James Kon
Actions addressing the impacts of climate change, including energy transition, will offer opportunities to drive growth in green jobs and low carbon technologies.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah (pic below), who is Co-Chair of the Brunei National Council on Climate Change, said this yesterday in his closing address at the Climate Change and Sustainability Forum.
He added, “Private-public partnerships play a crucial role and have significant potential to leverage on these opportunities.
“By joining forces, we can drive innovative solutions, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, create a conducive environment for sustainable investments, foster technology transfer, and facilitate knowledge sharing.”
The minister acknowledged that the Sultanate has taken significant steps towards addressing the climate crisis but more needs to be done.
“In 2020, the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) was launched, outlining 10 key strategies to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and pave the way for a low-carbon and climate-resilient Brunei Darussalam,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said.
He added, “Since the launch of the policy, we have reduced our yearly greenhouse gas emissions, setting up a strong foundation towards meeting our nationally determined contributions commitment, as part of the Paris Agreement. But there are more that we need to do.
“In the face of unprecedented global challenges, climate change stands out as the greatest existential crisis of our time. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions and extreme weather events have domestic and global consequences.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s AR6 report forecasts further severe climate-induced disasters if we fail to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius (°C), and must make greater strides to limit it to 1.5°C.
“It is a problem that requires collective action, cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility.”
On the Climate Change and Sustainability Forum, the minister said, “I hold high expectations on the outcomes generated from dialogues, knowledge exchanges, and forging of new partnerships.
“I also look forward to innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change and safeguard our environment, as we aspire to continue to raise awareness, foster a culture of sustainability, and inspire action at every level of society.”
He added, “While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, let us remain optimistic about the possibilities that lie before us.
“Initiatives, like the Climate Change and Sustainability Week, demonstrate our collective determination to address climate change and work towards a sustainable future.
“They remind us that together, we can make a difference and create a world that is more resilient, environmentally responsible, and prosperous for generations to come.”
