Asia Pacific Climate Week ignites regional climate solutions

Asia Pacific Climate Week 2023 (APCW) commenced in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, uniting stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to address the escalating climate challenges faced by the region.

With a focus on collaborative solutions and cross-border cooperation, APCW seeks to contribute meaningful insights to the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP28.

The event was inaugurated by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, emphasising the global nature of climate issues and Malaysia’s commitment to addressing climate change through ambitious targets.

Addressing climate challenges

The Asia Pacific region confronts a spectrum of climate-related issues, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and threats to biodiversity and freshwater resources.

As climate change intensifies, the imperative for robust and inclusive climate action becomes increasingly evident. Malaysia, contributing 0.69% of global greenhouse gas emissions, reaffirms its commitment to a 45% reduction by 2030 and aspires to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Prime Minister-launched initiatives, such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Industrial Master Plan, underscore Malaysia’s dedication to a sustainable future.

“We realize the need to ramp up our effort. This year alone, our esteemed Prime Minister launched the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Industrial Master Plan which charts the path in our journey toward a net-zero future.

Furthermore, we remain firm in transforming our energy system through electrification, energy efficiency and accelerated renewable energy (RE) deployment,” said Nik Nazmi.

Thematic tracks and regional collaboration

APCW is structured around four thematic tracks, addressing energy systems and technology, urban and rural development, infrastructure and transportation, land use, oceans, food and water, and socio-economic dimensions, health, and livelihoods.

These tracks aim to unravel climate action opportunities and challenges, fostering collaboration across diverse sectors. Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor Menteri Besar, highlights the state’s commitment to working across borders and stakeholders.

“I eagerly await the insights on climate solutions, the challenges they present, and the unique opportunities that can be implemented and replicated here in Johor as part of the Johor Green Deal framework and the Johor Sustainability Centre that Johor launches today in conjunction with APCW,” said Onn Hafiz.

The insights gained from APCW are expected to contribute to the Johor Green Deal framework and the Johor Sustainability Centre launched concurrently.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, emphasises the urgency for the Asia Pacific region, a frontline battler against climate change, to become a climate pioneer. APCW serves as a catalyst, uniting policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and civil society to drive transformative climate solutions.

Hosted by the Johor government in collaboration with the Malaysian federal government and organised by UN Climate Change, APCW receives support from global and regional partners. The Regional Climate Week signifies an opportunity for collective efforts, exploring solutions and shaping a sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region in preparation for COP28.