Earth Matters

As we close off March, time to look back at some of the top environmental news from the month past, with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal, Macaranga . Together we discuss some current legal disputes being played out in court involving Orang Asli communities, who are facing issues such as destruction of their ancestral land and cultural heritage. We also discuss the supposed pro's...

Behind every wildlife crime is a legal battle - one that Justice for Wildlife Malaysia (JWM) is determined to strengthen. Recognising the critical role of the judiciary in conservation, JWM works to enhance prosecutorial processes, improve investigative methods, and educate legal professionals on the far-reaching impacts of wildlife crime. Originally a spin-off of the Justice for Silent Victims (J...

Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is often presented as a solution to climate change, including here in Malaysia. But according to new research by environmental think-tank RimbaWatch, CCUS is not only ineffective at reducing emissions but is actively enabling further fossil fuel extraction, and could actually unlock a 1.3 billion-tonne carbon bomb. With billions of ringgit at stake a...

The Just Energy Transition Partnership, or JETP, was designed to help countries move away from coal, towards clean energy. But with the United States recently pulling out of its financial commitments, many are wondering if the model can still work. Grant Hauber, an expert in energy finance, who has been closely following developments, argues that the JETP can still succeed without U.S. involvement...

When a major development project is announced—whether it’s a highway, a dam, or a large-scale plantation—one of the most critical steps in the process is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). But how does the EIA process work, and how much influence does public feedback really have? In a three-part series , environmental journalism portal Macaranga spoke to stakeholders to explore all this an...

For generations, farmers in Malaysia have saved and shared seeds, preserving biodiversity, culture, and food security. But a new proposed law could change that, shifting control of seeds—and ultimately food production—into the hands of corporations. What does this mean for the future of farming in Malaysia? How will it impact smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and even consumers? We disc...

The Mah Meri’s bunga moyang, or ancestral spirit flowers, are more than just beautiful weavings - they carry deep spiritual meaning and reflect a way of life in harmony with nature. Adat & Alam: The Mah Meri Ancestral Spirit Flowers , a new book by Gerimis Art Project , compiled with guidance by the Tompoq Topoh collective, documents this sacred craft through photographs, illustrations, and es...

Gibbons are among the most endangered primates in the world, yet their trafficking rarely makes headlines. As smuggling operations grow bolder, urgent action is needed to protect these intelligent, social creatures. But enforcement failures, lack of transparency, and weak rehabilitation efforts threaten their survival. So, what can be done? We’re joined by Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli (President & Foun...

For February's wrap-up of top environmental news, Wong Siew Lyn, co-founder of environmental journalism portal Macaranga , joins us to first discuss the impacts of the recent flooding on conservation projects in Kinabatangan in Sabah, then to explain the government's plans to punish litterbugs, and finally how Malaysia chairing ASEAN might impact the environment and sustainability efforts across t...

For years, Indigenous communities in Sarawak have fought to protect their ancestral lands from unsustainable logging, challenging industry practices and certification schemes that failed to recognise their rights. Their persistence has led to a victory that saw contested logging concessions lose their certification, marking a turning point in the push for stronger protections. We speak with Celine...

Perdana Botanical Garden is more than just a scenic escape in the heart of Kuala Lumpur—it’s also a gateway to understanding Malaysia’s rich biodiversity. Thanks to the newly established Forest Learning Centre , visitors now have the opportunity to explore nature through guided walks designed to make forest learning fun and accessible. From pollinators to wetlands and even nighttime adventures, we...

What’s the state of Malaysia’s coral reefs, and what can we do to protect them? These vibrant ecosystems are essential for marine life and coastal communities, but they face growing threats and pressure from human activity and climate change. Julian Hyde, the CEO of Reef Check Malaysia , walks us through the key findings of the Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2024 report, focusing on the urgent...

In Sabah, rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in preparing them for life in the wild, while addressing the root causes of their declining population: illegal trade and loss of habitat. All of this is covered in Macaranga's latest article, Helping Sabah’s Sun Bears Return to the Wild , which also discusses how many released bears struggle to surviv...

