OVER the years, Malaysia had experienced extreme weather fluctuations, resulting in the loss of lives and property from severe floods and landslides, and also disrupting food production.
Malaysians have no alternative but to join the global community in reducing the impact of global warming caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat radiating off from Earth's surface into space.
Don't be complacent thinking that rising sea levels caused by melting glaciers and ice caps will just affect certain countries.
The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) calls on Malaysians to take steps to slow the effects of global warming.
Substantial reduction in the release of greenhouse gases is the correct approach to reduce and delay global warming which scientists predict will flood low-lying areas, including Malaysia.
For sceptics of global warming, an excellent example is the central Pacific island nation of Kiribati, whose two islands Abanuea and Tebua Tarawa were completely submerged in 1999.
To tackle global warming requires changes in our lifestyle. We need to cut our consumption, particularly meats, use public transport and prevent waste.
Transportation, largely based on private cars and motorcycles, contributes to 28 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and the livestock industry contributes 19 per cent.
We must take public transport more and increase vegetarian food intake.
Our energy consumption must transition from oil and gas to clean energy. Opting for clean sustainable energy sources such as hydrogen, solar energy, wind power, hydropower and wave power is the way forward.
Malaysia, in transitioning to clean sustainable energy, is using natural gas which is less polluting to produce electricity while looking into much cleaner options.
The government should improve public transport and deter car ownership, just like what Singapore did.
It was recently reported that the number of registered vehicles had reached 36.3 million units as of October 2023.
Almost 24 million are active with valid motor vehicle licences. Imagine the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that these vehicles spew out whenever they are in use.
Therefore, consumers can consider installing solar panels, switching electrical equipment off when leaving the room and purchase energy efficient electrical equipment. Other ways to save energy can be found at Tenaga Nasional Berhad's website: https://www.tnb.com.my/residential/energy-savings-at-home.
MOHIDEEN ABDUL KADER
President, CAP