Leaders of tomorrow rise to save Malaysia’s climate change

By Nisha Ganasen

KUALA LUMPUR: An environmentalist has urged local youths to see Malaysia's exclusion from a climate action summit organized by the United States as a wake-up call to boost efforts to address climate change issues.

Angela Surya, a 23-year-old activist said, as a youth she and other members are involved in climate change issues such as forest protection, indigenous rights and more, by attending protests and activities arranged by Malaysian NGOs.

“We being a minority is the reason the actions we are taking cannot be seen and the majority of youth still do not know about the seriousness of the issue,” she said.

A report released by UNICEF on the awareness, attitude, and opinion of youth towards climate change showed that 92% of young people think that climate change is a crisis. Nine in ten youth in Malaysia have experienced environment and climate-related effects in the last three years.

Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old leader of a global protest against inaction on climate change, marched at a rally in New York City Friday. Around the world, millions of other people joined her. (Source: National Public Radio)

Climate and Environment Consultant of UNICEF Malaysia representative, Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham says Climate Crisis is a child rights crisis. All children have the right to be born and grow up in a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

“The kids these days are the vulnerable generation who will face the consequences of the climate crisis,” she said.

“Therefore, we need more younger activists to be involved in this climate action to prevent Malaysia from future climate crisis.”

Jasmin shared her favorite quote shared by a participant named Toh Zhee Qi in the survey - “Instead of watching sea levels rise, youth should rise up, lead the movement, and stir the waves of change for a better tomorrow. Humans are the root of the problem, but we can also be the solution for change”.

UNICEF’s survey found young people say that a climate-friendly lifestyle is expensive, and they need more information and knowledge on what they can do to tackle this climate change. Many youths are also heavily reliant on social media for information on climate change.

“If you are a young person who actively acts for climate action and takes charge for a safe future, you can join UNICEF. We have many options for the youth to be involved,” said Jasmin.

Department of Environment Malaysia representative Mazlina binti Mazlan said in a recent Think Institute webinar, “If we want to heal the climate, we need to act together by attending any organization that we have in our country that fights for climate change in our country.”