Summit Day 2 - How Johor Tackles Mobility, Equity, and Environmental Resilience for a Sustainable Urban Future
On Day 2 of the Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024, insightful discussions continued as experts and thought leaders gathered to address pressing challenges in urban sustainability. The sessions focused on key areas such as sustainable mobility, social equity, and environmental resilience, driving home Johor’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in sustainable development. Through keynote addresses, case studies, and panel discussions, the event highlighted collaborative solutions to support the state’s vision of building resilient, inclusive, and eco-friendly cities.
Keynote Address 1 - Greening Urban Journeys
Delivered by Kamisah Mohd Ghazali, Head of Resilient Environment at the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), this keynote address explored how sustainable transport systems are essential for reducing emissions and improving the quality of life in cities. Kamisah highlighted several key initiatives aimed at boosting electric vehicle (EV) adoption, implementing Mobility as a Service (MaaS), and developing smart city solutions, which are vital to improving connectivity while reducing congestion.
Kamisa’s approach ties directly to the broader goal of Greening Urban Journeys for a sustainable future. She noted, “Sustainable mobility is a cornerstone for developing resilient green cities. Our goal is to achieve a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 60/40 public-to-private transport ratio by 2045.” This reflects how urban planning must incorporate green transport options to reduce car dependency while also promoting walking and cycling infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Active Transportation – Promoting walking and cycling infrastructure is essential for reducing carbon emissions.
- Green Mobility Targets – Ambitious emission reduction goals are critical for sustainable urban growth.
- Technological Innovation – Smart transit platforms can improve transport efficiency and reduce emissions.
Keynote Address 2 - Gentrification and Social Equity
The second keynote was delivered by Tpr. Ts. Norliza Hashim, Chief Executive of Urbanice Malaysia, who focused on the growing challenges of gentrification and social equity within urban spaces. As Johor continues its rapid urban transformation, it is crucial to ensure that communities are not displaced and that development benefits all residents.
Norliza underscored the importance of community-driven urban revitalization, stating, “Cities contribute to 70% of greenhouse gas emissions and consume 78% of the world’s energy. We must address issues like Urban Heat Islands, flash floods, and landslides exacerbated by urban development.” These issues underscore the need for equitable urban growth, ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind amid modernization efforts.
Key Takeaways:
- Equitable Urban Growth – Gentrification must be managed to avoid displacing vulnerable communities.
- Community-Centric Urban Policies – Active public participation is key to sustainable and equitable development.
Mayoral Moments - Shaping Sustainable Cities
One of the most engaging sessions of Day 2 featured YB Dato’ Haji Noor Azam, Mayor of the Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB), who spoke on the theme of Collaborative Urban Growth. He emphasized the need for partnerships to advance smart city developments, foster economic revitalization, and implement innovations in urban planning. Moderated by Maimunah Jaafar, Director of Lead Technology and Innovation, IRDA, the session also tackled the complex task of balancing modernization with heritage preservation, encouraging regional collaborations to have a broader impact on sustainable development.
Key Takeaways:
- Overcoming Digital Transformation Challenges – Urban services modernization is essential to efficient city management.
- Public-Private Partnerships – Catalyzing smart city advancements and innovations.
- Balancing Heritage Preservation with Modernization – Respect for historical legacies must be maintained amid urban growth.
Workshop Highlights - Empowering Sustainable Change
One of the most anticipated sessions of the day was led by Patrick Dixon, futurist and keynote speaker. In his thought-provoking talk, Dixon explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing decision-making and resource optimization in various sectors.
Dixon emphasized AI’s potential to dramatically reduce energy consumption in data centers—citing Google’s DeepMind as an example, which has saved billions in energy costs through AI-driven optimization. He also spoke on AI’s role in smart city planning, where it can simulate urban designs and optimize the deployment of green energy.
However, Dixon also raised concerns about the ethical implications of AI, stressing the need for responsible deployment and governmental safeguards to ensure that AI serves humanity without causing unintended harm. His predictions about AI’s exponential growth and its transformative potential left the audience with a lot to ponder about the future of AI in sustainability.
Day 2 of the Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 also featured workshops focused on critical aspects of sustainable development, carbon markets, and ESG reporting, paving the way for a greener future. Thirupathi Rao, Head of Climate Change, Sustainable Development Department, Environmental & Social Performance, Group HSSE, Petronas, and Ir. Ts. Siow Jat Shern, Director of GCX Ventures Sdn Bhd, led a Carbon Credits Exchange workshop, which explored the evolving landscape of carbon markets and how businesses can leverage these markets for sustainability.
Another workshop, led by Wong Chiun Chiek, Director at Bursa Malaysia, emphasized the importance of adopting ESG frameworks as businesses face growing demands for transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, Jens Radchinski, Lead of the UNFCCC’s Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia-Pacific, conducted a workshop on Article 6 mechanisms, outlining how international cooperation through carbon markets can support national emission goals and enable countries to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As the session progressed, participants were keen to understand how aligning business practices with global sustainability goals could generate significant cost savings while contributing to climate action.
Key Takeaways:
- Carbon Credits and Viability – Business viability is intertwined with carbon credits, incentivizing sustainable projects.
- ESG Reporting – Comprehensive ESG frameworks are needed for corporate transparency and adaptability.
- Boosting NDC Ambitions – Article 6 enhances national emission goals through reinvestment from carbon markets.
Case Study: Water Security in a Changing Climate
Presented by Prof. Dr. Azmi Aris, Senior Director of the Research Institute of Sustainable Environment (RISE), this case study examined water security challenges in Johor, specifically focusing on the Johor River Basin.
Dr. Azmi emphasized how climate variability is impacting both water availability and quality, despite the region’s high levels of rainfall. The case study outlined practical strategies to enhance water governance, implement conservation efforts, and promote community engagement to secure Johor’s water resources in the face of growing environmental challenges.
Panel Discussions: Diverse Perspectives on Sustainability
The summit’s panel discussions brought multiple viewpoints to the table:
- The Future of Public Transport – Ajit Johl, Chairman of the Malaysian Public Transport Users Association, discussed the importance of last-mile connectivity and how improved public transport can drastically reduce CO2 emissions.
- Organic vs. Conventional Agriculture – The panel, moderated by Diyana Amin, Head of Sustainability & ESG at Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), explored how precision agriculture can bridge sustainability gaps in food production.
- Tax Incentives for ESG – Saravana Kumar, Partner at RDS Partnership, advocated for tax incentives, including a 70% tax exemption for green services, and highlighted the need for a carbon tax to push sustainable business practices.
Key Takeaways:
- Public Transport – Emphasizing last-mile connectivity can drastically reduce emissions.
- Sustainable Agriculture – Precision agriculture and certifications can help balance organic and conventional farming.
- Tax Incentives – Government policies, like tax exemptions and carbon taxes, are crucial in promoting green initiatives.
Conclusion: Johor's Path Forward
As Day 2 concluded, the Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 reinforced its commitment to addressing the complexities of urban sustainability. By leveraging technology, fostering international cooperation, and encouraging public-private partnerships, Johor is steadily paving the way for a sustainable and resilient urban future. With attendees looking forward to the final day, which promises to delve deeper into biodiversity, climate change policy and reporting and climate finance, the summit solidifies Johor’s role as a model for green development in Southeast Asia.
