KUCHING, Oct 19: Global temperature could rise by 7 degrees Celsius by 2100 due to climate change if nothing is done to preserve the environment.
Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sarawak chairman, Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, warned that the impact of global warming can be very devastating to a point that by the end of the century, Earth could be very difficult to inhabit.
“Climate change is the most important issue we are facing today. We should do something about it before it is too late.
“Ice in the North and South Poles are melting and the ocean is rising. We are going to have big problems if we don’t do anything,” Dr Chan said at the Tree Planting Campaign by SMK Kuching High MRCS here today.
The state former deputy chief minister added that the melting of the ice in the North and South Poles had caused the sea level to rise by 8 inches since 1900.
If the sea level continues to rise to another 2 feet, all major coastal cities around the world would be submerged, he added.
“There are many ignorant people in the world today who are oblivious to climate change. Fortunately there are many people who are aware of this and are taking steps to prevent or even improve the environment.
“Cars using environment-friendly fuel are being used more and more now,” Dr Chan said, noting this among the efforts by the people who are aware of climate change and doing something to make the planet better.
He expressed hope that SMK Kuching High would set an example for other schools on the importance of planting trees to the environment, as well as realising the importance of the climate change issue.
Meanwhile, SMK Kuching High principal Tan Kiang Tuang said five trees would be planted at three locations around the school compound for the campaign.
He said each location have different meanings, hence why they were chosen.
“Outside the gate of the school, it symbolises the Kuching Teochew Association who set up Min Teck Junior Middle School in 1916, now (known as) SMK Kuching High.
“Inside the gate, the two trees symbolises the school’s board of management and figures who have contributed to the school such as Datuk Patinggi (Dr) George Chan.
“Then two more trees at the hill slope is to prevent erosion, also symbolises the school and the local community facing challenges head on,” he explained. — DayakDaily
