In collaboration with the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) and the Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC), the "Climate Courage Workshop" was held on 11 November 2024. The program began with a welcoming address from Associate Prof. Dr. Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad, Director of UMSDC, and Prof. Dr. Ramesh Subramaniam, Dean of the Institute of Advanced Studies. Dr. Fong Chng Saun then provided an overview of the workshop.
In the afternoon, Dr. Nor Aishah Abdullah, leader of UM Water Warriors, gave a brief on the group's activities, followed by the Water Warriors team sharing the history and restoration efforts of UM’s Tasik Varsiti. Participants of the Climate Courage Workshop also conducted physical, chemical, and biological monitoring of the water quality in Tasik Varsiti and a nearby stream by the Samali treehouse. Monitoring water quality is crucial in the face of climate change, as these ecosystems are sensitive to environmental shifts and serve as essential indicators of broader ecological impacts.
Additionally, the UM Zero Waste Centre (UMZWC) led a hands-on composting demonstration, equipping participants with the knowledge on the tools, materials, and techniques needed to practice composting at home. Each participant received a bag of compost from UMZWC to use in their gardens. Another notable session, organized by the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, focused on understanding eco-anxiety, offering insights and strategies for coping with environmental concerns.
The Climate Courage Workshop directly supports mental health and climate action initiatives within the Planetary Health Roadmap and Action Plan. This workshop aimed to address the growing issue of eco-anxiety—psychological distress stemming from environmental changes. It provided a safe space for participants to process their emotional responses to the climate crisis while building resilience through community support and personal reflection. By combining mental health strategies and empowering youth to lead climate action, the workshop aligns with the roadmap’s focus on fostering emotional and mental resilience in facing climate challenges. Additionally, it promoted practical steps toward sustainability, supporting the goal of proactive climate action for individual well-being and planetary health.
Youth play a vital role in the planetary health movement as they are especially aware of climate change issues and have the potential to be agents of change. In the Climate Courage Workshop, young participants were given space to confront eco-anxiety and were trained as community leaders. They were empowered with knowledge, self-care strategies, and practical actions to address climate change, enabling them not only to participate in but also to lead efforts toward a more sustainable and environmentally just future for planetary health.
