From heat waves and wildfires to downpours and flooding, 2023 has given us a taste of the impacts we can expect over the coming decades and centuries. In short, it’s not the good news. Without very significant reductions in greenhouse gases that begin immediately, it is very likely that global surface temperatures will exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Decarbonisation Cities
Over time, cities and its inhabitants will also be more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, ranging from heat waves, to droughts, floods and hurricanes. 70% of cities around the world are already dealing with climate impacts, while nearly all these cities are at risk. However, cities now can offer a solution to the climate emergency. As urban populations continue to grow and have greater material prosperity, there will be a corresponding rise in the consumption of resources, energy, and generation of waste. It is becoming increasingly real that the battle for the planet will be won or lost in cities.
Smart low carbon city measures such as clean energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and integrated waste management can help cities to leapfrog to a sustainable and green development pathway. Investments in smart low carbon cities can help create opportunities for a decent effort in these new emerging sectors.
Many cities in Malaysia have already set a smart low-carbon vision and developed series of action plans with the preparation of greenhouse gas inventories that can help to track low-carbon initiatives. Urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Iskandar Malaysia, Seberang Perai and Melaka have signed up to be members of city alliances such as the C40 and ICLEI, making a commitment to minimise their carbon footprints.
Meanwhile, a total of 52 local authorities are now part of the Low Carbon City Framework Programme which encourages strategies and actions to reduce carbon emissions at the local level. These cities are part of a group of almost 10,000 cities globally that are stepping up and committing to inspirational action to reduce carbon emissions in near future.
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MSCA NEWSLETTER I VOL 6 I DECEMBER 2023
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