Green Plus Issu 14

CLIMATE
hence leading to climate change. It is indeed
sobering to discover that Malaysia generates
83.5% of its energy from fossil fuel sources.
We need to the structural capacity and political
will to transition to more sustainable forms
like wind and solar energy.
START EARLY IS YOU’RE SLOW
Being the beginner long distance cyclist in
the group, it was only natural that I would be
placed with Group 4 (the riders that followed
the slowest pace). On rides that would take
6 hours for normal cyclists, it would take us
(mostly dragged down by me) at least 2 hours
longer. Since we were approaching the winter
solstice at this point, limited daylight would
also prolong our ride from constantly stopping
to navigate. Thus on Day 2 and 3 of the ride,
the group made it a point to leave as early as
possible.
Here, I could liken this to developing countries.
Yes, we might not be as financially or technically
as advanced at the other major economies.
But we have to start this battle early on
or we’ll lose out in the long term as the green
technological zone advances. If we’re lucky, we
might even be the first to arrive!
JUST KEEP CYCLING; THERE IS NO
HILL TOO HARD TO CLIME
One thing true
about cycling is that
being on two wheels
at whatever pace will
get you there faster
than walking at
your fastest pace. So
you’ll eventually get
there as long as you
keep pedaling. As
far as hills are concerned,
there were
numerous occasions
where I looked at the
incline and thought
to myself, ‘There’s
no way I’m going up
that. Well, here again I
proved myself wrong.
All I had to do is just
drop down to my lowest available gear, try to
put on a brave face and pushed through.
Climate change is challenging, no doubt.
There will be times where people, even nations
feel like giving up. However, I urge them not to
give up hope. It may sound naiive but we can
definitely save the world together, as long as
the stakeholders persevere and keep fighting
this good fight.
Tough times don’t last, tough people do
*cue Miley Cyrus’ The Climb*
…yet there is no shame in getting down
to push your bike
Bikes are such fickle creatures; sometimes,
they don’t do what they are told. For example,
climb at 45 degree hill. This is me being the bad
workman that blames his tools. On a serious
note, when things got a little unbearable for
my thighs I got down and pushed the bike
uphill, praying that the next turn would take
me downhill. Luckily my pride was salvaged
by fellow bike pushers; though they probably
had more valid excuses. Hanna had a 10 gear
bike while Antonia had a 12. I’vedigressed;
my point is that pushing your bike will get you
there nonetheless.
Climate change will be more challenging
for some countries as compared to others. The
argument that developed countries will find it
easier to manage their targets is a sound one.
After all, these countries have already reached
a certain level of development. For the developing
countries, we need to reach our climate
goals even if it means going at it at a slower
pace.
SAVOUR THE WINS
Amazing scenery
Throughout the entire route, cycling wins
would definitely be exhilarating downhill rides.
They made the uphill climbs so worth it. Other
than offering rest for tired legs, most of the
downhill had such mesmerizing views of both
the English or French countryside.
The agreement reached at COP 21 had
mixed views from climate activists. Ignoring
Greenplus TM MARCH 2016
51