The subject of climate change has been widely discussed for a long time, and we can see that there have been many global efforts made to address it. However, it appears that the negative still surpasses the positive, and Earth’s time here is dwindling by the minute. When considering this problem on a local scale, it appears that many people are still unaware of how serious this problem is. Some people do not have access to the most recent news and information, but those who do often ignore it or assume that because they live in a “safe” location, such unplanned events won’t affect them, which also means they do not realise how horrible such unplanned events could be. Having a strategic location that “blocks” Malaysia from severe natural disasters is undoubtedly a blessing, but Malaysians need to be on guard for the future by anticipating the worst and preparing accordingly.
This brings up my manifesto, which is to raise awareness of the climate crisis in the context of Malaysia. Floods, a typical sight during the rainy season, are depicted in the collage above. It’s just water, how bad could it be, some people might reason. Water may appear innocent, yet powerful currents can quickly take everything you own and your life with them. You can become trapped on your roof due to the rising water level, with no access to food or electricity. Most importantly, this sad occurrence has resulted in several deaths of people and those who were dear to them.
Flash floods can occur for a number of causes, but one of the stranger floods is one in which you can see bundles of logs floating in the water. Illegal logging is a fairly evident cause of flooding (where you can see faintly in the background of the collage above). The recent floods from a few months ago illustrate, in my opinion, that Malaysia is not as protected from the climate problem as those in higher positions claim. There are plans and activities being carried out by those in power without a doubt, but Malaysians need a better and more comprehensive strategy to prepare them for the worst.
So, as an individual, are you going to in the crowd that sit, watch without taking any action? Or are you going to gain knowledge about what we can do to overcome and be ready for situations like this and teach others about it? It all boils down to how conscious one is of this problem.
As a result, I want to raise awareness about the climate issue by recounting these stories and placing one in the victim’s shoes to have a deeper understanding of such unforeseen situations. This is because one must comprehend these issues and possess the knowledge necessary to solve them in order to proceed successfully.
I would say I am happy with the path I have chosen for my manifesto this semester as it tackles an important global issue and would make a good institutional centre for people to seek knowledge about the local climate and its issues.
Thank you, hope you enjoyed reading this longful writing 😀
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