Climate change: Small actions matter

Borneo Post

6 hours ago

A major barrier to stronger climate action in industrialised nations is their reluctance to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which remain central to many of their industries. — AFP photo
BACK in September 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, then serving as chairman of the Bank of England, delivered a speech warning of the catastrophic impact climate change could have on future generations.
He noted that the current generation had little incentive to address this looming threat.
Investors and corporations remain overly focused on short-term returns, leading to underinvestment in sustainable growth.
This is further exacerbated by resistance to technological disruption, which many fear could destabilise labour markets and productivity.
Yet the worsening toll of extreme weather events offers undeniable proof that climate change is no longer a distant threat.
Numerous international conferences have been convened to tackle the issue, and many nations have pledged to play their part, but their follow-through has often fallen short.
A damning indictment of this lack of seriousness is reflected in the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which ranks countries on their efforts to combat climate change.
No country has met all the criteria to earn a place in the Top 3.
As a result, Denmark – ranked fourth – has been declared a global leader in climate action. Its ambitious policies on renewable energy, green investments, and international cooperation have set it apart.
The Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Chile follow closely behind in the rankings.
Conversely, the world's two largest economies – the United States (52nd) and China (55th) – are among the laggards.
Russia (64th) and Saudi Arabia (66th) also rank near the bottom among the 67 countries evaluated.
A major barrier to stronger climate action in industrialised nations is their reluctance to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which remain central to many of their industries.
During Donald Trump's first term (2017–2021) and again in his current term, the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement and rolled back numerous climate regulations, citing concerns about job losses and energy costs, while promoting fossil fuel use.
China, despite leading the world in renewable energy investments and green initiatives, still depends on coal for 60 per cent of its electricity generation.
Meanwhile, only 21 countries have submitted their 2035 climate plans, with the UK, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading in transparency.
While coordinated international action among major industrialised nations appears grim, growing awareness and initiatives by smaller countries, regional governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals, offer a ray of hope.
Sarawak, for example, has emerged as a leading example of a small state making a global impact.
It has actively promoted clean energy and hosted international climate conferences.
Notably, Sarawak is pioneering green hydrogen development in the region and has established Asia's first hydrogen plant in Bintulu.
At the individual level, each of us can contribute – no matter how small the act may seem.
The belief that climate change is too massive a problem for one person to impact often leads to paralysis and inaction.
We should remember the parable of the child picking up starfish from a beach strewn with thousands that had washed ashore after a storm.
A bystander mocked the child, saying: 'There are thousands – what difference can you make?'
The child replied: 'It made a difference to the ones I threw back.'
Like that child, we must not be discouraged by the scale of the challenge.
If everyone takes small, meaningful steps, together we can make a significant impact.
So ask yourself: are you picking up starfish – or throwing up your hands in resignation?