The International Climate Situation and Malaysia’s Commitment Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, with far-reaching consequences for the planet’s ecosystems, economies, and societies.
Recognising the urgency of this crisis, the international community has mobilized through coordinated efforts and binding agreements.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides a globally recognised framework for nations to cooperate in addressing climate change.
One of the most significant achievements under the UNFCCC is the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
The agreement encourages countries to set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience.
Initiatives like Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) incentivize developing countries to conserve their forests, which are crucial carbon sinks.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn certified emission-reduction credits, fostering sustainable development and technology transfer.
Furthermore, global reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts are underway to enhance carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change impacts.
These collective actions demonstrate the international community’s commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Malaysia has actively participated in these global endeavors, recognising the urgency of climate action.
The country faces challenges from multiple carbon sources, with emissions from sectors like energy production, transportation, industrial processes, and land-use changes.
Activities like deforestation, peatland degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices release stored carbon from terrestrial ecosystems, diminishing Malaysia’s natural carbon sinks and exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions.
However, Malaysia is taking proactive steps to address these challenges.
The country has pledged to reduce its carbon intensity relative to GDP by 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2005, aligning with the Paris Agreement targets.
In a significant move, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim allocated RM10 million to support the voluntary carbon market, signalling the government’s determination to achieve net-zero emissions.
Complementing this initiative, Bursa Malaysia has launched its own Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) to facilitate the trading of carbon credits.
This market-based mechanism encourages businesses and individuals to offset their carbon footprint by investing in emission-reduction projects, further solidifying Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development.
Simultaneously, Malaysia recognises the vital role of natural ecosystems in capturing and storing carbon.
The country’s rich tropical rainforests, peat lands, and agricultural ecosystems act as significant carbon sinks, removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and soil sequestration.
Protecting and restoring these natural ecosystems is critical for mitigating climate change in Malaysia.
According to literature, safeguarding and restoring forests, peat lands, and agricultural ecosystems could mitigate over 50 gigatonnes of carbon emissions globally.
However, deforestation, land-use change, and ecosystem degradation threaten these natural carbon sinks, potentially releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Addressing the diverse sources of carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration through ecosystem conservation and restoration are essential components of Malaysia’s comprehensive climate change strategy, aligning with international efforts.
Establishment of 6Carbon Management Unit and its Goals, Objectives
Despite robust global and national efforts, a gap in local expertise and education about carbon management persists in Malaysia.
To address this need, the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has established the 6Carbon Management Unit (6CMU) to provide awareness, education, and practical training on carbon activities to the local population.
The 6CMU at UPM comprises esteemed members, including Dr. Waseem Razzaq Khan, Dr. Shazali Johari, Prof. Dr. Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazre Saleh and other faculty members.
The administrative unit will be under the direct supervision of the Dean, Prof. Dr. Azlizam Aziz, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, UPM, ensuring close integration with the faculty’s research and academic programs.
The 6CMU at UPM is focused on addressing climate change through several key objectives and future activities.
First, it aims to be a knowledge hub, building expertise and developing standards for carbon management projects in Malaysia.
The unit will conduct research, organize workshops, and collaborate with industry partners to advance the understanding and implementation of carbon management strategies.
One of the primary goals is to make the 6CMU the central hub for carbon-related activities in Malaysia and support capacity-building efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.
By fostering local expertise and providing training opportunities, the unit will empower stakeholders to take meaningful action towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
Second, the 6CMU seeks to provide innovative research solutions, focusing on Nature-Based Removal (NBR) methods.
These solutions aim to mitigate climate change by leveraging the carbon sequestration capabilities of natural ecosystems, such as forests, peat lands, and coastal areas.
By developing and promoting NBR methods, the unit will contribute to preserving and restoring Malaysia’s valuable natural resources while simultaneously boosting the economy through sustainable practices.
Third, the 6CMU will develop frameworks for assessing, monitoring, and managing carbon storage and emissions in Malaysia.
This involves establishing methodologies for quantifying carbon stocks and fluxes in various ecosystems and developing protocols for monitoring and verifying emission reductions.
Malaysia’s Carbon Management Landscape and the 6CMU’s Role
Malaysia’s carbon business is rapidly growing, driven by increasing global demand for carbon credits and the recognition of the country’s rich natural resources as potential carbon sinks.
However, a notable lack of reliable local organizations for guidance and expertise in this field has persisted, leading Malaysian states to hire international consultants for carbon management projects.
Establishing the 6Carbon Management Unit at UPM is a strategic move to address this gap and demonstrate local expertise and capability in measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon content.
By building a team of highly qualified professionals and leveraging the university’s research resources, the 6CMU will position itself as a leading authority in carbon management within Malaysia.
This unit will showcase Malaysia’s ability to effectively participate in global carbon markets and meet its emission reduction commitments under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
As the demand for carbon credits and sustainable practices continues to grow, the 6CMU’s expertise will be invaluable in supporting Malaysia’s efforts to attract investment and capitalise on opportunities in the carbon business.
In 2024, various Malaysian states announced auctions and invited international investment in the carbon business, highlighting the urgent need for local expertise.
The 6Carbon Management Unit at UPM will be crucial in building this expertise and positioning Malaysia as a leader in carbon management and climate action within the region.
By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the 6CMU will facilitate knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the development of innovative solutions tailored to Malaysia’s unique environmental and economic contexts.
This collaborative approach will ensure that the country can leverage its natural resources sustainably while contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve a low-carbon future.
Prof Azlizam Aziz, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, UPM:
“Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and vast carbon sinks are priceless assets that must be preserved through strategic initiatives like the 6CMU. Equipping local expertise with the right tools is crucial for sustainable carbon management. 6CMU will play a vital role in capacity building, enabling communities to effectively participate in ecosystem conservation and carbon sequestration efforts.”
Prof Dr Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, UPM:
“The establishment of 6CMU reflects Malaysia’s commitment to combating climate change through locally driven solutions. Building a comprehensive framework for carbon quantification and monitoring is the need of the hour. 6CMU’s expertise can develop robust methodologies tailored to Malaysia’s unique ecosystems, ensuring accurate reporting and verification of carbon stocks and flows.”
Dr Shazali Johari, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, UPM:
“Innovative carbon management strategies are imperative for Malaysia to balance economic growth and environmental conservation. The 6CMU will spearhead research into nature-based solutions, aligning development with climate resilience. By leveraging the nation’s rich natural resources, 6CMU can unlock sustainable economic opportunities while mitigating climate risks.”
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
