FROM DEFORESTATION TO HEATWAVES: THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA VS. EAST ASIA (MALAYSIA VS. CHINA) GMJT3113 ENVIRONMENTAL ADMINISTRATION SEMESTER A232 SESSION2024/2025 BY: LAI YI LIN 293397 PREPARED FOR: DR. WAHIDA BT AYOB
TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 02 03 04 05 Introduction Opinion of the issue Discussion Conclusion References 06 Appendix
Arowwai Industries 01 INTRODUCTION Climate change, a defining challenge of our era, casts a long shadow across the globe. Southeast Asia and East Asia, while geographically close, experience its effects in distinct ways. Malaysia, a Southeast Asian nation rich in biodiversity, serves as a microcosm of the region's struggles. Unsustainable practices like deforestation, as documented in a 2019 study by Nkongho & George (2019), have disrupted ecosystems and exacerbated climate change. This study highlights the detrimental effects of deforestation in Southeast Asia. A 2022 report by Earth.Org (Lai, 2022), a credible non-profit organization, further supports this concern, highlighting that the region has lost a staggering amount of forest cover in recent decades. This rapid deforestation devastates delicate ecosystems and contributes to climate change, threatening the adequacy of water and electricity supplies, as well as agricultural yields. Examining Malaysia's challenges alongside those of China, a major player in East Asia, reveals a compelling picture of contrasting vulnerabilities and potential areas for collaboration in the face of a changing climate. Page 1
Malaysia, a Southeast Asian nation, is particularly susceptible to the consequences of climate change due to its archipelagic nature and dependence on natural resources. Deforestation, a major contributor to regional greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbates climate change and disrupts rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and low-lying areas, displacing populations and jeopardizing infrastructure. Extreme weather events, such as typhoons and floods, are projected to become more frequent and intense, impacting agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. 02 OPINION OF THE ISSUCElimate change casts a long shadow across both Southeast Asia and East Asia, but the nature of the threats and vulnerabilities differs significantly between regions. While both Malaysia and China face rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise, the specific impacts and capacities to adapt diverge due to geography, development levels, and dominant land-use practices. China, a vast East Asian nation, presents a different picture. While also facing rising temperatures, China's continental size offers some buffer from the direct impacts of sea-level rise. However, desertification in the north and water scarcity across the nation pose significant challenges. Climate change threatens agricultural productivity, particularly for staple crops like rice, impacting food security for its massive population. Additionally, rapid urbanization coupled with climate change increases the risk of heatwaves and associated health problems in major cities. Page 2
C L IMA TE C HA N G E Climate change casts a long shadow across both Malaysia and China, two major countries in vastly different regions of Asia. While both nations face significant challenges, the causes, impacts, and solutions specific to each country diverge due to geographical variations, economic development, and policy approaches. 03 DISCUSSION S u s t a i n a b ili ty , A c t i o n , U n i ty , S a v e O u r S p h e r e ! Southeast Asia: MALAYSIA Malaysia, a Southeast Asian nation known for its rainforests and biodiversity, faces a complex web of climate threats. Extensive deforestation, a significant contributor to the nation's economic growth, has emerged as a double-edged sword. Studies by Solaymani (2018) and Muhsin et al. (2021) highlight the threat to food security as changing weather patterns disrupt agricultural yields. Deforestation disrupts the hydrological cycle, altering rainfall patterns and leading to both droughts and floods (Phua & Zakaria, 2011). This erratic rainfall, coupled with rising temperatures due to global warming, creates a precarious situation for Malaysian agriculture, a crucial pillar of the economy contributing over 15% of the GDP (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2023). Crops like paddy rice, a national staple, are particularly vulnerable (Azman et al., 2012). Page 3
Another looming threat is sea level rise, driven by thermal expansion of oceans and melting glaciers. Coastal erosion and inundation endanger lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems, particularly in low-lying areas. A study by Abu bakar et al. (2021) emphasizes the vulnerability of the oil palm industry, a significant economic contributor generating billions of dollars in revenue, to rising sea levels. Low-lying plantations are susceptible to saltwater intrusion, impacting both crop yield and soil quality. While deforestation and sea level rise pose significant challenges, Malaysia is also experiencing an increase in extreme weather events. Studies by Yusop et al. (2014) and Juneng et al. (2016) show a rise in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, and floods. These events disrupt agricultural production, damage infrastructure, and displace communities. Page 4
MALAYSIA: SUGGESTION OF SOLUTION HERE ARE TWO STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO SAVE THE PLANET: Kassim et al. (2023) acknowledge the growing body of research on climate change in Malaysia, but underline the need for increased public engagement on this critical issue. Raising public awareness about the consequences of climate change can foster a sense of urgency and encourage participation in sustainable practices. Educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and citizen science initiatives can play a vital role in this process. Increased Public Engagement: A 01 Crucial Step Why is this important? Studies show that Malaysians have a lower level of awareness regarding climate change compared to other environmental issues. Fig.1. Environmental awareness level of Malaysians Source: Environmental Awareness and Behaviour Index for Malaysia. Sau Wei, Weng Wai, Ahamad Page 5
MALAYSIA: SUGGESTION OF SOLUTION HERE ARE TWO STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO SAVE THE PLANET: Importantly, fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public is essential for developing effective climate change solutions. Scientists can provide data and analysis to inform policy decisions, while policymakers can create frameworks and incentives that encourage sustainable practices. Public engagement ensures that solutions are practical, socially acceptable, and enjoy widespread support. By working together, Malaysia can navigate the challenges of climate change and build a more resilient and sustainable future. Fostering Collaboration for a Sustainable Future 02 Page 6
