Green summit to rally stakeholders, industry leaders for climate action

The Star

9 hours ago

(From left) Tan, Sundarajoo, Chow, Baderul Amin and Penang Green Summit organising chairman Datuk Lawrence Lim Hua Kwang, who is also PGC director, at the press conference. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Penang is taking steps to lead regional action in addressing climate change and its economic and social impact.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the state would host the Penang Green Summit 2025 from Oct 31 to Nov 1 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre.
He said the event, themed 'Moving Towards Sustainable Energy', would merge purpose, partnership and policy in climate leadership, and energy transition.
'The Penang Green Summit 2025 is more than a continuation – it's an evolution.
'We are living in a time of climate emergency. We will not wait, we will step up,' he said during a press conference at Komtar.
Chow, who is also Penang Green Council (PGC) chairman, pointed out that the hottest year ever recorded was 2024 when global temperatures reached 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.
He said rising sea levels, floods, heatwaves and disruptions to food security were part of unpredictable weather.
'Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but also an economic, social, and public health challenge.
'If we fail to act decisively, we risk the very well-being of our current and future generations,' he cautioned.
Chow said PGC had since 2011 been pushing for public awareness, green certification, policy advocacy, and industry enablement.
'Last year, we launched the Penang Energy Framework for clean, secure and efficient energy, with a focus on renewables and energy efficiency,' he said.
The upcoming summit will be the state's next step in terms of moving from the planning to implementation stages, he added.
The two-day event will bring together decision-makers, industry leaders, academics, innovators and public sector players for dialogue, alignment and action.
As part of the summit, the state government will also host a Green Gala Dinner to recognise leaders in sustainability.
The dinner will also be a platform for industries to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and explore green solutions.
PGC general manager Josephine Tan said the state was advancing its renewable energy agenda through action plans.
'Each programme is tied to clear sectoral objectives and all are progressing as planned.
'These initiatives underscore our dedication to building a low-carbon future,' she said, reaffirming Penang's continuous push towards sustainability.
Also present during the press conference were Penang environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.