Climate Change Bill must have nature-based solutions at its core
But climate action must also integrate nature-based solutions to achieve meaningful outcomes.
The Climate Change Bill that will be introduced soon should therefore incorporate the following elements:
1. Expansion of carbon sinks
• Legal protection for remaining tropical rainforests, peat swamps and coastal ecosystems.
• Large-scale reforestation and afforestation in degraded areas.
• Incentives for community-based forest management and indigenous stewardship.
2. Restoration of critical ecosystems
• Funding and legal framework for mangrove restoration, river rehabilitation and coral reef conservation.
• Collaboration with non-governmental organisations, local councils and universities in monitoring and maintaining ecological health.
3. Sustainable land use and agriculture
• Guidelines to reduce deforestation driven by agriculture and development.
• Promotion of climate-smart and regenerative farming practices.
• Establishment of a domestic carbon offset market tied to certified nature-based solutions' projects.
The bill must also impose mandatory emissions' reporting, sectoral targets and compliance mechanisms for high-emitting industries such as energy, transport and manufacturing.
The creation of a green transition fund should be considered to help industries shift towards greener technologies and processes.
The government must ensure the bill is inclusive, enforceable and forward-looking. Let it mark a turning point in our nation's journey towards environmental justice, economic resilience and climate leadership.
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Proposed Climate Change Bill is a Bold Step Forward with Nature-Based Solutions
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New Straits Times
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Climate Change Bill must have nature-based solutions at its core
REDUCING industrial emissions through cleaner energy, energy efficiency and carbon pricing mechanisms is vital. But climate action must also integrate nature-based solutions to achieve meaningful outcomes. The Climate Change Bill that will be introduced soon should therefore incorporate the following elements: 1. Expansion of carbon sinks • Legal protection for remaining tropical rainforests, peat swamps and coastal ecosystems. • Large-scale reforestation and afforestation in degraded areas. • Incentives for community-based forest management and indigenous stewardship. 2. Restoration of critical ecosystems • Funding and legal framework for mangrove restoration, river rehabilitation and coral reef conservation. • Collaboration with non-governmental organisations, local councils and universities in monitoring and maintaining ecological health. 3. Sustainable land use and agriculture • Guidelines to reduce deforestation driven by agriculture and development. • Promotion of climate-smart and regenerative farming practices. • Establishment of a domestic carbon offset market tied to certified nature-based solutions' projects. The bill must also impose mandatory emissions' reporting, sectoral targets and compliance mechanisms for high-emitting industries such as energy, transport and manufacturing. The creation of a green transition fund should be considered to help industries shift towards greener technologies and processes. The government must ensure the bill is inclusive, enforceable and forward-looking. Let it mark a turning point in our nation's journey towards environmental justice, economic resilience and climate leadership.
The Star
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