Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) viewing an exhibition booth at the Asia Carbon Conference in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak plans to set up a centre to oversee and manage the development of carbon trading and storage towards mitigating climate change, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said this would help ensure that carbon trading policies and practices would be aligned with the state's sustainable goals.
He said the proposed Sarawak Climate Change Centre would be set up once the legal framework and rules were in place for climate change and carbon trading initiatives.
"The legal framework is now being worked out in stages by our lawyers in collaboration with international bodies.
"We've already amended our Land Code and Forests Ordinance, which enables us to venture into carbon trading and storage," he told reporters after opening the Asia Carbon Conference here on Wednesday (March 15).
Abang Johari also said at least five countries had expressed interest in working with Sarawak for carbon trading and storage.
He said Sarawak had the advantage of forest cover and depleted oil and gas fields offshore, which served as carbon sinks and potential carbon storage areas.
"Therefore the Sarawak government is initiating a carbon policy so that our growth will be aligned with the world's need for sustainability," he said.
In his keynote address earlier, Abang Johari said the proposed centre would serve as a hub to coordinate, manage, support and guide all climate change and carbon trading initiatives in Sarawak.
It would also support the development of policies and regulations promoting sustainable practices, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and forest management.
"With the centre, Sarawak can position itself as a leader in climate change and carbon trading initiatives in the region, attracting investment and talent to drive sustainable economic growth," he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak was developing a state climate change policy to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate their impact.
"This policy will guide all communities in Sarawak towards a more sustainable and resilient future," he said.
Other strategies include developing low-carbon blueprints for cities and towns in Sarawak, protecting and restoring forests which act as carbon sinks, pursuing participation in carbon offset programmes and investing in carbon capture and storage technologies.
In addition, Abang Johari said Sarawak was committed to its target of net-zero emissions by 2050, largely by increasing its renewable energy capacity and electrifying the transport sector.
"By prioritising renewable energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change," he said.
The Premier said Sarawak also aimed to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 600,000 tonnes per year by electrifying its mobility fleet.
"The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and electrification is a key strategy to reduce emissions and improve air quality," he added.
