Effective Strategies for Mitigating Climate Change Impact in Sabah: A Local Guide to Sustainability

The Sabah Government is stepping up to tackle climate change with the creation of the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC) and a budget of RM3 million each year for climate initiatives.

The SCAC, led by the State Secretary, is essential for guiding and coordinating projects aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change across Sabah. In 2024, the council will focus on creating a Greenhouse Gas Inventory and a study on climate impacts and vulnerabilities specific to Sabah, which are crucial for shaping the state’s climate policies.

Since its launch in 2022, the SCAC has overseen all climate-related activities in the region. Recently, during its meeting on August 2, 2024, a new Technical Working Group focused on vulnerability and adaptation was proposed, underscoring the importance of these issues for Sabah’s future.

The Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, emphasized the need for urgent action on climate change. “We must strengthen our resilience,” he said. Effective planning and funding are critical in achieving this goal.

One significant measure is the ongoing development of the Sabah Climate Change Policy, which aims to establish a framework for carbon trading and assess potential carbon projects. The Chief Minister noted that discussions from the SCAC have been instrumental in forming this policy.

Key achievements in Sabah’s green initiatives include:

• Sabah’s 2nd Strategic Action Plan (SPA): Launched at the Heart of Borneo Symposium, this roadmap addresses environmental challenges and promotes sustainable land use.

• Forest Plantation Development Action Plan (2022-2036): This long-term plan ensures sustainable timber supplies while preserving natural ecosystems.

• Sabah Mangrove Action Plan (SMAP): Introduced at the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference, this plan focuses on the management of mangrove forests for coastal protection and carbon capture.

As of now, around 63% of Sabah is forested, with over 3.8 million hectares designated as protected areas. The government aims to keep at least 30% of its land as Totally Protected Areas by 2025. This commitment aligns with national goals to maintain forest cover, contributing to Malaysia’s broader environmental efforts under international climate agreements.

A critical conservation program is the Heart of Borneo Initiative, which seeks to preserve biodiversity and improve climate resilience. Sabah’s proactive reforestation efforts include restoring degraded forest areas through annual planting and enrichment initiatives.

In addition to these ambitious goals, social media has shown growing public interest in sustainability practices, with many residents actively engaging in tree-planting events and conservation campaigns.

In summary, Sabah is committed to sustainable practices that not only fight climate change but also foster economic growth. The integration of environmental protection with human development positions Sabah as a leader in climate action, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its natural beauty.

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