Nature in Malaysia: The Ongoing Degradation
Nature in Malaysia is at risk these days, thanks to the impact of climate change, environmental damage and emissions from fossil-fuels. The growing economy of the country, paired with the impact of global warming, is to blame for these environmental threats, something we are going to look further at in this article.
The Environmental Situation in Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, but these are all becoming threatened by the impact of global warming, climate change, development of urban areas and industrial work.
Biodiversity
Habitat loss, pollution and climate change are all parts of the environmental degradation, which also impacts Malaysia tourism as the areas that people want to visit become slowly wrecked. Ecosystems are not being preserved, on land and on the coast, which throws off the balance.
Water and Air Pollution
The air and water quality in Malaysia is becoming more and more worrying, with a massive 90% of the country’s population breathing air that exceeds WHO guidelines, and 32,000 avoidable deaths. Both water and air pollution are a result of industrial activity and waste, untreated sewage, and open burning activities, and this is also having an impact on Malaysia tourism- tourists avoid activities due to this pollution, which impacts money for the country.
Heatwaves and Concern
Malaysia experiences intense heat waves that can lead to temperatures rising above 35 degrees in some areas. This leads to water shortages, the loss of crops, a slower tourism boom and a lot of concern about the future of the country and its environment.
Impact of Global Warming in Malaysia
Global warming is having a mixture of different and damaging impacts in Malaysia, especially on the environment and tourism.
Biodiversity
Global warming is changing the ecosystems and biodiversity in Malaysia, with changes in temperature and precipitation levels causing things like rising sea levels, coral reef damage, fish migration and, as a result, less tourism because of these things.
Agriculture
The impact of global warming also extends to agricultural damage. Agriculture contributes to around 4% of Malaysia’s Gross National Product, with nearly 40% of land being used for oil palm, cocoa and coconut plantations. Climate change damages crops, harvests and takes out workforces, which also affects food supplies.
Temperature Changes
Malaysia is suffering from an increase in temperature and precipitation changes as a result of global warming. Malaysia is predicted to get hotter as the years go by, with more extreme rainfalls occurring. This impacts sea levels and puts the population more at risk of flooding and housing damage.
Risk to Public Health
Warmer and wetter conditions lead to a spread of vector-borne diseases, whilst air pollution puts people at risk with every breath they take outdoors. These are major impacts of global warming that are worsening each year.
The environmental situation in Malaysia is becoming increasingly worse as a result of global warming, climate change and fossil fuel emissions. These problems are not limited to Malaysia, but also to other countries. Ultimately, Malaysia can take steps to curb this degradation by becoming more sustainable to prevent the damage from going further, and us as tourists can learn why these things are happening and travel in a way that leaves a place in a better state than we found it. Interested in travelling Malaysia sustainably? Check out this article and research ways you can enjoy the country whilst having a positive environmental impact.
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