“The long-awaited Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was published on 9 August, making it the sixth assessment of its kind. It is the climate science body of the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organisation. In simpler terms, it’s the most important report on the state of the climate today.
The IPCC comprises 234 scientists and government representatives from 195 countries and is the global authority on Earth’s climate and how human activities affect it.
The report states that escape from human-caused climate change is no longer possible as it is now affecting every continent, region and ocean on Earth.
It also said that Earth has warmed by 1.09 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times and many changes such as the sea-level rise and glacier melt are now virtually irreversible.
Furthermore, the IPCC states unequivocally for the first time that humans are responsible for the observed warming of the atmosphere, lands and oceans.
Key points of the report
The IPCC report contains 3,900 pages of text but we have summarised the major points of contention:
- The past five years have been the hottest on record since 1850
- The recent rate of sea-level rise has nearly tripled compared to 1901-1971
- Human influence is 90% the main driver of the global retreat of glaciers since the 90s
- “Virtually certain” that hot extremes have become more frequent and intense whilst cold events are less frequent and intense
- Global concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) are higher and rising faster than at any time in at least the past two million years
- In order to stabilise the climate, we must reach a net-zero of CO2 emissions as well as significantly reduce emissions of other greenhouse gas
What does this mean for Malaysia?
Aidil Iman Aidid, an environmental activist and member of the Malaysian Youth Delegation (youth climate movement) told WORLD OF BUZZ that the report states the consequences of what would happen if we do not take action.
In the Malaysian context, he said that a 1.5 degree Celsius increase in temperature will cause Malaysia’s rice production to drop by around 30%.
“During early 2020, we had the worst drought in four decades which severely impacted the paddy planting of Malaysia’s northern region which further affects the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture”
Aside from the consequences to agriculture, Aidil pointed out that as extreme weather is fueled by climate change, we will see much more intense floods.
“In terms of health, water-borne diseases from floods and vector-borne diseases such as dengue which is triggered by climate change would pose a problem.”
Meanwhile, environmental NGO EcoKnights told WORLD OF BUZZ that further potential impacts of climate change in Malaysia include sea-level rise, erosion of shorelines, coral reef bleaching, increased flood intensities, decreased water availability, greater diseases among forest species and loss of biodiversity.
They also explained that the effects of extreme weather and loss of agriculture will mean a negative impact on economic growth and widen the socioeconomic gap in a marginalised society.
“Simply put, this will affect our agriculture industry and the nation’s economic growth.”
Solutions for the future
EcoKnights listed various initiatives that everyone must participate in. These include:
- Investing in renewable energy to cut down emissions
- Preserve our natural biodiversity by restoring nature, ban deforestation activity, protect our forests, and implement stronger policies that protect our natural forests
- Adopt a better change in our fast-and-convenient lifestyle as individuals and start being more responsible with our consumption
- Reduce carbon footprints by practising sustainable living
- Strengthen community ties towards climate actions
Whilst Aidil believes that the future of the Earth lies in our hands. In a Twitter post, he said that “it is our duty to take care of the planet. We must hold polluters accountable and reject unstainable projects,” he said.
“Do not give in. Giving up is climate inaction.”
He also listed some ways for Malaysians to take action and contribute to climate action which include: volunteering in environmental organisations, contacting MPs to inspire changes in policy and spreading awareness.”
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