According to the Human Development Report 2007/2008, Malaysia has a 0.6 percent share of the world’s total carbon dioxide emission for 2004. In 1990, our carbon dioxide emission was 55 million tonnes which increased to 177 million tonnes in 2004. The increase within that period is 221 percent - the world’s highest - and if we project linearly, in 2020 we will be emitting close to 316.4 million tones of carbon dioxide.

The increase in land development projects in Malaysia will contribute to higher carbon dioxide emissions. How do we then encourage industries to reduce carbon emission?

A good option will be the introduction of economic incentives for industries by the government. This will help industries justify embarking on clean technological investments to reduce carbon dioxide emission. Eventually the industries will be producing more eco-friendly products. Malaysian industries are still far from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that helps reduce environmental burden of goods and services. LCA is carried out through the supply chain of an industry. It helps suppliers of raw materials, the industry and the end users play their roles in reducing environmental burden.

Labeling products eco-friendly and recognising industries’ efforts will also lead towards a healthier economy. It is time that Malaysian industries to move towards "green production". If these industries are going for export markets, LCA will help them penetrate European and American markets. Some Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea have already moved into LCA and are championing this field.

Renewable energy and alternative fuel is not the easy way out in reducing environmental problems. The production of renewable energy and alternative fuel do play an important role in determining carbon dioxide emission but unsustainable plantation industries will contribute significantly to environmental impact and carbon dioxide emissions. The production of alternative fuel may reduce dependency on fossil fuel but it may not be the solution towards reduction of carbon dioxide emission.

Domestic users contribute significantly towards air pollution and carbon dioxide emission. Even though we opt for alternative fuel, it releases carbon dioxide as well. If the road system is not improved, we are going to face worse traffic congestion causing more fuel wastage and an increase in carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, improving the public transport system and transportation infrastructures will contribute significantly in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

We also need to ensure that our local car manufacturers produce more fuel efficient cars as well as cars that use alternative fuels.

We urge the Malaysian delegates in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia to pave the way for us to commit to our targets in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Our commitment internationally will ensure our commitment locally.

The writer is programme manager, environment desk, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca).