Climate Governance Malaysia

🌍 5 days away- Join the Malaysian Support for COP29 Parallel Event🌍 In conjunction with the Malaysia Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Climate Governance Malaysia is pleased to host the Malaysian Support for COP29 parallel event—a gathering of thought leaders, innovators, and experts showcasing impactful climate solutions and collaborative strategies. Each session, following the Malaysia Pavilion’s daily themes, will delve into key areas of sustainability, driving Malaysia’s commitment to a resilient and sustainable future. The Malaysia Pavilion: The Malaysia Pavilion in Baku showcases the nation’s leadership in sustainable development and climate action, featuring sessions that highlight Malaysia’s journey toward a net-zero future. Explore the full Malaysia Pavilion schedule to learn more and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/geG-8A2E 🔹 Parallel Event Highlights: Our parallel program begins each day at 8:30 am with an insightful 30-minute session led by Dr. Gary Theseira, as he unpacks the latest COP29 developments. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay engaged with the latest in global climate action! RSVP and join us through our official website, where you can view the full agenda: https://lnkd.in/gD4X4VZj Block your calendar now and see you! #Climategovernancemalaysia #COP29 #MalaysiaPavilion

TRUMP COULD DIAL BACK OR SLOW DOWN CLIMATE ACTION CREATING UNCERTAINTIES IN INVESTMENT AND POLICY STABILITY. US may withdraw from the Paris Agreement, raising concerns that efforts to address climate change—esp as extreme heat threatens to render parts of Asia & Africa uninhabitable within decades—could face setbacks under Trump. Known for dismissing climate change as a “hoax,” Trump previously rolled back or eliminated over 100 environmental protections during his first term, targeting rules safeguarding land, air, & water. This time, he has vowed to swiftly reverse Biden’s environmental policies, halt new regulations & has solicited $1 bn in support from oil industry CEOs for his campaign. TRUMP CLIMATE TIPPING POINTS: 1. IRA Tax Credits: Trump's administration would face difficulties in repealing the IRA’s extensive tax credits due to bipartisan support, especially in red states benefiting from related jobs & economic growth. However, Trump could attempt to adjust Treasury rules to restrict or favor credits for certain technologies, like fossil fuels, which may slow the clean energy transition. 2. Climate Funding: Although Biden has accelerated the distribution of climate funds to insulate them from potential rescission, any undisbursed funds are vulnerable. Trump could redirect unspent funds towards infrastructure projects, although already obligated funds would likely remain secure. 3. Clean Tech Loans: The DOE's Loan Programs Office could be shuttered or reoriented to prioritize fossil fuels, potentially diverting up to $200 bn from clean tech to industries like mining & nuclear power. 4. Methane Emissions: Trump could scale back Biden’s methane regulations, including those requiring oil companies to monitor leaks. The methane fee under the IRA is also highly vulnerable. 5. Electric Vehicle (EV) Policies: Trump may ease pollution regulations that compel automakers to sell more EVs, potentially limiting the market shift toward electrification. EV tax credits under the IRA could also face reductions or increased eligibility restrictions. 6. Offshore Wind Projects: New offshore wind permits would be at risk, & Trump could introduce new hurdles for projects, such as environmental impact assessments. 7. Coal & Gas Power Plants: Biden’s carbon regulation on power plants could be repealed, possibly extending the lifespan of coal plants & reducing the pressure to capture emissions from gas plants. 8. Climate Diplomacy: Trump might withdraw from the Paris Agreement & the UNFCCC, weakening US leadership in global climate initiatives & potentially influencing other nations to lower their climate commitments. 9. LNG Exports: Biden’s pause on new LNG export licenses might be quickly reversed, with Trump approving new exports & removing limits on license. How can Malaysia [with ASEAN, BRICS] step up to ensure we maintain our green&clean trajectory? Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira

