ID :
162121
Fri, 02/18/2011 - 12:46
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/162121
The shortlink copeid
World Kudos For Malaysia In Keeping Sabah Coal-Free
KOTA KINABALU (Bernama) - Malaysia has received a
pat on the back from the international community for its decision not to use
coal to generate energy in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, a move that will
open the doors to clean power options in the state.
World Bank Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency Prof Daniel M. Kammen said that by cancelling a proposed coal-powered
plant in favour of sustainable energy options, Malaysia had opted to invest in a
healthy economy and environment for Sabah.
“This is a turning point that should bring deserved praise and partnerships
to Malaysia at the upcoming climate conference in Durban, South Africa.
“I'm truly thrilled by the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun
Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and for their leadership in
directing the course of the nation and state towards a diverse mixture of energy
resources.
“This will help stabilise energy costs, bring new entrepreneurs into the
energy field, create job growth and cut local environmental impact and global
greenhouse gas emissions growth,” he said in a statement Friday.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) had commissioned Kammen to
prepare an energy options report for Sabah in his capacity as Professor of
Energy at the University of California in Berkeley.
“Energy and environmental victories often don't get the attention that
negative events do, but here is a case where a collaborative set of
environmental groups led by Green SURF worked with elected officials to hold
dialogues with the public, and to bring critically needed technical materials
such as the energy options report we produced to decision makers.
"I am thrilled to have been able to work with the people of Sabah on this
victory, and look forward to watching the international community learn from
Sabah’s triumph of planning and partnership,” he said.
World Land Trust Chief Executive Officer and Founder John Burton
congratulated the government on making a rational decision that will have major
benefits for all.
“It is good that they listened to public opinion and shows a genuine
commitment to the environment,” Burton said.
In lauding the government’s decision, 350.org Malaysia’s South East Asia
Field Coordinator Abe Woo said the move has chartered a new course in the
history of environmental movement and energy management.
“This signals a positive and responsive government as the whole
international network of 350.org continues to support bold moves by the present
government in combating climate change,” Woo said.
Jamie Henn, 350.org Communications Director, described it as a “victory
that is felt all around the world.”
350.org is an international movement to unite the world around solutions to
the climate crisis.
Environmental campaigner Roz Savage shared the state government’s decision
through Twitter, adding that she was honoured and proud to have been part of the
campaign calling for the project to be scrapped.
Savage was the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean and was
named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2010.
Yee I-Lann, Sabah-born artist and creator of the “Postcards2PM” project,
which saw thousands signing postcards which were sent to Najib, said the
authorities, including utility companies Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Sabah
Electricity Sdn Bhd, would engage environmentalists to provide sound solutions.
“I hope the authorities will keep environmental protection at the forefront
of all development,” he said.
Green SURF also received a number of reactions at its blog site, with
readers giving the thumbs-up to the government, happy that their voices were
heard.
Wednesday’s announcement by Musa that no coal plant would be built in Sabah
came as a welcome surprise, following months of silence by the authorities after
the detailed environmental impact assessment study for a site in Lahad
Datu was rejected in August last year.
In announcing the good news, Musa said that the ruling Barisan Nasional
government under Najib's leadership was "a government that always listens to the
voice and feels the pulse of the people."
pat on the back from the international community for its decision not to use
coal to generate energy in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, a move that will
open the doors to clean power options in the state.
World Bank Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency Prof Daniel M. Kammen said that by cancelling a proposed coal-powered
plant in favour of sustainable energy options, Malaysia had opted to invest in a
healthy economy and environment for Sabah.
“This is a turning point that should bring deserved praise and partnerships
to Malaysia at the upcoming climate conference in Durban, South Africa.
“I'm truly thrilled by the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun
Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and for their leadership in
directing the course of the nation and state towards a diverse mixture of energy
resources.
“This will help stabilise energy costs, bring new entrepreneurs into the
energy field, create job growth and cut local environmental impact and global
greenhouse gas emissions growth,” he said in a statement Friday.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) had commissioned Kammen to
prepare an energy options report for Sabah in his capacity as Professor of
Energy at the University of California in Berkeley.
“Energy and environmental victories often don't get the attention that
negative events do, but here is a case where a collaborative set of
environmental groups led by Green SURF worked with elected officials to hold
dialogues with the public, and to bring critically needed technical materials
such as the energy options report we produced to decision makers.
"I am thrilled to have been able to work with the people of Sabah on this
victory, and look forward to watching the international community learn from
Sabah’s triumph of planning and partnership,” he said.
World Land Trust Chief Executive Officer and Founder John Burton
congratulated the government on making a rational decision that will have major
benefits for all.
“It is good that they listened to public opinion and shows a genuine
commitment to the environment,” Burton said.
In lauding the government’s decision, 350.org Malaysia’s South East Asia
Field Coordinator Abe Woo said the move has chartered a new course in the
history of environmental movement and energy management.
“This signals a positive and responsive government as the whole
international network of 350.org continues to support bold moves by the present
government in combating climate change,” Woo said.
Jamie Henn, 350.org Communications Director, described it as a “victory
that is felt all around the world.”
350.org is an international movement to unite the world around solutions to
the climate crisis.
Environmental campaigner Roz Savage shared the state government’s decision
through Twitter, adding that she was honoured and proud to have been part of the
campaign calling for the project to be scrapped.
Savage was the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean and was
named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2010.
Yee I-Lann, Sabah-born artist and creator of the “Postcards2PM” project,
which saw thousands signing postcards which were sent to Najib, said the
authorities, including utility companies Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Sabah
Electricity Sdn Bhd, would engage environmentalists to provide sound solutions.
“I hope the authorities will keep environmental protection at the forefront
of all development,” he said.
Green SURF also received a number of reactions at its blog site, with
readers giving the thumbs-up to the government, happy that their voices were
heard.
Wednesday’s announcement by Musa that no coal plant would be built in Sabah
came as a welcome surprise, following months of silence by the authorities after
the detailed environmental impact assessment study for a site in Lahad
Datu was rejected in August last year.
In announcing the good news, Musa said that the ruling Barisan Nasional
government under Najib's leadership was "a government that always listens to the
voice and feels the pulse of the people."
