@Green January/February 2024 | Page 9

Cover Story • 09
January-February . 2024 | @ green

Cover Story • 09

COP 28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber addressing the summit .
( From Left ) Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri ’ ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah , The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah , and Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah .
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri ’ ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah giving his speech during the COP 28 summit .
“ Without exception , every country must contribute to combat climate change , based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities ( CBDR ).” – Al Sultan Abdullah
Energy Supply .
“ Thus , this transitional aspiration is projected to significantly increase not only the National GDP value from Energy Transition activities but also generate more jobs for Malaysians .”
Al Sultan Abdullah also clarified that such commitments towards this transition involve meticulous policy implementations whereby finance and technology accessibility stand out as additional hurdles for developing and emerging economies .
It is imperative that bridging the gap in technology and finance between developed and developing nations is crucial to providing equal access to clean energy solutions at an affordable cost .
A CALL TO ACTION
COP28 has delegates and representatives worldwide to discuss the necessary options to combat climate change whilst delivering sustainability to all walks of life .
“ Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a stark reality confronting us daily .
“ Countries around the world , rich and poor , are confronted by rising temperatures , increasingly frequent extreme weather events , and the relentless transformation of our natural world for the worse .
“ While decarbonisation efforts
through technological solutions often take the forefront in climate action discourses , it is crucial also to recognise the significant role of nature-based solutions in combating climate change ,” added Al Sultan Abdullah .
Malaysia had consistently upheld its commitment during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil , in 1992 , to maintain at least 50 per cent of the country ’ s land area under forests and tree cover .
In addition , Malaysia is recognised as one of the world ’ s 17 most megadiverse countries due to its wealthy biodiversity .
“ Thus , Malaysia seeks to enforce the Energy Efficiency Act and is now formulating the Climate Change Bill . We have launched Malaysia ’ s first Shariahcompliant voluntary carbon market that helps the private sector offset emissions and promotes more carbon project adoption .
“ We have also recently announced incentives in our 2024 budget to increase the use of electric vehicles ( EVs ).
“ Malaysia has been recognised as the highest-ranking Asian country in the Energy Transition Index 2023 Report by the World Economic Forum . Nevertheless , we can still do much more , especially around our region .
“ Collaboration among peers is the key effort in addressing climate change .” - @ green