COMMENT | Heatwave: Need for climate damages tax

COMMENT | The ongoing 2024 Southeast Asian heatwave has had devastating impacts on Malaysia. April 2024 was the warmest month on record - 1.58 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial global temperatures.

Heatwaves are a direct and unavoidable consequence of increased global temperatures, and Malaysia is no exception to this trend.

Temperatures in Malaysia peaked at 38 degrees Celsius, causing at least one death and 27 other health-related cases reported from extreme heat, in addition to severe water shortages and loss of agricultural productivity.

Notably, research has shown that no one is exempt from experiencing heat stress in Malaysia, and one study found that at least RM1,300/person is lost in annual productivity in urban areas.

Who is responsible for the 2024 heatwave?