BAYER'S DOMINANCE IN AGROCHEMICALS IMPACTS BIODIVERSITY, FARMERS AUTONOMY AND HEALTH GLOBALLY Meanwhile its lobbying efforts sustain its disproportionate market influence over agri policies. KEY POINTS 1. Market Consolidation & Agrochemical Monopoly: Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto marked a significant consolidation in the agrochemical & biotech seed industry. This merger gave Bayer unparalleled control over global seed & pesticide markets, esp in GMOs & herbicides. Market competition has declined, forcing many farmers to rely on Bayer’s seed & chemical packages, driving up prices & limiting choices for non-GMO or organic farming practices. Bayer’s market power allows it to set seed prices, control patents & monopolize crop-related biotechnologies, impacting smaller competitors & fostering dependence on its products. 2. Influence on Farming Practices & Food Systems: Bayer’s seeds are often engineered to resist its own pesticides, such as glyphosate, creating a “lock-in” effect where farmers feel pressured to buy both Bayer seeds & chemicals. This reliance threatens crop diversity & pushes a monoculture model that harms soil health & biodiversity. Globally, small & local farmers are often marginalized, as traditional, sustainable farming practices are replaced by industrialized, chemical-intensive approaches. 3. Aggressive Lobbying Tactics: Bayer allocates substantial resources to lobbying in major markets like the EU & US to shape regulatory environments favorably. Using political influence, Bayer delays bans on hazardous chemicals, advocates for GMO-friendly legislation, & opposes stringent agrochemical regulations. Lobbying is also extensive in developing nations, where Bayer pressures govts to adopt policies that favor corporate interests over local agricultural or environmental protections. 4. Environmental & Public Health Risks: Key Bayer products, particularly glyphosate-based herbicides (e.g., Roundup), are linked to soil degradation, water contamination, & biodiversity loss. Health risks associated with these chemicals have raised global alarm, with glyphosate classified by the WHO as “probably carcinogenic.” Bayer faces thousands of lawsuits claiming that glyphosate exposure causes cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These chemicals have a long-lasting impact on communities near industrial farming areas, raising questions about corporate responsibility & regulatory effectiveness. 5. Undermining of Sustainable Agriculture: Bayer’s dominance marginalizes sustainable, organic, & agroecological farming practices. By promoting chemical & seed products, Bayer supports a farming model that relies heavily on synthetic inputs, undermining sustainable approaches that are less resource-intensive & more environmentally friendly. This reduces food system resilience & threatens local food sovereignty, as traditional farming methods are replaced by Bayer’s industrialized models. [CONTINUED IN COMMENTS]

As climate-related lawsuits rise globally, corporate boards must stay informed about the evolving legal landscape to mitigate liabilities and protect their organization’s reputation and financial stability. Understanding emerging legal trends and key precedents is vital for managing climate-related risks and enhancing compliance. We invite all corporate board members to attend the final session of the 2024 Masterclass on Climate Action, which will equip you with essential tools for navigating climate governance and aligning corporate strategies with climate goals. Registration link: https://lnkd.in/gX_vND_W Don’t miss out—register now!

AMOC'S SYSTEMIC GLOBAL IMPACT 2OF2 [CONTINUED] KEY POINTS 5. Future Projections & Model Limitations Underestimated Threat in Climate Models: Climate models generally underestimate AMOC’s vulnerability. Current models fail to replicate intensity of cold blob observed in real world & may overly stabilize AMOC. For instance, many do not fully account for Greenland ice melt, a crucial factor. Extended Model Runs Beyond 2100: In higher emission scenarios, many models indicate that AMOC could collapse later in century, with some moderate-emission scenarios also projecting collapse, underscoring that risk persists even under limited emissions. Paleoclimate Evidence: Multiple studies using various data sources (e.g., sediments, corals) all point to AMOC's recent decline after a long period of stability, aligning with historical cold blob formations & indicating that current trends are abnormal & rapid. 6. Global Climate Impact of AMOC Collapse Regional Cooling & Rainfall Shifts: northern Atlantic region would experience significant cooling, while other areas warm, impacting weather patterns. Tropics would see major shifts in rainfall, with tropical rainfall belt likely moving south, leading to extreme weather in both tropical & temperate regions. Disruptions in Oceanic Systems: An AMOC collapse would reduce CO₂ absorption by ocean, decreasing efficiency of this key carbon sink. Additionally, oceanic oxygen levels would drop, disrupting marine ecosystems. Sea Level & Other Consequences: A weakened AMOC could raise sea levels along parts of U.S. East Coast & Europe, among other areas, presenting challenges for coastal populations. 7. Urgent Call to Action Nordic Council of Ministers’ Role: Rahmstorf & other experts issued an open letter to Nordic Council, urging it to leverage its influence to push for faster emissions reductions. Given AMOC’s global significance, he stressed need for immediate policy actions & a comprehensive risk assessment to mitigate potentially devastating effects of a collapse. Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira

