Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the necessity for decisive action centered around anticipatory investment, technological pragmatism, and accelerated adaptation to combat climate change. He highlighted these measures as essential for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and maintaining regional stability in a world increasingly affected by climate and disaster risks.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar pointed to Southeast Asia as a prime example, noting that the region has long been a global disaster hotspot, responsible for nearly half of global disaster fatalities and suffering over US$4.4 billion in economic losses. He clarified that, while not all such events are driven by climate change, the stress from climate conditions exacerbates their impact and hampers recovery efforts. Anwar made these remarks during his intervention at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, during a session focused on disaster risk reduction, climate change, and energy transition.
Anwar, who will serve as
Chair of ASEAN in 2025, stressed that resilience hinges on anticipatory investment, drawing attention to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance or AHA Centre, which he described as one of the most active disaster-response systems in the developing world. He proposed a three-pronged approach to tackling climate change: a broader, multi-level approach to climate action, embracing technological pragmatism, and accelerating adaptation to mitigate impacts already threatening lives and livelihoods.
He explained that while global agreements may stall, regional organizations and coalitions of sub-national actors, such as provinces, states, and cities, can still make progress. ASEAN’s experience, he said, demonstrates that regional platforms can advance climate action, disaster cooperation, and energy connectivity even when global processes struggle.
Anwar further advocated for a pragmatic approach to technology, emphasizing the need for technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of foss
il fuels, including carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), methane abatement, and industrial decarbonization. He noted Malaysia’s strong investment in these areas, including the development of carbon-capture and storage hubs. He also mentioned that initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline would aid in integrating renewables and improving energy security as the region scales up clean energy.
Lastly, Anwar underscored the importance of accelerating adaptation, particularly where climate impacts endanger food and water security. He noted that climate change has already reduced global agricultural productivity growth by over 20% since 1961, warning that without stronger adaptation measures and support for farmers, tens of millions more people could face hunger by 2050. He advocated for scaling up climate-smart agriculture, expanding early-warning networks, and supporting smallholders as vital steps toward regional stability.
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming Malays
ia’s commitment to working with global, regional, and local partners to advance an ambitious climate strategy grounded in the realities faced by the people. He stressed that international climate finance must be accessible, predictable, and aligned with the needs of developing regions to secure livelihoods and promote shared prosperity.