EAST ASIA: CHINA China, a major East Asian power, faces a unique and complex challenge when it comes to climate change. While the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is also one of the most vulnerable nations to its effects. This creates a delicate balancing act – ensuring continued economic development while mitigating the environmental damage caused by such growth. THE SEVERITY OF CLIMATE THREATS: Studies by Ding et al. (2021) and Shi et al. (2022) paint a concerning picture. Climate change threatens to disrupt various aspects of Chinese society. Food security is a major concern, with research by Saud et al. (2022) highlighting the vulnerability of rice production, a staple crop crucial to national food security. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can significantly impact crop yields. Beyond agriculture, extreme weather events pose significant risks. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, displacing millions and causing immense economic damage. Additionally, the increased frequency and intensity of floods and droughts disrupt infrastructure, damage ecosystems, and threaten livelihoods across the country. The impact of climate change goes beyond shrinking habitat. Bamboo is highly sensitive to changes in precipitation. Droughts and floods, both predicted to become more frequent with climate change, can disrupt bamboo growth cycles and nutrient content, affecting panda nutrition (Li et al., 2015). Page 7
Fig. 2. The current spatial pattern of climate change impact in China. The current spatial pattern of climate change impact in China. It is a map of China divided into eight regions. The regions are labeled: Northwest China, North China, Northeast China, East China, South China Sea Islands, Southwest China, Central China, and South China. The map displays the different areas of China that are being impacted by climate change. It also shows some of the infrastructure projects that have been implemented to address these challenges. Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674927821000411 Page 8
HERE ARE SOME OF THE AREAS OF IMPACT AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE MAP: Climate change is having a negative impact on public health in China. This includes the spread of diseases, air pollution, and extreme weather events. PUBLIC HEALTH: China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gasses. The map suggests that the energy industry is one of the areas being impacted by climate change. ENERGY INDUSTRY: This is a large-scale tree planting program that is designed to combat desertification and soil erosion in northern China. THREE-NORTH SHELTER FOREST PROGRAM: Climate change is impacting agriculture in China. This includes changes in precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures. AGRICULTURE: Climate change is also impacting the transportation industry in China. This includes damage to infrastructure from extreme weather events. TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY: The livelihoods of many people in China are being impacted by climate change. This includes farmers, fishermen, and people who live in areas that are prone to flooding or drought. LIVELIHOODS: Climate change is also impacting tourism in China. This includes changes in weather patterns and extreme weather events. TOURISM: This is a large hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River. The project has been controversial due to its impact on the environment and people who live in the area. THE THREE GORGES PROJECT: This is a massive engineering project that is designed to divert water from southern China to northern China. The project is intended to address water shortages in northern China. SOUTH-TO-NORTH WATER DIVERSION PROJECT: Pag 9
1. A Green Growth Strategy China's path forward requires a multi-pronged approach. Transitioning to clean energy sources is crucial. China has made significant strides in solar and wind power generation, but further investment is needed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This shift will not only benefit the environment but also create new economic opportunities in the burgeoning green energy sector. Financial mechanisms, as suggested by He et al. (2022), can play a vital role in supporting adaptation efforts. Providing agricultural credit to farmers allows them to invest in drought-resistant crops and irrigation systems, enhancing resilience in the face of climate change. CHINA:SUGGESTION OFSOLUTION Page 10
2. Technological Innovation China's vast resources and technological prowess position it as a potential leader in green innovation. Investing in research and development (R&D) of renewable energy technologies like advanced battery storage and next-generation solar panels can solidify China's position as a global leader in the clean energy sector. Furthermore, advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offer a valuable tool for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. China can leverage its technological expertise to develop cost-effective CCS solutions, not only for domestic use but also for export, contributing significantly to global climate change mitigation efforts. CHINA:SUGGESTION OFSOLUTION Page 11
04 CONCLUSION In conclusion, both Malaysia and China face significant challenges due to climate change, but the nature of these challenges differs greatly. Malaysia, with its dependence on natural resources and archipelagic geography, is particularly vulnerable to deforestation, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. China, on the other hand, grapples with balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, as climate change threatens its agricultural productivity, coastal cities, and overall infrastructure. Despite these contrasting situations, both countries can benefit from increased public engagement, collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public, and a focus on sustainable solutions. Malaysia can leverage public education and community initiatives to build a more climate-conscious society. China, with its vast resources and technological prowess, has the potential to become a global leader in green innovation, focusing on renewable energy, adaptation strategies for agriculture, and carbon capture technologies. By working together and adopting sustainable practices, both Malaysia and China can build a more resilient future in the face of climate change. Page 12
05 REFERENCES Page 13
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06 Appendix Page 15
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BY: LAI YI LIN 293397