Malaysian forests play an important role in the global climate battle

Contrary to common belief, Malaysia has only counted its dipterocarp forests, montane forests, as well as the freshwater, peat and mangrove swamp forests in the country’s total forest cover statistics, says the writer.

A world that is increasingly worried about an atmosphere that is fast-saturated by greenhouse gases emitted by anthropogenic activities is looking for every possible means to slow down the trajectory of a warming planet.

The role of carbon-absorbing forests, especially tropical rainforests, in regulating climate has never been more important. Once again, protecting the remaining forested areas which lie in the territories of developing countries has regained international attention, and is thrust into the forefront of the battle to reverse the planetary emergency.