KUALA LUMPUR — Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad launched his new book Saving the Planet: Climate and Environmental Lessons from Malaysia and Beyond at Sentul Depot today.
The 273-page publication, described as “a young Southeast Asian minister outlining the challenges and solutions to the planetary crisis,” offers insights into global environmental issues with a local perspective.
Addressing an audience of about 300 attendees, Nik Nazmi shared personal experiences that fuelled his passion for climate advocacy, including his connection to Kelantan—where annual monsoon floods devastate communities—and his commitment to seeking long-term solutions.
During a panel discussion, he highlighted how climate change affects everyday economic realities.
“Climate issues impact, for example, the price of chicken,” he said. “Corn in South America, for instance, cannot be produced as much due to erratic weather patterns. So there’s a shortage, which means prices of chicken feed—which is made with corn—go up. So, of course, chicken becomes costlier.”
He told Scoop there is a need to advocate climate change as climate justice.
“This all comes down also to equitable distribution and opportunities,” he said, articulating how the interests of one community has to be compromised for the profit of others.
The launch drew prominent figures, including former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Water Commission Chairman Charles Santiago, Secretary-General of the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry Datuk Dr Ching Thoo, and several ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from countries including Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan.
Published by Penguin, Saving the Planet is now available at major bookstores. The foreword of the release was written by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Earlier, in an interview with a local portal, Nik Nazmi emphasised the importance of forthcoming climate change legislation in driving Malaysia’s green economy ambitions. He explained that the proposed bill will provide a clear framework for industries pivotal to decarbonisation efforts.
“The climate change bill is being formulated in collaboration with the investment, trade, and industry ministry. It will help define the kind of industries we want to attract as we transition from a low-cost, low-wage economy to a high-value, green economy,” he said.
Efforts to introduce a climate change law first emerged in 2018 during the Pakatan Harapan administration but faced multiple delays. Two years ago, Nik Nazmi defended postponing the legislation, stating he wanted a bill that was “comprehensive and impactful” rather than “toothless.”
Beyond the economic stakes, Nik Nazmi warned of broader implications. Research indicates that failing to mitigate climate change could result in an 11% reduction in Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product by the century’s end.
However, he noted that the fight against climate change transcends financial considerations. In Saving the Planet, he describes climate change as part of a “triple planetary crisis,” which also includes pollution and biodiversity loss.
He wrote, “Human-induced global temperature rise has already reached 1.1 degrees Celsius. While economic consequences often spur governments and businesses into action, we still do not address the core issue.”
“We can only see things clearly when we realise that human beings are part of, not separate from, nature,” he was quoted as saying. – January 11, 2025