When we think about climate action, it’s easy to focus on what’s happening in our own backyard. But the reality is, decisions made in big economies - especially in the US - have a huge impact on the rest of the world. With Donald Trump back for a second term as President of the United States of America, what does that mean for the environment? What policies could shift, and how might that affect g...

As environmental awareness grows, initiatives like Zero Waste Malaysia’s Green Wira Programme (GWP) are shaping the next generation of sustainability champions. GWP is an educational programme dedicated to training educators in Malaysia on sustainability and zero-waste living implementation. Currently open to primary and secondary school educators in the Klang Valley, the programme - which is endo...

The United States’ exit from the Paris Agreement - again  - raises urgent questions about the future of global climate negotiations. What does this mean for COP30 in Brazil, where countries are expected to present new climate commitments? How might the absence of US leadership affect international efforts to curb emissions?  We speak to Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Mala...

In 2025's first round-up of top environmental news from the month past, we tackle how coastal erosion is devastating coastlines in some parts of Malaysia, before looking at how the highest sea temperatures on record in 2024 has led to one of the worst coral bleaching incidents in Malaysian waters. We also take a look at the Natural Resources And Environmental Sustainability Ministry's announcement...

As we slither into the Year of the Snake this Chinese New Year, it’s the perfect time to shed our fears and learn more about these fascinating creatures. While snakes are often portrayed as symbols of fear or danger, they are in fact vital components of our natural world. We catch up with naturalist Andrew Sebastian, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Ma...

From misleading advertisements to vague sustainability promises, greenwashing is becoming a major hurdle in the fight against the climate crisis. The Zero Greenwashing Alliance , a first-of-its-kind initiative in Asia, aims to hold corporations accountable for their greenwashing while encouraging genuine climate solutions. We find out all about this groundbreaking initiative, including the Zero Gr...

Every day, perfectly good food ends up in the trash while countless people struggle to find their next meal. But what if there was a way to fix both problems at once? Justin Cheah, Marketing Director of Kechara Soup Kitchen , joins us to show how it’s done. We discuss Kechara Soup Kitchen’s efforts to combat food waste, the inspiring stories behind their work, and the environmental and social ripp...

Nestled at the base of the Titiwangsa Mountains, the Behrang Ulu urban forest is a natural treasure that the local community has worked tirelessly to protect. Home to over 1,100 distinct varieties of trees and recognized as Asia’s largest conservation nursery, the area is now under threat from industrial development. Local activists, conservationists, and legal experts are now calling for urgent m...

Petting zoos, with their promise of up-close wildlife encounters, have surged in popularity, blending education, entertainment, and exotic allure. Yet, as highlighted in Macaranga's latest two-part investigative report ( Petting Wildlife Sending Mixed Signals and Jury Out on Whether Petting Zoos Aid Conservation ), these facilities often walk a fine line between fostering conservation awareness an...

Lara Ariffin is an award-winning filmmaker whose passion for conserving wildlife has shaped her stunning documentaries, including the acclaimed online documentary series Layar Liar . As the President of Persatuan Pelindung Harimau Malaysia or RIMAU, a citizen-driven NGO dedicated to protecting the Malayan tiger, Lara is also a powerful advocate for Malaysia's incredible but fast-disappearing biodi...

Organised by the Biji Alam Conservation Society, the Biji Alam Awards for Nature Conservation represent a groundbreaking initiative to honour and empower mid-career Malaysian conservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting nature, often with little recognition or support. Founded by a passionate team of environmentalists and experts, the awards aim to address the challenges faced by these...

For decades, PACOS Trust - Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah - has been at the forefront of supporting Sabah’s indigenous communities, helping them protect their heritage, land, and resources. By fostering local leadership, promoting collaboration, and championing land rights, PACOS works hand-in-hand with grassroots organisations across 14 districts and 23 areas, to create sustainable...