AMOC'S SYSTEMIC GLOBAL IMPACT [1OF2] KEY POINTS 1. AMOC & Climate Patterns The "Cold Blob": A region in North Atlantic has been cooling over recent decades, creating distinctive "cold blob." This area contrasts sharply with general global warming trends, particularly intense warming along North American coast. Historical Consistency: cold blob pattern has been recorded since 19th century & is unique as it is only part of planet to have experienced sustained cooling, while rest has warmed. Oceanic Circulation: AMOC is an overturning circulation that transports warm, surface water from tropics northward, where it releases heat into atmosphere, cools, & sinks before returning southward as a cold current. This process is critical to Northern Hemisphere's climate, acting like a "central heating system" that brings warmth to high latitudes. 2. Drivers of AMOC Weakening Salinity & Freshwater Input: Freshwater from increased precipitation, melting sea ice, & glacial runoff (especially from Greenland ice sheet) dilutes ocean waters, reducing their salinity & density, which inhibits sinking that drives AMOC. Lowest Salinity Levels: cold blob region now has its lowest recorded salinity in 120 years, a trend exacerbated by global warming as warmer conditions accelerate water cycle, increasing freshwater input into North Atlantic. 3. Consequences of a Slowing AMOC Temperature Shifts: When AMOC slows, it disrupts warming & cooling balance across hemispheres. Rahmstorf highlighted model projections where a weakened AMOC causes cooling in Nordic seas by up to 20°C annually, significant Northern Hemisphere cooling, & increased Southern Hemisphere warming. Historical Abrupt Climate Changes: Paleoclimate data reveal that AMOC shifts triggered some of most abrupt temperature swings in Earth's history. Ice core & sediment data show that these sudden changes, linked to AMOC instability, shaped climate shifts during last ice age. Impact on Extreme Weather: A weaker AMOC could drive more extreme weather events in Europe, increasing temperature contrast between warmer southern Europe & cooler northern Europe, intensifying storms, & other extreme weather events. 4. AMOC Tipping Point & Feedback Mechanisms Understanding Tipping Point: AMOC tipping point is driven by a feedback loop where freshwater inflow weakens AMOC, reducing transport of salty water from subtropics, further freshening northern waters. Once tipping point is crossed, AMOC could collapse, leading to a stable but significantly weakened climate state. 5. Future Projections & Model Limitations Underestimated Threat in Climate Models: Climate models generally underestimate AMOC’s vulnerability. Current models fail to replicate intensity of cold blob observed in real world & may overly stabilize AMOC. For instance, many do not fully account for Greenland ice melt, a crucial factor. Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira https://lnkd.in/gJG6DiH3

WHAT IF CCS IS BIG OIL'S SHELL GAME? CCS facilities hv been operational since 1970s BUT capex for scale [once proven] remains high. https://lnkd.in/giEYYkqz KEY POINTS 1. Economic Viability & Scalability: CCS tech has been proven to work, but it is not yet economically viable or scalable. Many facilities, like ExxonMobil's Shute Creek, engage in practices that do not effectively contribute to climate solutions, often using captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, which ultimately leads to more emissions. 2. Shell Game Concept: The term "shell game" is used to describe how carbon capture initiatives often serve the interests of the oil & gas industry rather than providing genuine climate solutions. Captured CO2 is frequently repurposed for enhanced oil recovery, which contradicts the goal of reducing overall carbon emissions. 3. Limited Success of CCS Projects: highlights limited success of various CCS pilot projects, with many facing significant challenges & costs that render them economically unviable. current usage of captured CO2 is minimal compared to the scale of emissions being produced. 4. Transportation Challenges: Transporting CO2 for sequestration poses complexities & safety concerns, particularly regarding the infrastructure needed, such as pipelines. need extensive new infrastructure with Europe needing approximately 19,000 kilometers of pipelines that do not currently exist. 5. Alternative Solutions: stressed importance of substantial reductions in carbon emissions rather than relying solely on CCS tech. Investments in RE sources like wind & solar are suggested as more effective strategies for addressing climate change. 6. Ocean & Atmospheric Carbon Capture: ocean carbon capture & the challenges of ocean acidification is exacerbated by increased CO2 levels. The chemistry involved in CCS does not indicate that costs will decrease significantly, making it a less favorable option compared to other climate solutions. 7. Environmental Risks: The webinar highlighted environmental risks associated with CO2 pipelines, including incidents where pipeline failures have led to dangerous situations. For example, a pipeline in Mississippi experienced a failure that resulted in gaseous CO2 expanding & creating hazardous conditions for nearby communities. 8. Misleading Claims by Industry: panel criticized claims made by firms like ExxonMobil wrt CCS capabilities arguing such claims often do not hold up under scrutiny. claims to that they are leading in CCS is perhaps misleading, esp when the captured CO2 is used to extract more fossil fuels which ultimately contributes to higher emissions. 9. Need for Comprehensive Climate Strategies: underscored necessity for comprehensive climate strategies that go beyond CCS. includes changing land practices, enhancing energy efficiency, & investing in sustainable tech that can scale for climate action. Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira

