting us.
Here are some reasons why Malaysians need to pay attention to the climate crisis:
1. South East Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change
Although we’ve grown up being told that Malaysia is free of natural disasters, we have to acknowledge that flooding is an awful problem here, as well as the water rationing that is dictated by our droughts.
People in the Klang Valley especially may see flooding as something that only happens in our Eastern states or in East Malaysia, but Shah Alam has been prone to flooding. Many who live in flood-prone areas have had to deal with the cycle of clearing their houses from the debris, only to be hit by yet another flood.
Source: SBS
By the end of this century, even if temperatures rise by only 2.4C, it would mean a 50 – 70cm increase in sea levels. This outcome will threaten about 77% of South East Asians who live close to the coast or rivers.
Besides that, it is predicted that by 2050, the issue of daily high tides will affect 48 million people in South East Asia. Annual flood levels by that time will also affect the homes of more than 78 million people.
Without climate mitigation action, this will become the reality for many of us.
2. Economic shrinkage
Another reason why the climate emergency is important: it could cause an economic shrinkage of up to 11%. This is because of how the climate can affect sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries.
Besides that, government expenditure will have to increase because of the damage done to public infrastructure by climate changes. Those who live in flood-prone areas might recall how each flood swept debris onto roads and how large holes appeared in roads due to damage by the floods. As an example, the recent flood damages cost Malaysia a total of RM6.1 billion in losses.
Another risk of extreme weather is also the disruption caused to economic activities. Floods prevent people from going out and going to work. Imagine the impact of flooding or water rationing on small and medium businesses!
Source: Ebrahim Harris
3. The future of migration due to the climate could make us all climate refugees
54.5 million people in South East Asia have already been displaced by weather-related natural disasters from 2008 – 2018. This displacement is largely internal: people shuffling from one weather-struck area to a safer one within the country itself.
Just 2 days ago, flooding in Terengganu forced 25,000 people to evacuate their homes. For an example closer to those in the Klang Valley, the flooding that occurred in December last year has repeated itself only recently.
It is very possible that Malaysians will see a future in which we are climate refugees.
What can we do about this?
To be frank, there is very little that we can do at the individual level. The climate crisis will continue along its course even if we take any measures we can as the main culprits are corporations and governments that refuse to take the matter seriously.
Source: Global Environment Centre FB Page
But here’s what we can do collectively to ensure stronger protections:
1. Place pressure on politicians to prioritise climate crisis mitigation strategies
This could be as simple as expressing yourself on social media or signing relevant petitions.
You could also tweet at your representative, asking if they intend to work on any policies or legislations that will help the country weather climate change.
The key point is to hold those in power responsible for mitigating the effects of the climate crisis on Malaysia.
2. Support any local climate change initiatives
Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY) is an environmentalist organisation in Malaysia that has strategic programmes to help shape climate activism in Malaysia. They also have resources for those who wish to learn about how the climate crisis will affect us.
Source: Sahabat Alam Malaysia FB Page
It is not the only environmental organisation in Malaysia. You can look up the options we have here and support one: you can do this by helping to boost their requests for aid or by responding to any requests with whatever aid you can contribute, whether it’s financial or by showing up to help with something.
3. Be involved with like-minded communities
Start conversations with your loved ones about the climate crisis and environmentalism. Talk to them about the tangible effects of global warming and the changes they have noticed. Ask them what they can do to help the situation: raising awareness on social media, supporting a local organisation, or even gardening to grow their own food products!
Get involved with small communities around where you’re based – there’s sure to be one! And if there isn’t, perhaps you could lead one. Community gardens are a great way to build community resilience and to get to know the people around you while reducing your dependency on consumption. Plus you get to save money!
The environment is in great turmoil right now because of the climate crisis – but there are things we can do to ensure that we are able to carry on with life around it
The situation may seem dire (and it is!) but be wary of your pessimism: it is better to do anything you can in your power to keep yourself and your communities safe than to give up because it seems overwhelming.
Every person who commits to caring for the environment is another person who stands in the way of death and destruction for all. Rest assured that you will be making a difference, and a good one at that!
For more stories like this, read: I’m Sick Of Driving To Get Anywhere – Reasons Why Malaysia Being So Car-Friendly Is A Bad Thing, I Was At The #Lawan Protest – Here’s The Real Reason Why I Was There, and The Brutal Truth About Corruption In Malaysia Where The Rakyat Continue To Be Poor.
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