The sultanate’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan and economic hubs along the coasts are under threat against the “adverse ramifications of climate change” as the sea level is expected to rise 1.1m by the end of the century.
This was said by Minister of Development Mohd Juanda Abdul Rashid during the opening of the Climate Action Week at the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) yesterday, adding that the country’s mean monthly rainfall was forecast to increase to 500mm by 2050.
“We have experienced unpredictable weather with increasing number of floods, forest fires, major landslides and strong winds, severely impacting infrastructures and the environment that we call home,” the minister said.
Brunei accounts for only 0.025% of total global greenhouse gas emissions annually, by virtue of the abundant rainforest accounting 72% of land area that absorbs 97% of the nation’s gas emissions.
However, the sultanate’s mean temperatures have been increasing at a rate of 0.25 degrees per decade, and may reach an increase of 4°C by the end of the century.
“It is crucial that we play our part in climate action, to minimise the effects and risks of climate change as part of our localised efforts to contribute to global action,” Mohd Juanda said.
The Ministry of Development through the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat has been actively planning and implementing climate change policies and measures to address the ongoing issues, including the launch of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy in July 2021 to pave the way for the sultanate’s low carbon and climate-resilient future.
Through the policy, 10 key strategies have been identified from various sectors for lowering the nation’s net-carbon emissions, and will open up opportunities for investment in green or low-carbon technologies. — Borneo Bulletin/ANN
