Malaysia is in on the net zero emissions goal by 2050 also. Here are what you need to know about it in 2023.

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Why this is useful for you: I don’t think anyone knows much about Malaysia’s agenda at the COP28. We have communicated that we are aligned with the net zero emissions goal. However, we implement a high degree of subsidy for fossil fuels in the country.

Nik Nazmi, the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister, is the main person for Malaysia at COP28. He said some things, well quite a lot of things. So let’s see what they are all about.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% in 2030 from 2005 levels.

Quite a lofty goal to be honest. But one that is not entirely impossible. From MacroTrends, GHG emissions was 209,390 ktCo2 in 2005, so that means Malaysia’s goal is to reduce this to 115,165 ktCo2 by 2030. For context, Malaysia’s latest GHG emissions is at 302,089. It would have to reduce by two-thirds in just 7 years.

Increase renewable energy share from 25% to 70% by 2050.

I am going to be real with you. Much of this renewable energy would probably come from hydropower. Solar will be a big part too, Data from IRENA shows that 69% of renewable energy comes from hydropower, while solar makes up about 21%. This actually poses another problem.

Commitment to maintaining 50% forest cover in Malaysia

I commend this effort. But this clashes with what Malaysia is doing currently. With so much hydropower in the renewable energy mix, it is inevitable forests will be flooded. GlobalForestWatch puts Malaysia’s primary forest cover at 82.1%, which was a big decrease from the peak of 90.4% in 2012.

Long-term Emissions Strategy Plan to be finalized in early 2024

This is Malaysia’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2050. I won’t put so much attention on this as I think Malaysia as a country, has consistently not been on time.

Phase out subsidies for fossil fuel

Not going to lie. I am sceptical about this. I know that the government has announced that they will now implement a targeted subsidy for petrol. But it is highly politically unpopular. You are expecting people who can’t even afford to buy houses and cars to buy EVs. And you don’t even have the infrastructure yet for EVs.

In the process of passing the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act and formulating the Climate Change Act

I don’t know how I feel about this. It’s great we have more legislation that supports this. But the proof is in the pudding and the devil is in the details. Malaysia as a country, needs to back up its talk with the walk.