NATIONS ESPECIALLY G20 MUST MIND THE EMISSIONS GAP KEY SYSTEMIC BARRIERS 1. Insufficient Policy & Governance Frameworks: some nations lack cohesive policies to meet climate goals. Policy fragmentation, regulatory uncertainty & inadequate enforcement hamper effective climate action & create an “implementation gap” between pledges & actual reductions. 2. High Capital Costs & Financing Gaps: EMDEs face high costs of climate-friendly tech & limited access to affordable financing are significant barriers. This financial gap is worsened by lack of sufficient climate finance from rich nations. 3. G20 Reliance on Fossil Fuels & Carbon-Intensive Infrastructure: G20. countries continue to depend on fossil fuels, which delays transition efforts. Ingrained carbon-intensive infrastructure, coupled with insufficient investments in RE, hinders progress. 4. Low Institutional Capacity & Technical Expertise: some struggle with limited institutional capacity & technical knowledge necessary to implement & manage complex climate initiatives, especially at the local level. This limits the effectiveness of climate policies & projects. 5. Social & Economic Trade-Offs: The transition to a low-carbon economy can impact jobs, particularly in fossil fuel-dependent regions, posing challenges for social acceptance & political support. Balancing economic development with climate goals is especially challenging in low- & middle-income countries. 6. Global Inequities in Emission Contributions & Responsibilities: There is a disparity in emissions contributions across regions, with major emitters like the G20 accounting for the majority of global emissions. This imbalance complicates efforts to establish equitable climate goals & responsibilities. 7. Underdeveloped Carbon Markets & Pricing Mechanisms: Effective carbon pricing can incentivize emissions reductions, but underdeveloped or inconsistent carbon markets & pricing mechanisms globally limit their potential. especially true in EMDEs, where carbon pricing could encourage investment in greener technologies. 8. Slow Pace of Tech Deployment: While technologies for renewable energy, carbon capture, & energy efficiency are advancing, their deployment lags behind what’s needed to meet climate goals. Bottlenecks in production, high upfront costs, & lack of infrastructure contribute to this delay. 9. Inadequate Integration of Climate Adaptation & Resilience: Adaptation measures are not sufficiently integrated into national climate strategies, despite their importance in addressing current climate impacts. need frameworks that incorporate both mitigation & adaptation to create sustainable, resilient pathways. 10. Lack of Climate Data & Transparency: Reliable data & transparency in reporting are essential for tracking progress & refining policies. limited data quality, inconsistent reporting & lack of transparency will affect credibility & effectiveness of climate actions. Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira

