Climate Kopitiam EP 9: Tackling Transboundary Haze: Creative advocacy with Greenpeace Malaysia
We’ve all heard about the radical actions that Greenpeace has taken to raise awareness for environmental issues. What does Greenpeace do in Southeast Asia? What needs to be done to tackle the pressing problems of deforestation and transboundary haze? Join us in this interview with Heng, Regional Campaign Strategist for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
Heng Kiah Chun, or Heng for short, is the Regional Campaign Strategist from Greenpeace Southeast Asia. Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Heng was involved in Greenpeace projects such as the imported plastic waste trade investigation, and is currently focused on transboundary haze and air pollution campaign in the region.
We learn about Greenpeace’s strategy and practices, such as creative non-violent direct action, and how they work with different stakeholders when it comes to complex socio-environmental issues. Specifically, we zoom in on the transregional haze in Singapore, unpack why it is such a challenging issue to tackle, but also explore some leverage points towards more sustainable palm oil production, less deforestation, and clean air access for all.
Visit www.act.gp/THPA to learn more about Greenpeace’s campaign for a Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. #CleanAirForAll
Example of a creative campaign where Greenpeace painted a mural to raise awareness about the Haze issue: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3uyJ71JSb4/?hl=en
Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s social links
Website: https://www.greenpeace.org/southeastasia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenpeacesea/
Report: Indonesia’s Chronic Forest Fires – 2023
Latest updates to follow:
The journey toward recognising environmental rights as a human right is making progress with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (SUHAKAM) report launch, welcomed by Greenpeace Malaysia and CERAH Anti-Haze Action Coalition. SUHAKAM will be bringing the six recommendations, that includes a call for the enactment of a Clean Air Act with transboundary haze pollution mechanisms, to be table at the next parliamentary seating. https://www.greenpeace.org/malaysia/press/59024/ending-haze-the-silent-enemy/
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Want to get involved to stop air pollution in Southeast Asia? Check out People’s Movement for the Haze (PMHaze) - a singapore
Website: https://www.pmhaze.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmhaze/
Protect Our Peatlands: https://www.instagram.com/protectourpeatlands/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:58) Introduction to Greenpeace and its strategies
(07:35) Overview of issues Greenpeace Southeast Asia works on
(11:42) Heng’s role as a Regional Campaign Strategist and how regional activities are coordinated
(15:00) Overview of the haze issue
(19:58) Three perspectives to tackle the problem
(21:18) Greenpeace campaigns on the haze issue
(26:09) Examples of responsible palm oil Initiatives
(30:30) Can the palm oil industry really keep up with demand without deforestation?
(35:28) Challenges faced in organizing
(38:55) Changing the narrative of environmental challenges
(42:18) Bridging gap between business and local communities
(50:55) The need to strengthen environmental and human rights
(52:16) Deforestation, clean air, and climate change
(54:29) Conclusion