In this blog post, I explore why Malaysia’s draft climate legislation (RUUPIN) needs to be revised to incorporate legally binding carbon emissions targets to secure a future of effective climate action.
Watch the video for a more in-depth discussion: https://youtu.be/6m422s4IZXM
On October 4, 2024, Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability released a consultation paper on RUUPIN, which offers the chance to reshape the country’s climate goals. While Malaysia’s National Climate Policy 2.0 sets net-zero goals, the draft RUUPIN currently leans on policy-driven targets, which may not be as effective as the UK Climate Change Act 2008—which mandates legally binding emissions targets and carbon budgets.
Here are three reasons why legislative targets are essential:
- Legal Binding Framework: Unlike policy-driven targets, legislative targets are enforceable by law, providing clarity and certainty for businesses, governments, and the public.
- Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance: The UK Act imposes legal penalties for non-compliance, ensuring accountability. RUUPIN lacks such a framework.
- Vulnerability of Policy-Driven Targets: Policy targets, as seen in the US experience, can be easily reversed with political shifts, making long-term progress uncertain.
I believe Malaysia must incorporate legally binding targets within RUUPIN to avoid the pitfalls seen in other countries. What do you think? Leave your comments below!
#ClimateChange #Sustainability #NetZero #RUUPIN #MalaysiaClimate #ClimatePolicy #UKClimateAct #EnvironmentalGovernance
4. Facebook Post
Should Malaysia’s Climate Targets Be Legally Binding?
In my latest video, I dive into why the Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara RUUPIN needs to change its approach to carbon emissions target mechanism which currently doesn’t include binding long-term targets, making the country vulnerable to political changes that weaken climate action.
Why does this matter?
- Legal Framework: Binding targets create certainty for businesses and the public.
- Accountability: Legal consequences ensure governments follow through on promises.
- Protection Against Political Shifts: Policy-driven targets are easily reversed.
If Malaysia wants to meet its net-zero goals, it’s time to make a shift.
#NetZero #Sustainability #ClimateChange #RUUPIN #ClimatePolicy #EnvironmentalSustainability