The Rising Heat Beneath Our Skies

You’ve probably felt it too. Hotter days than you remembered as a child, longer heatwaves, or even unexpected floods in unseasonal weather. Perhaps you’ve noticed your air conditioner working overtime or read the news about yet another “hottest month ever recorded.” These aren't random coincidences. They are signs of global warming.

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, largely due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases trap Earth’s heat from radiating outwards into space. It is a natural phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect, but human activities have intensified it dramatically over the last century.

Among the main human activity that drives global warming is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas for electricity and transportation. It is also driven by emissions from landfills, livestock industry, and industrial processes. As of March 2025, NASA reported that CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have exceeded 420 ppm, [1] reaching its highest point in at least 800,000 years. [2]

But how much is the Earth really heating up? Recent data shows that the global surface temperature for April 2025 is 1.22°C above pre-industrial levels. [3] However, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that in 2024, global surface temperatures actually peaked to 1.55°C above pre-industrial times, making it the hottest year on record! [4] [5]

Although the Paris Agreement’s target limit of 1.5°C [6] technically hasn’t yet been surpassed, since the agreement considers long term changes over decades rather than fluctuations in individual years, [2] this trend slaps humanity as a stern wake-up call. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that exceeding the 1.5°C limit could lead to irreversible impacts on ecosystems, sea levels, and human livelihoods. [7]

What does this mean for us? The impacts are broad and already visible. Ice sheets at the poles are melting at alarming rates, causing global sea levels to rise. [8] Low-lying cities like Jakarta are at risk of being submerged. [9] Ocean temperatures are increasing, causing coral reefs to bleach and disrupting marine biodiversity. [10] [11]

On land, warmer temperatures intensify droughts, disrupt food production, and worsen wildfires, such as those that ravaged Australia in 2019–2020 and Canada in 2023. [12] [13] [14]

Even our health is affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked global warming to rising cases of heat-related illnesses, heart problems, and the wider spread of diseases like dengue and malaria, as mosquitoes thrive in warmer temperatures. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low-income communities are most affected by these health risks. [15] [16] [17]

One of the more concerning aspects is the feedback loop. As polar ice melts, it exposes darker ocean surfaces that absorb more sunlight, speeding up the warming. [8] When permanently frozen ground (permafrost) melts, it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, which makes global warming even worse. [18] These repeating effects make it harder to slow down climate change, so taking action becomes even more urgent.

So, are we doomed? Not necessarily. Humanity still has a narrow window to act, and many are already stepping up.

The Malaysian government, for example, has adopted meaningful steps toward reducing its carbon footprint in recent years. With the launch of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in 2023, the government aims to decarbonise the energy sector and attract up to RM1.3 trillion in investment by 2050. [19] [20]

This roadmap is a call to action for local industries to pivot towards cleaner technologies and low-carbon business models.

Building on national progress, PETRONAS is redefining its role in a warming world. It’s not only targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 but also investing in renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Through its Energy Transition Strategy, the company is shifting from traditional fuels to cleaner options, supporting Malaysia’s climate goals and staying relevant in a low-carbon future. [21]

Similarly, key players in Malaysia’s manufacturing, agribusiness, and financial sectors are also stepping up. Sime Darby targets net-zero emissions by 2050, while IOI aims for 2040 and has already cut operational GHG intensity by 40% from its 2015 baseline. [22] [23]

Furthermore, Maybank reported in 2024 that it had provided over RM46.6 billion in sustainable financing, positioning itself as the regional leader in supporting low-carbon and inclusive growth. [24]

While large corporations often lead the spotlight on sustainability, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also becoming key players in climate action. Globally, SMEs are estimated to produce 60–70% of industrial GHG emissions, while contributing 50% to global GDP and providing most of the world’s jobs. [25]

In Malaysia, they make up 97% of business establishments and contribute 39% to national GDP. [26] [27]

With rising awareness, growing supply chain expectations, and access to over RM1 billion in green financing, more SMEs are starting to track their GHG emissions, adopt energy-efficient technologies, and integrate sustainable practices into their operations. [28] [29] [30]

With the right policies, funding, and regional support, SMEs can evolve from being forgotten polluters to inspiring innovators of Malaysia’s low-carbon future.

The rising heat beneath our skies is no longer a problem for tomorrow, rather it is a crisis we face today. From melting ice caps to rising sea levels, the planet is responding in extreme changes. Yet within this crisis, we are not left without option, we can change it. Governments can set bold policies, businesses can adopt sustainable practices, and individuals can make everyday choices that ripple across generations. The future is not yet written, but the pen is in our hands.