KUALA LUMPUR, 6 JULY – There is a serious need to care for the planet, protect the environment, combat climate change and ensure the sustainability of planet earth.
United States Ambassador Brian McFeeters said that the effects of climate change were undeniable, with severe consequences for tragedies like floods in Malaysia and the unprecedented forest fires in his country.
“More importantly, my main message to you is that I see reasons for optimism, because governments, businesses and individuals around the world are taking significant steps to tackle climate change.
“The Malaysian government, I am aware, is raising targets for renewable energy generation.
“Malaysia has a real potential to be a global leader in carbon capture and storage,” McFeeters said at the 247th US Independence Day reception at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Jalan Ampang.
The US Independence Day falls on July 4 and is also known as the ‘Fourth of July’ celebration.
Present were guest-of-honour Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the ambassador’s wife Melanie McFeeters and US embassy senior defence official-cum-defence attache Capt Pasit Somboonpakron.
For that reason, McFeeters said that the theme of this year’s celebration was red, white, blue and green to represent the environment, climate and earth.
McFeeters spoke of Malaysia’s initiatives to tackle climate change during the ongoing ‘Energy Asia 2023’ conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The conference involved entrepreneurs and representatives from all over the world, including US Department of Energy assistant secretary Brad Crabtree, to focus on the needed energy transition.
“There is reason for optimism because the energy transition is underway. In the United States, solar and wind are now providing more electrical power than coal – a first.
“US companies in Malaysia can also play an important role in this challenge.
“We are also partnering with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre, and the Ampang Jaya Rimba Collective so that the beautiful plants that surround you will be replanted in communities around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, in keeping with those organisations’ reforestation efforts.
“The climate crisis is critical and emphasis should be given to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia,” he said.
On the reception, McFeeters said it was a celebration of the United States’ freedom, liberty and independence.
“Independence Day is a day of history, hope, remembrance and resolve, and of promise and possibilities.
“It is also a celebration of the deep and enduring, comprehensive partnership between the United States and Malaysia,” said McFeeters.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force brass band, based in Okinawa, Japan, performed for the evening with several popular songs and music.
They also played the national anthems of both Malaysia ‘Negaraku’ and the US’s ‘Star-Spangled Banner’. – airtimes.my
