Coping With Climate Change Penang Goes All Out To Protect The Environment

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THE battle to cope with climate change has just begun although Penang has taken great strides in protecting the environment, from becoming the first state to ban single-use plastics to the setting up of financial incentives to entice the private sector to go green.
State executive councillor in charge of the environment Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said that the campaign to ready Penang for climate change is gradually being unveiled but importantly, society must buy into the concept that if their behaviour does not change, more harm can befall them.
Climate change sees an aggressive weather pattern from the rougher seas to heavier rainfall, storms, and longer drought, which can unearth landslides and cause flash flooding, piling on more misery to residents, especially those residing in prone areas.
30,000 recycled bags were distributed to mark the state’s move to outright ban single-use plastics although Sundarajoo lamented that more alternatives need to be accorded to hawkers and vendors as plastic packaging remains the most practical and affordable to consumers.
Sundarajoo wants more recyclable bags to be made available, especially at every service centre of the 40 state assemblymen out to serve Penang.
Datuk Seri S. SundarajooHe also wants the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) to install more rubbish bins throughout the state to curb littering, the main contributor to water pollution.
Furthermore, it is proven that microplastics is the main contaminant in the seas and rivers, and the fishes that humans consume, are proven to have similar contents in it.
Therefore, it is imperative to stop littering, especially the indiscriminate dumping of plastics, especially those non-biodegradables, said Sundarajoo.
“We need to stop the habit of littering. Perhaps higher fines and more community service,” he added.
“To fight climate change, society needs to first change and grasp the consequences of dealing with unfriendly weather.”
 
Discussing the types of incentives state governments can provide to encourage green investments, Sundarajoo drew attention to recognition and awards through programmes such as the Penang Green Office certifications.
“State governments can also consider Climate Mitigation Fund (CM-Fund) where they collaborate with local banking provider to encourage SMEs in adopting sustainable practices,” he said.
On how cities can become greener without increasing inequality, Sundarajoo proposed the promotion of affordable green housing with solar-ready designs and efficient water systems.
“Public transport networks, for example pedestrian-friendly zones, should also be expanded to reduce reliance on private cars and urban farming and community garden programmes can be created to provide food access and social cohesion.
“Meanwhile, community parks, urban gardens, and pocket green spaces can be developed in all districts, not just urban centres while residents can be involved in urban decision-making through town halls and participatory planning.”
Sundarajoo further drew attention to successful green business models in Penang that others can learn from, among them solar leasing companies reducing upfront cost barriers for SMEs as well as zero-waste retailers and bulk refill stations growing across Penang.
“There are also an array of eco-tourism and heritage conservation businesses in George Town as well as green tech startups collaborating with Penang Science Cluster and PGC initiatives,” he added. ‒  Focus Malaysia

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