KANGAR, April 2 (Bernama) – ASEAN member states must work together to address the escalating threats posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, soaring temperatures, and increasingly erratic weather patterns like intense rainfall and prolonged droughts.
Associate Professor Dr. Ummi Fazara Md Ali from the Faculty of Engineering and Chemical Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), emphasized the importance of placing climate change at the forefront of discussions during the ASEAN-Malaysia 2025 meeting. She noted that while ASEAN is not a major global emitter, the region plays a significant role in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
“As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia holds a strategic position to spearhead regional dialogues and collaborative actions,” she said. “This includes strengthening platforms like the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) and the ASEAN Action Plan on Climate Change.”
Dr. Ummi Fazara highlighted that both initiatives represent key strategies for ASEAN to actively engage in climate change mitigation and adaptation. These efforts also demonstrate the region’s commitment to sustainable development and global climate goals.
She suggested Malaysia focus on priority areas such as renewable energy development—including solar, wind, and biomass—as part of its discussions with fellow ASEAN countries.
“Forest conservation is also crucial,” she added, pointing out that enhanced cooperation in managing tropical rainforests is vital since ASEAN forests are major carbon sinks. She further recommended that Malaysia advocate for increased access to international funding for climate-related efforts and integrate environmental education into ASEAN’s academic systems to raise youth awareness.
To effectively combat climate change, Dr. Ummi Fazara proposed initiatives such as joint research between ASEAN universities and industries to develop innovative mitigation strategies.
“Other steps include promoting green technologies like electric vehicles and smart energy grids, enacting stricter regional regulations on carbon emissions and open burning, and empowering communities with training and awareness programs to encourage sustainable practices,” she said.
On her own research, she shared insights into studies on carbon capture using activated carbon derived from biomass sources such as oil palm waste, paddy husks, and microalgae. These studies have shown promising potential in reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
“My research focuses on optimizing parameters such as adsorbent type and gas flow rates to enhance carbon sequestration efficiency, with industrial-scale applications across ASEAN,” she explained.
Dr. Ummi Fazara also revealed her current collaboration with Petronas on a two-year project exploring microalgae as a sustainable biofuel source.
“Microalgae grow rapidly and produce oil rich in fatty acids, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. This aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner energy and combat climate change,” she added.
— Original Content By NurrulHuda Ahmad Lutfi