CCS AS CRUCIAL TECH [ONCE PROVEN AT SCALE] TO ACHIEVE ZERO CARBON GOALS KEY POINTS 1. Integration into Energy Transition: emphasizes that CCS is an integral part of the broader global energy transition, which involves moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources. CCS can help mitigate emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as cement & steel production. 2. Support for High-Emission Industries: points out that CCS provides a means for high-emission industries to continue operating while reducing their carbon footprint. By capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes, CCS can help these sectors align with ambitious zero carbon targets. 3. Facilitating Compliance with Regulations: notes that CCS can assist firms in meeting regulatory requirements & carbon reduction commitments. As govts implement stricter emissions regulations & carbon pricing mechanisms, CCS can serve as a tool for industries to comply without completely overhauling their operations. 4. Potential for Negative Emissions: also discusses the potential of CCS to contribute to negative emissions, where more CO2 is removed from the atmosphere than is emitted. This aspect is particularly important for achieving net-zero targets, as it allows for the offsetting of emissions that are currently unavoidable. 5. Research & Innovation: highlights ongoing research & innovation in CCS technologies, which are essential for improving efficiency & reducing costs. advancements in CCS can enhance its viability as a solution for achieving zero carbon goals. 6. Efficiency Improvements: notes importance of improving the efficiency of CCS processes. while CCS can theoretically capture up to 99% of CO2 emissions, achieving such high efficiency often comes with significant costs. Therefore, optimizing the tech to balance cost & efficiency is crucial for its widespread adoption. 7. Cluster Development: concept of industrial clusters as emissions sources are geographically concentrated. By clustering sources, it becomes easier to implement CCS solutions effectively, as shared infrastructure can be utilized for capturing, transporting & storing CO2. This can enhance the overall efficiency & cost-effectiveness of CCS deployment. 8. Complementing Other Tech: CCS should not be viewed as a standalone solution but rather as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes other tech & practices. includes energy efficiency measures, renewable energy integration, & carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, which together can create a more robust framework for achieving net-zero emissions. 9. Policy & Investment Support: need for supportive policies & investments to drive CCS development & deployment. Govt incentives, funding for research & clear regulatory frameworks are essential to encourage industries to adopt CCS as part of their decarbonization strategies. Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira https://lnkd.in/gGAB_ntQ

BRICS PLUS JOINT MISSION - MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE FINANCE TO ENABLE SDGS TOWARDS PARIS GOALS KEY POINTS 1. Alignment with Paris: #BRICS nations reaffirm commitments under the UNFCCC & the Paris Agreement, emphasizing principles ie equity & common but differentiated responsibilities. Calls for increased climate adaptation projects financing for just energy transitions & collective action to reduce GHG. Also condemns unilateral environmental measures that might disrupt trade & stresses the importance of cooperative climate actions. 2. Climate Finance: BRICS calls on developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments to support developing countries in climate adaptation, mitigation, & addressing loss & damage. highlights necessity for predictable, adequate funding as a critical enabler for climate action. also stress the need for accessible, sufficient resources for developing nations to advance climate goals effectively. 3. Role of Multilateral Development Banks: The New Development Bank (NDB) is highlighted as a vital tool for funding infrastructure & sustainable development projects in member countries. BRICS supports expanding the NDB's capacity & enhancing financing mechanisms to mobilize resources for sustainable initiatives & infrastructure devment. 4. Support for Energy Transition: The declaration emphasizes just & equitable energy transitions, allowing BRICS countries to balance economic growth with climate goals. includes using a range of energy sources & tech, ie RE & low-emission tech, tailored to each nation's specific context. also stress the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" & encourage intl cooperation in financing these transitions. 5. SDGs: BRICS reaffirms its commitment to the UN’s 2030 Agenda, emphasizing a balanced approach to economic growth, social devment, & environmental protection. Further condemns politically motivated development conditions, underscoring that sustainable development should respect national sovereignty & priorities while promoting inclusive, equitable devment globally. 6. Transboundary Pollution: recognizes the impacts of environmental issues ie land degradation, desertification, drought & water scarcity on livelihoods & ecosystems. It encourages sustainable land mgmt, financial resource allocation & capacity building for biodiversity conservation. The BRICS Clean Rivers Initiative is highlighted as a transboundary & collective platform for tackling river pollution & enhancing environmental awareness. 7. Earth Observation: BRICS countries aim to strengthen cooperation in remote sensing satellite & #space4climate applications to aid economic & social devment, including climate change monitoring, disaster risk reduction & early warning systems. also encourages inter-agency collaboration for peaceful exploration & utilization of space for environmental & security applications. Rafizi Ramli Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad Sunita Rajakumar Johan Raslan Gary Theseira