KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must renew their commitment to protecting the environment and combating climate change as environmental challenges continue to intensify, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
In conjunction with World Environment Day 2026 on Friday (June 5), the environmental advocate said this year's theme, "Climate Action", underscores the urgent need for collective efforts.
Lee said countries around the world, including Malaysia, are increasingly experiencing the consequences of climate change.
These impacts include rising temperatures, extreme weather events, flash floods, prolonged dry spells, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and threats to food and water security.
"Malaysia is blessed with rich natural resources, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems," Lee said when contacted on Friday (June 5).
However, he noted these invaluable assets are under growing pressure from environmental degradation, pollution, deforestation, unsustainable development and climate change.
Lee stressed that environmental protection should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of governments.
Instead, it is a shared obligation involving individuals, communities, businesses, educational institutions and civil society organisations.
Among the key environmental concerns facing the nation are climate change and its effects on public health, livelihoods and ecosystems.
He also highlighted the need to address rising carbon emissions and accelerate the country's transition towards renewable energy.
"The time for action is now," Lee said, calling for stronger environmental laws, expanded conservation efforts, and the protection of forests and water catchment areas.
Lee added that environmental education should be enhanced at all levels to cultivate a generation that values and respects nature.
He said simple actions such as reducing plastic consumption, conserving energy and water, planting trees, and recycling could collectively make a significant difference.
"Let World Environment Day serve as a reminder that there is no alternative planet," he said.
Lee called on all Malaysians to work together in building a greener, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable nation.
