The Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 (APCW 2023), one of four Regional Climate Weeks held this year, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP 28, was officially launched in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Monday. It is an important moment for various stakeholders, experts, and policymakers from across the region and the conclusion of the first global stocktake, designed to chart the way for fulfilling the Paris Agreement's key goals. This significant gathering aims to showcase innovative solutions and foster increased cooperation to address the escalating climate challenges facing the Asia Pacific.

Climate Challenges In The Asia Pacific Region

The Asia Pacific region is confronting a spectrum of climate-related challenges, from the tangible impacts of rising sea levels and extreme weather events to the more insidious threats to biodiversity and freshwater resources. As climate change intensifies, the need for a robust and inclusive climate action plan becomes increasingly apparent.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s Federal Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, described climate change as a global problem which requires collective action from all parties.

“Although Malaysia's contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions stands at 0.69%, we remain determined to play our role to address this global phenomenon. Malaysia has pledged to reduce its GHG emissions by 45% in 2030 compared to the 2005 level. Furthermore, we have set our aspiration to achieve net-zero GHG emissions as early as 2050,â€_x009d_ said Malaysia’s Federal Minister for Natural Resources.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, acknowledged the Asia Pacific region's pivotal role in combating climate change. With the potential to lead in green technologies and innovations, APCW serves as a platform uniting policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and civil society to catalyse transformative climate solutions.

Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Malaysia’s State of Johor, highlighted the global implications of climate change, expressing Johor's commitment to collaborating with partners in the Asia Pacific. Datuk Ghazi eagerly anticipates insights on climate solutions, emphasising their integration into the Johor Green Deal framework and the newly launched Johor Sustainability Centre.

Tackling Diverse Climate Challenge

The thematic tracks of APCW, covering energy systems and technology, urban and rural development, infrastructure and transportation, land use, oceans, food, and water, as well as socio-economic dimensions, health, and livelihoods, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing diverse climate challenges.

The focus will be on strengthening momentum for progress on critical issues such as the energy transition, climate finance, and addressing loss and damage.