Failed US presidential candidate, Al Gore's recently released documentary-movie, An Inconvenient Truth has infused significant modern day apocalyptic prophecies, graphically backed by some pretty good facts in form of a stark slide show presentation.

In light of the speculative buzz this movie has generated, a handful of US statesmen have dismissed this as sheer environmental "propaganda" (one would expect this kind of rebuke from the US congress owning to their self-exclusion (the only other one being Australia) from ratifying the Kyoto Protocol/Treaty. This is indeed interesting to note because, almost a quarter of the global greenhouse gas emission is contributed by the great American nation.

These concerns over climate change are not unfound and negligible, at the very least. Recent studies and environmental impact reports worldwide, noting higher sea-levels and abnormal rise in world temperature, has invoked radical debate and infused further dire concerns worldwide. The unimaginable myth that our way of life on the planet is very less significant to have any negative impact to the global well-being of Mother Earth is proving to be opposite in the truth.

For example, in the same period last year, the average temperature in Moscow was a little above -20C degrees, in comparison to 6C degrees this year. Also relatively, Europe has been facing higher temperatures and lesser snowfall in recent years. Previously mammoth sized Artic ice shelves cracking and melting at a much quicker rate. Migratory pattern of wildlife is also altered adversely with volatile weather and shifting seasons, gearing towards ecological catastrophes, worldwide. And these anomalies are just tip of the iceberg (mind the pun), just to speak.

Being a recent migrant to the UK, I must humbly perceive and accept that environmental awareness has been instilled to such a degree that residents here are closely associated, twined and much sensitive to their surrounding compared to the average Asian counterpart. One might argue that the West has undergone much revolution in environmental awareness, but by asking ourselves, what makes Singapore different and more pro-active in sustenance of the environment compared to us, Malaysians, having almost matching geographical and historical similarities. Could it be that our policy makers are lax in tackling the issue, or altogether blatantly dormant?

Zero waste policy

Any average Malaysian will be in awe over the effort and initiatives put forth in protecting the environment and resources in this region. With eco-friendly initiatives ranging from the wide usage of energy saving bulbs, to limited capacity and volume-based collection of household rubbish (Malaysians will freak-out with this idea of having their refuse collected fortnightly) and recyclables, so much so emphasis has been placed on wastage and over-use of resources, be it even a simple rubber-band or a plastic bag. One could only wish that this sort of poignant awareness and individualistic effort was instilled much earlier in our society, but nevertheless, it is still not too late to mend our destructive ways.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that we are consuming more resources and producing more waste per capita, in the South East Asian region, in comparison to many westernized countries. Averagely, a Malaysia produces 1 kg of waste per day, comparatively much higher than our counterparts in the EU. This very large difference depicts our "wastage" prone nature. We are simply consuming more than we actually need, and disposing more than we actually should. Let's strive towards a "Zero Waste" policy.

Illegal dumping may seem like a common trait in Malaysia, but it is taken very much seriously in this developed society, where city councils are empowered by having Eco-Inspectors (CSI sampah?) whom rummage through the perpetrator's unfriendly leftovers, scoping for forensic evidences such as envelope bearing addresses, credit card receipts, and any scrap of evidence to construct a solid case against the polluter. Punishment upon conviction is heavy ranging from high fines, to prison sentences in default of payment.

Perhaps some of the following recourses need to be adopted (this is what I like to call constructive criticism, rather than authority bashing):

1. Renewable energy: Technology has provided many intelligent and sustainable means to produce as well as consume energy efficiently. We have the means to generate cleaner energy by means of optimized use of greener and leaner technologies. For example, hydro power plants, wind powered generators, hybrid combined cycle power plants can be built to generate more power yield with lesser use of natural resources (Nuclear power will not be an option but a necessity in future). Coal fired power plants need to be phased out, however cost effective it may be in the long run. Remember, coal is not a renewable form of natural resource, and deposits worldwide are rapidly depleting.

2. Take responsible and evasive action at all grassroots levels be it in the education, industrial, transport, environment sectors and local councils. The adaptation strategies in combating climate change should be propagated to all levels of governance, to make a significant and cohesive change in the pattern of resource consumption and waste. We are fortunate that we have the capability and much desired literacy rate in order to get across the eco-message to the masses.

3. Tighter governmental regulations and enforcement nee to be conjured. City councils need to be empowered in combating gross polluters. We also need stricter legislation and proper monitoring and control of domestic and industrial waste disposal by limiting the capacity of waste for each household. Adopt a Waste more, Pay more rule.

4. Better emission control and monitoring for vehicle road-worthiness in terms of green house gas output. Vehicles of yesteryear technology need to be gradually phased out, giving way to more eco-friendly engines. Japanese and South Korean car manufacturers have been proactive in churning out hybrid and combined cycle (electrical/carbon fuel based technology) automotive engines over the last decade. Our government could introduce reductions in import duty for greener cars in terms of CO2 emission output (unit g/km) to sweeten the deal.

5. Every single individual/SMI can play their part, however minute, such as increasing the air conditioning thermostat in the morning and evening, where room temperature is low, employing automation initiatives for office building lighting, using energy saving lighting equipment, driving less and car pooling regularly, etc.

6. The Energy and Environment Ministry need to be more proactive in improving this situation, by reviewing the existing local by-laws and constitution in the context of protecting our fragile and decaying environment. Newer adaptation and mitigation strategy to counter the impact of climate change need to be put in place at the soonest. The respective ministries need to culture and cradle a national environment policy for sustainable development. Currently, there is not much transparency and accountability on policies adopted by the ministry. Perhaps occasional live telecast sessions of ministerial policy making discussions/agenda, will restore public confidence and reassurance that initiatives are being drafted (and not just lip-service). It has been accepted as utmost beneficial, to include the participation of eco watch groups, resident groups, scholars, and contributing stake-holders to hold vigil in addressing concerns and issues in view of any change to the environment; new development projects in particular.

Gore, has given a tongue-in-cheek depiction of climate degradation in good respect, whilst giving a much needed jolt to the environment community of the world. It goes to show that we can no longer be passive bystanders in the current environmental holocaust, but hastily and seriously need to be empowered in our efforts to contribute positively.

Do we rather be dictated and constricted by how our resources are to be consumed in the near future, by the inevitability of resource depletion, or out of sheer necessity, in generations to come?

It seems like we will eventually tread the path of inevitability, if we maintain our current resource hungry and destructive course. Inaction it seems is a high price to pay for the future generations to come. That is indeed an inconvenient truth to swallow.

SIVAGUMARAN POOPALAN is a self-advocate to the conservation of Malaysian virtue, culture and the environment. Currently in north-west England, he says blending in the community there has made him realise that being a technocrat in Malaysia for the past 10 years, has made him oblivious to 'what it should be' rather than 'what it is'.