PETALING JAYA: A national planetary health action plan is in the works to help Malaysia tackle climate change.

       Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) said the plan will provide a holistic approach to manage human, animal and environmental health.

       “(It is also) to mainstream planetary health in all national policies and action plans by taking a nationwide approach to address ecosystems, biodiversity, health and climate change for sustainable development,” ASM CEO Hazami Habib told Sunday Star.

       He said the Covid-19 pandemic had brought into sharp focus how vulnerable humankind is to the impact of changes to ecosystems, natural environment and biodiversity.

       “This action plan will help to tackle health security, food security and societal well-being in the country,” he said.

       ASM council member Dr Helen Nair said the action plan, envisioned by ASM, was presented to the High- Tech Nation Council on Nov 5 last year. She said the plan would use the “all of society” approach and if properly implemented, would flow down to schools.

       “To combat climate change, the nation needs to change its mindset.

       “We need to take care of each other and the environment. If approved (by the council), the plan will lay a very firm platform to ensure Malaysia looks after her environment, nature and people,” she said.

       The High-Tech Nation Council is chaired by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. It reports directly to the National Science Council, which is chaired by the Prime Minister.

       The national planetary health action plan is among the ministry’s initiatives for this year.