12 October 2021 (Tuesday)

09:00am - 1:15pm (Malaysian Standard Time GMT +8)

11:00am - 03:15pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time GMT +10)

Venue: IAIS Malaysia's FB Page

Urgent global action is required to address the worsening consequences of Climate Change, e.g. extreme heat waves and bushfires in 2021. This Regional Webinar brings together stakeholders and specialists from Malaysia and Australia to highlight and compare the issues, identify effective responses, and encourage governments to set more ambitious emission reduction targets leading up to the UN COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow next month.

The IPCC Report 2021 indicated the Paris Agreement’s aspirational target to limit warming to 1.5C will be exceeded within 12 years, and without action even its 2C threshold would be breached in coming decades. There is still a chance to meet the targets if the world acts to decarbonize to net-zero emissions by 2050. So far, 130 countries have signed up. Major economies have committed to drastically cut emissions by 2030: UK (68%), EU (55%), USA (52% from 2005 levels), and Japan (46% from 2013 levels). We all need to ensure a safe climate future for our children, grandchildren and descendants. 

The Round Table Discussion (RTD) will involve speakers and stakeholder respondents addressing two important topics: Curbing emissions in response to the IPCC Report, and curbing emissions through individuals avoiding wasteful consumption in increasingly affluent Western and newly industrializing countries. Ensuing policy recommendations will be passed to relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Australia is at a pivotal moment. Although rich countries are expected to lead, conservative elites/media have stalled significant federal climate change action, even though per capita emissions are amongst the world’s highest and IPCC-cited modelling suggests Australia’s climate may rise an alarming 4C. Australia needs solid transitional targets towards net-zero by 2050, and to restart contributions to the Green Climate Fund to assist neighboring countries in climate adaptation. If the Government doesn’t act, Australia can expect detrimental effects on its international borrowing costs, investment and trade. Encouragingly, major businesses - BHP, Fortescue Metals and Telstra - have signed up to net-zero by 2050. 

In Malaysia, public awareness regarding climate change remains worryingly low at about 32% to 40% of the total population. In the energy, manufacturing, and transportation sectors, Malaysia is currently lagging behind neighbouring Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, which have an impressive 30% adoption rate of renewable energy. Nevertheless, Malaysia has pledged to reduce its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission by up to 45% by 2030. It is crucial for the country to rethink its approach on development and move towards ecologically sustainable growth. The country must seriously consider the two-pronged strategy; which is to first enhance existing efforts and infrastructures, and secondly to develop new sustainable paradigms, cultures, and policies.

This event is sponsored by IAIS Malaysia; Better Futures Australia (an initiative of the Climate Action Network Australia); Australian Religious Response for Climate Change; Multifaith Assoc. of South Australia; and Islamic Thought, Legacy and Renewal Group.

We look forward to see you.