Earth Matters

As the world edges deeper into geopolitical uncertainty, climate advocates are warning that the costs could extend far beyond the battlefield, from diverted public funds to delayed climate action. With two major global climate convenings just around the corner, the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and COP31 later this year, the urgency to align regional priorities has never been greater. At a recent regional gathering convened by Climate Action Network Southeast Asia and its partners, stakeholders came together to chart a path forward that prioritises energy sovereignty and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We speak to Nithi Nesadurai, Director & Regional Coordinator at Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA), about the outcomes of that meeting, and what is at stake in the lead-up to these critical global discussions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is the show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. Together with co-host Jennifer Neoh Tan, bookshop manager of Sunda Shelves, we speak to Mimi Salleh, an author, illustrator and publisher of Casa Kids Book, a Malaysian children’s imprint known for picture books that explore environmental themes, social awareness, and the Sustainable Development Goals, all through stories created for young readers. We discuss the books that shaped Mimi’s own relationship with nature, how Casa Kids Book approaches storytelling about sustainability, and why stories for children can sometimes be one of the most powerful ways to change how we see the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Dr. Jane Goodall inspired generations to believe that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through Roots & Shoots, that belief has grown into a global movement led by young people taking action in their own communities. We speak to TP Lim, President of Roots & Shoots Malaysia, and Keilly Lim, Project Manager of the Roots & Shoots Malaysia Award (RASMA), to discuss how that legacy continues here in Malaysia, and how youth can join the 2026 cycle of RASMA. RASMA was created to instill hope and encourage Malaysian youths to go beyond awareness and bring positive change to their environment and communities. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forests are some of the most productive and resilient ecosystems on Earth. They support incredible biodiversity, build healthy soils, and sustain life in ways that scientists are still learning from. So what if we applied those same principles to the way we grow food? That idea lies behind the concept of food forests, and it is one of the themes that will be explored at the Food Forest Forum 2026, a gathering that will bring together practitioners, farmers, researchers, and community groups interested in regenerative agriculture. Joining us to discuss food forests, regenerative farming, and community resilience are Abdul Razak Abdul Aziz, co-founder of SEEDS Malaysia, Chee Hoy Yee, the founder of Project M.A.R.S and Grow Community Market, and Gabriel Hii, the co-chair of the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has a limited amount of carbon left that it can emit if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Scientists call this the global carbon budget. But once that number is set, another question follows: how should that budget be divided between countries? A new report titled "Estimating a Fair Share Carbon Budget for Malaysia" examines what our country's fair share might actually look like, and what it means for our climate policies going forward. We find out more from the report’s co-authors, Adam Farhan and Nithiyah Tamilwanan.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual migration of raptors across the Straits of Malacca is one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife events. Each year, thousands of birds of prey pass through Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve on their journey north, and the movement is closely observed by birdwatchers and conservationists. We discuss the migration of raptors, why this journey matters, and how the public can experience it through Raptor Watch 2026 with Wong Shea Hong, the Bird Group Coordinator at the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penang has long been celebrated for its heritage and natural beauty. But in recent years, concerns about overdevelopment, rising heat, flooding risks and large-scale reclamation have sparked difficult conversations about the island’s future. The Silicon Island project, formerly part of the Penang South Islands plan, is now moving ahead. Supporters call it essential for economic growth. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage and serious consequences for thousands of fisherfolk. We take a closer look at what’s at stake with Andrew Han, a filmmaker and Programme Coordinator at Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim (JEDI) Malaysia, who has spent years working alongside coastal communities affected by these changes.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between 2002 and 2023, Malaysia lost millions of hectares of humid primary forest. In places like Gua Musang in Kelantan, the impact of forest loss is being felt directly by Orang Asli communities. Villages in Pos Pasik, Pos Simpor, and Pos Bihai are reporting polluted rivers, damaged crops, conflicts with wildlife, and increasing pressure on customary lands. Some residents are now facing possible legal consequences for defending those lands through peaceful blockades. We speak to Heng Kiah Chun, Campaign Manager at Greenpeace Malaysia, to examine what is happening on the ground and the policy changes that are being called for through the #HutanKitaHakKita campaign.

Image credit: Greenpeace Malaysia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just one month, Orang Asli communities across Peninsular Malaysia have faced eviction, arrests, logging activity, and developments moving ahead without their consent. Civil society groups say these are not isolated incidents, but signs of deeper systemic marginalisation tied to land, power and profit, and are calling for the Prime Minister to honour his reform commitments and uphold Orang Asli customary land rights. We speak to Koong Hui Yein, Programme Manager at RimbaWatch, about what is happening on the ground, what is at stake for Orang Asli communities, and why this moment is a critical test of the government’s reform promises. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proposed changes to Malaysia’s seed laws have sparked a growing debate about farmers’ rights, food security, and corporate control. At the center of the discussion is UPOV 1991, an international framework that strengthens plant breeders’ rights but has raised concerns across the region. To help us unpack what this could mean for Malaysia and Southeast Asia, we’re joined by Sangeeta Shashikant, Legal Advisor and Programme Coordinator from the Third World Network, and Nori Ignacio, the Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment or SEARICE.

Image Credit: SEARICE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.