Malaysia’s average surface temperatures continue to rise as the country grapples with the intensifying effects of the global climate crisis, according to recent reports.
Data showed that Malaysia’s average surface temperature rose by 0.6 degrees Celsius to 1.2C between 1969 and 2009, indicating a clear warming trend, the New Straits Times reported.
Projections suggest that this upward trajectory could continue, with temperatures potentially increasing by 1.5C to 2.0C by 2050 if strong mitigation measures are not implemented by the federal government and other relevant authorities.
Not a new phenomenon
Experts note that this temperature rise is not new, as Malaysia has experienced increasingly extreme heat over the past few years due to global warming.
The Fourth National Communication Report, published last year, revealed that the country’s surface temperatures have increased steadily over the past five decades, with minimum temperatures rising by up to 0.27C and maximum temperatures by 0.24C, Malay Mail reported.
Separate data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department showed that 433 surface observation stations across the country recorded higher average minimum temperatures compared to five years ago.
The rise in temperature is not limited to Malaysia, as global temperatures have soared by 1.1C since the pre-industrial age, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) First Working Group Report.
Greenhouse gases drive the increase in temperature
Dr Ricky Anak Kemarau, a senior lecturer at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Climate Change, attributed this current situation to the high emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), which is the primary cause of global warming.
He noted that gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are major contributors to global warming, as they trap heat in the atmosphere through the “greenhouse effect” for thousands of years.
“Carbon dioxide, for example, can remain in the atmosphere for 100 to 1,000 years depending on its cycle. Methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 10-to 12-year period, while chlorofluorocarbons last over 100 years,” he said.
Ricky explained that these gases absorb solar radiation and retain heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, significantly contributing to global and regional temperature increases.
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Human activities play pivotal role
In addition to greenhouse gases, Ricky stressed that human activities such as industrial production, transportation and deforestation are accelerating the warming process by releasing vast amounts of emissions and destroying natural carbon sinks.
Citing recent studies in Nature Climate Change and IPCC reports, he said over 80 per cent of extreme weather events in the past two decades are “directly linked” to human activity.
“We are witnessing the real consequences of seemingly ordinary activities – burning fossil fuels, clearing forests and uncontrolled land use change due to development,” he said.
“The combination of these actions is heating up the planet and this warming is fuelling extreme weather,” he added.
Government, public urged to act together
In response, Ricky called on the federal government, relevant authorities and the public to intensify environmental efforts and strengthen co-operation to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
“Our responsibility goes beyond just reducing emissions. We must also strengthen the nation’s defences against future climate risks.
He expressed confidence that a united approach will help Malaysia enhance its climate adaptation strategies while curbing the effects of global warming.
This warning comes as Malaysia faces increasingly severe and unpredictable climate patterns, including scorching heatwaves, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, and frequent flash floods.
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