Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

The phenomenal economic development that the world is witnessing would exert enormous stress on nature and the environment. Climate change is a trans-national issue that requires a global response. In facing this challenge, environmental diplomacy would certainly be an important area that Malaysia needs to focus on to ensure a balance between development and the environment.

Over the years, the rise in temperature due to trapped carbon dioxide and green house gases have affected the global climate. Climate change will affect the lives of people around the world. This includes access to potable water, health, food and the well being of the environment.

Photo: The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak giving his keynote address during the 15th Conference of Parties (Cop 15) United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, 16-18 December 2009 

The adoption of the Kyoto Protocol and the subsequent UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are but a first step towards reducing the emission of harmful gases and curbing global warming. Given the circumstances, Malaysia needs to have a firm stance on the issue of climate change beyond the Kyoto Protocol. Pursuant to this objective, it is imperative that Malaysia is actively engaged in the international efforts to formulate policies based on well grounded scientific research.