Mega floods will not end. But we can build climate resilience and reduce the hardship that Malaysians face.
An aerial view of flooded houses in Yong Peng, Johor, on March 4, 2023. Mega floods like these are not going to stop as the climate crisis continues, so Malaysia needs to start acting now to build resilience and reduce hardships among the people. — AFPThat was a question asked by Muhammad Isa Sulaiman, 58, who had to leave his flooded home in Parit Awang, Johor, with his wife and four children on March 1, 2023.
We may see cities go under water and “unprecedented heatwaves, terrifying storms, widespread water shortages and the extinction of a million species”, the United Nations has warned. Extreme weather may become the norm. Already, the past seven years have been the warmest on record. It’s likely that the next seven years will be warm, warmer or the warmest ever.
“Adaptation needs to be a core part of climate action planning. This is not even a question,” says Malaysian climate expert and advisor Renard Siew. The social aspect must also be considered, because floods particularly impact vulnerable groups, points out Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar, co-founder and chair of Klima Action Malaysia , which is working with affected indigenous people in Johor. Floods exacerbate inequality caused by the lack of social protection or risk transfer mechanisms, she says.
Transparency is critical. It is hard, for example, to get clarity on data on deforestation in Malaysia, which we know can contribute to flooding because forests act as “sponges” for rainfall. Land and forest management is complex and politically-sensitive, falling under both state and federal government jurisdictions. In the face of the climate crisis, we need to have tighter controls and prudence.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Johor police investigating death threats made against Indonesian rock band RadjaPolice began recording statements from the victims and were tracking down suspected individuals after receiving the report at 5.34am. theSun theSundaily threats police report musicians band investigation Indonesia Malaysia
Read more »
Flood waters in Batu Pahat to subside within two weeks to a month, says Johor excoBATU PAHAT, March 11 — The flood waters in the Batu Pahat district is expected to subside within two weeks or a month, says Johor Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture...
Read more »
Number of flood victims drop significantly in Johor, Pahang and MelakaKUALA LUMPUR, March 11 — The number of flood victims in three states — Johor, Pahang and Melaka — has dropped from 45,302 in the afternoon to 43,198 as at 8pm tonight. In...
Read more »
Number of flood victims drop significantly in Johor, Pahang and MalaccaIn Johor, the number of flood victims dropped from 44,779 as at 2pm today to 42,770 as at 8pm tonight. theSun theSundaily floods victims decrease states Malaysia
Read more »
Govt to expedite post-flood recovery efforts at 17 Johor schools | The Malaysian InsightDPM Zahid says it is to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
Read more »
Flood victims in Johor up again at 42,706, five rivers above danger levelsKUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — The number of flood victims at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Johor has risen again to 42,706, while the figure in Melaka dropped and the situation...
Read more »