Include environmental needs in GE14 agendas, politicians urged

- loss of park/forests/beaches/natural areas to development

WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO, Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma hoped that politicians from all political parties and independent candidates will recognise the environmental aspirations of the people, particularly the youth.

 

“We appeal to all politicians to tell the voters how you will work towards realising those aspirations for the benefit of the people.

 

"More specifically, what will you do (for the environment) in the first 100 days, if you are elected to form the government?

 

He added that Malaysia must aim for sustainable development, to balance economic growth without compromising our natural capital (environmental assets, social systems, cultural resources).

 

"Only then can we ensure higher standards of living for current and future generations,” Sharma added.

 

The Open Letter underlined, "As we all know, humans cannot survive without nature. While development is meant to increase our standards of living and grow our economy, unsustainable development destroys the environment that provides services we take for granted such as our clean air, fresh water, food, and protection against extreme weather.

 

"Without proper protection of nature, the risks of flash flood, air pollution, landslides, shortage of water supply, and expanding urban heat islands will increase.

 

"We have already seen some of these happening and the frequency and intensity will get worse.