KUCHING: Sarawak shared its comprehensive energy transition measures and plans to tackle the climate crisis at the recent International Sustainable Palm Oil Forum (ISPOF) in London.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni spoke about Sarawak’s green economic policy, energy transition policy and how Sarawak is leading the way in carbon solutions, both natural and technology-based solutions.
In carbon dioxide emissions space, Dr Hazland highlighted how methane which is also a Green House Gas (GHG) has a shorter lifespan than carbon dioxide despite its higher likelihood of increasing the planet’s temperature.
“Carbon dioxide will be present much longer in the earth’s atmosphere if action is not taken to reduce it,” he said.
Hosted by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, ISPOF witnessed a keynote speech on ‘Sustainable Trade and Responsible Business Practices in a New Global Era’ delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
“As palm oil is the most widely used and most productive oil crop in the world with the three world’s largest producers of palm oil coming from Southeast Asia, the forum was aimed at promoting ideas, vision, and positive impacts on sustainable palm oil and sustainable trade.
“In the context of sustainable palm oil production, the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is an opportunity to strengthen economic and trade ties with the Asia-Pacific, particularly Malaysia.
“UK and Malaysia are ready to see significant trade growth opportunities through the CPTPP and the elimination of tariffs is a win-win for both countries, especially for British consumers and palm oil producers in Malaysia,” a statement from Dr Hazland’s office made available to the media today, said.
The complexity of palm oil poses a challenge to policymakers to optimise its socio-economic benefits while reducing the negative impacts on the environment.
The statement said a balance between environmental, social, and economic impacts is the basis of policy formulation towards a sustainable development of the palm oil industry.
