The ministry's Deputy for Climate Change Control and Carbon Economic Value Governance, Ary Sudijanto, said in his keynote speech at an event here on Thursday that the level of crisis faced by the world, including Indonesia, has reached a point that threatens human existence.
If society, including businesses, does not make efforts to emerge from this crisis, Sudijanto warned that humanity would face existential threats on Earth.
“The extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by climate change. This is now threatening us,” he said.
He explained that climate change during the dinosaur era was triggered by an asteroid collision that caused extreme climate shifts, drastically lowering the Earth’s temperature.
“That was a natural event that could not be avoided. But the climate change happening now is our doing, caused by us. Therefore, we must take steps to overcome it,” he added.
The disaster that struck Sumatra at the end of November serves as concrete evidence of the dangers of the climate crisis. Previously, tropical cyclones never occurred in the region, but they are now emerging.
“The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated that restoring infrastructure requires Rp52 trillion, and Celios (an independent research institute) indicated that environmental recovery requires Rp50 trillion,” he said.
He emphasized that energy transition efforts, including adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, should not be seen as a burden.
Energy transition is also a step to protect humanity from climate threats. From a business perspective, it safeguards business operations, as disasters inevitably disrupt activities.
“The hydrometeorological disasters in northern Sumatra will certainly become disturbances, obstacles, and blows to business in the area,” he concluded.
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Translator: Putu, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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