Nik Nazmi says collective action needed to combat climate change

Shathana Kasinathan
·1-min read
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, July 14 — The Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad urged people not to adopt a defeatist attitude but instead to recognise the potential for collective action to make a difference in tackling climate change.

In response to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey that revealed widespread fear and doubt regarding the fight against climate change by the government, he emphasised the importance of instilling confidence in the government in addressing climate change.

“The climate crisis is real, but you should not be feudalistic about it.

“I can understand that fear. But I think that’s our job to give them confidence,” he said at a news conference at his office here today.

According to a Pew Research Center survey in 2020 titled “Concern over climate and the environment predominates among these publics”, in Malaysia, 41 per cent of respondents said the government is doing too little to tackle the problem.

He stressed the need for stronger messaging and effective communication to convey the message that combating climate change is achievable.

“I think that’s where the message is not enough. It's my job to convey the message that the government and corporate sectors work together with individual efforts and we can see the results,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the available technologies and knowledge, stating that the signs of climate change are clear while acknowledging the necessity of making the economics of climate action work.

“Obviously, we have to make the economics work but with the right political will, we can fight climate change,” he said.

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