Saving the Planet: Climate and Environmental Lessons from Malaysia and Beyond

(Paperback)

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A young Southeast Asian Cabinet Minister outlines the challenges and solutions for climate change and energy transition facing his country. In December 2022, 40-year Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was appointed as Malaysia's Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC). A career politician, his first ministerial appointment was a baptism of fire as he was thrust into the complex world of environmental policy. While 'green issues' had previously only been an occasional part of his work and activism, executing the Malaysian government's ambitious sustainability plans brought home to Nik Nazmi how crucial solving climate change is to the country's survival. He comes to realise that a key component of this task includes winning public support for the required transitions and changes, especially in the face of rising climate change denialism and pessimism. Saving the Planet relates Nik Nazmi's experiences as NRECC Minister later redesignated as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and his thoughts on connected issues ranging from water management to climate financing. He stresses that developing countries-which are especially vulnerable to the destruction that ensues from environmental degradation-back climate action but require viable support from their wealthier counterparts. Ultimately, climate change must be dealt with not only urgently but also inclusively if humanity is to succeed. It is fundamentally a moral and political challenge that will require radically changing our societies to become more just. Saving the Planet is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intersections between politics and climate change, as well as for an authentic voice at the frontlines of climate action in the Global South.

Author Bio

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is the Malaysian Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability since December 2023. From 2022 to 2023 he was the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change. He was one of the youngest ministers in the Anwar Ibrahim cabinet. He is also the MP for Setiawangsa and Vice President of the People's Justice Party (KEADILAN). He began his political career as the Selangor State Assemblyman for Seri Setia in 2008, where he served for two terms. He was appointed as Political Secretary to the Selangor Chief Minister from 2008 until 2010. From 2014 to 2018 Nik Nazmi held the position as Selangor State EXCO (State Minister) for Education, Science, Technology and Human Capital Development. Nik Nazmi won the Setiawangsa Parliamentary constituency in 2018, and again in 2022. In his first term, he chaired the Special Select Committee on Defence and Home Affairs. In KEADILAN, he held the position of Communications Director (2010-2013), Youth Leader (2014-2018), Chief Organising Secretary (2018-2022) and KEADILAN Vice President (2022- present). He was the Youth Leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition (2017-2018). He founded the Mentari Project, an educational program for the poor as well as community football club Setiawangsa Rangers FC. Nik Nazmi has written several books including Malaysian Son- A Progressive's Political Journey in the Heart of Southeast Asia and Moving Forward- Malays for the 21st Century. He studied at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) and read law at King's College London.