JUN 2023
Sarawak Government Sets Ambitious Target For Net-Zero Emissions By 2050
KUCHING, 12 June: The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said Sarawak government has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, unveiling a comprehensive set of strategies to drive sustainable development and combat climate change.
He said one of the key initiatives is the establishment of a Climate Change Centre, which will serve as a centralized hub to coordinate, oversee, and manage the development of carbon trading and storage projects. This center will be operational once the legal framework and rules are in place.
He explains, the Climate Change Centre will pave the way for Sarawak to become a frontrunner in climate change and carbon trading initiatives, bringing forth opportunities for sustainable development and attracting investments.
“As of now, we have already amended our Land Code and Forest Ordinance to enable us to venture into carbon trading and storage. With the establishment of this centre, Sarawak can position itself as a leader in climate change and carbon trading initiatives in the region, attracting investment and talent to drive sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the opening of the Forest Conservation Conference 2023 at Imperial Hotel, here
Additionally, he added, the government is working on the development of a State Climate Change Policy, which will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of global warming. This policy is planned to provide guidance for all communities in Sarawak towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Recognizing the vital role of forests as carbon sinks, he said, Sarawak is committed to protecting and restoring its forest cover. In alignment with the national "100-Million Tree Planting Campaign," is committed to plant 35 million trees by 2025.
“This is also very much in line with the Forest Landscape Restoration initiative with the mission to ensure that Sarawak is forever green. This has led to various activities and programs being implemented,” he said.
The Premier added, in its vision of transforming the state into a sustainable green economy, the Sarawak government is actively developing a Green Economy Policy. This policy seeks to strike a balance between economic growth and responsible resource utilization and consumption patterns, safeguarding the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Furthermore, he said, Sarawak is formulating a Sarawak Biodiversity Masterplan to incorporate biodiversity considerations into state development planning. Various measures are proposed to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem into state’s laws and institutions and to further guide sustainable economic development. The draft masterplan is still being deliberated and discussed with relevant stakeholders before it can be endorsed by the state government. -Sarawakku
Sumber dari : Sarawakku