MARCH-APRIL , 2023 | @ green
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Concept of climate change half dead and alive tree outdoors .
Cars driving on a flooded road .
Huge high glaciers in winter . tributor to climate change . And it must be serious in implementing restrictions and regulations for the logging industry , such as how much land can be used for logging and enforcing the protection of its rainforests which also includes the issue of using rainforests for palm oil plantations . And we also have to be serious about rainforest replantation to help mend the damage caused by logging and oil palm plantations .
One of the ways to mitigate coastline erosion is to restore coastal habitats , as Malaysia has been experiencing a massive loss of its mangrove forests and coral reefs . Restored wetlands will also help to prevent river flooding .
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
Regarding the disaster risk , we can identify three key areas - the cause of flooding , debris flow and landslides . A case in point is the debris flow in Titi Hayun Gunung Jerai Kedah in August 2021 . Debris , such as rocks , pebbles , sand , mud and timber from the hillslopes , flowed into the riverbeds causing the water level to go up by a few metres .
It destroyed infrastructure , killing seven people and the massive flooding of Yan , Kedah .
Two reasons for this phenomenon are the geological factor related to geomorphology and the type of rock , soil and geological structure that encouraged landslides due to the prolonged heavy rainfall .
The other critical non-geological factor was related to land use , such as the clearing of hill slopes for the development of townships , agriculture and logging . Also included is the development of villages in high-risk areas , such as in the path of debris flow and slope erosion .
Here lies the role of the community in understanding the factors of land use , the local development plans of the area and the involvement of large-scale housing and agriculture developers . Nevertheless , the enforcement of the plans may fail due to corruption by the approving and enforcement authorities .
This is where the rights of empowerment by the community who must take ownership of their area together with other stakeholders , such as NGOs , activists and the developers themselves for the mutual benefits of everyone .
In Bukit Antarabangsa Ampang , for example , the community formed Slope- Watch , a programme to monitor slopes in their neighbourhood for signs of landslides and conduct simple maintenance such as clearing overgrowth and drains . They were also actively monitoring new development plans and have succeeded in preventing development in high-risk areas .
Ultimately , community leaders must prevent stakeholder bullying by vested interests . It is here and now that the youth understand what it means to be involved , as it will help them face the challenges of global warming and climate change to mitigate the impending “ climate apocalypse ”. – @ Green
THE GREEN DUDE may not be around when the “ climate apocalypse ” occurs but will help to create awareness and urgency to tackle the issue .