The world watched Belém closely as leaders gathered for COP30, hoping the talks would deliver stronger climate action. Meenakshi Raman (President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia and Head of Programmes, Third World Network) was there in the thick of this year's climate negotiations, and she joins us to break down the wins, the gaps, and share the stories that didn’t make global headlines.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The world watched Belém closely as leaders gathered for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cop30.br/en">COP30</a>, hoping the talks would deliver stronger climate action. Meenakshi Raman (President, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://foe-malaysia.org/">Sahabat Alam Malaysia</a> and Head of Programmes, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.twn.my/">Third World Network</a>) was there in the thick of this year's climate negotiations, and she joins us to break down the wins, the gaps, and share the stories that didn’t make global headlines.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

Earth Matters

Key Takeaways from COP30 in Belém

The world has a limited amount of carbon left that it can emit if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Scientists call this the global carbon budget. But once that number is set, another question follows: how should that budget be divided between countries? A new report titled "Estimating a Fair Share Carbon Budget for Malaysia" examines what our country's fair share might actually look like, and what it means for our climate policies going forward. We find out more from the report’s co-authors, Adam Farhan and Nithiyah Tamilwanan.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The world has a limited amount of carbon left that it can emit if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Scientists call this the global carbon budget. But once that number is set, another question follows: how should that budget be divided between countries? A new report titled "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://9b2d2d75-7adf-4ea5-8c47-1b96d3a7eaf6.filesusr.com/ugd/a4715a_a3b2e08d629d460f830f62ff7e2417bd.pdf">Estimating a Fair Share Carbon Budget for Malaysia</a>" examines what our country's fair share might actually look like, and what it means for our climate policies going forward. We find out more from the report’s co-authors, Adam Farhan and Nithiyah Tamilwanan. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Fair Share Carbon Budget Explained

The annual migration of raptors across the Straits of Malacca is one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife events. Each year, thousands of birds of prey pass through Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve on their journey north, and the movement is closely observed by birdwatchers and conservationists. We discuss the migration of raptors, why this journey matters, and how the public can experience it through Raptor Watch 2026 with Wong Shea Hong, the Bird Group Coordinator at the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The annual migration of raptors across the Straits of Malacca is one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife events. Each year, thousands of birds of prey pass through Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve on their journey north, and the movement is closely observed by birdwatchers and conservationists. We discuss the migration of raptors, why this journey matters, and how the public can experience it through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mnsselangorbranch.org/2026/02/event-mycology-raptor-watch-2026.html">Raptor Watch 2026</a> with Wong Shea Hong, the Bird Group Coordinator at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mnsselangorbranch.org/">Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch</a>.Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Great Raptor Migration at Tanjung Tuan

Penang has long been celebrated for its heritage and natural beauty. But in recent years, concerns about overdevelopment, rising heat, flooding risks and large-scale reclamation have sparked difficult conversations about the island’s future. The Silicon Island project, formerly part of the Penang South Islands plan, is now moving ahead. Supporters call it essential for economic growth. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage and serious consequences for thousands of fisherfolk. We take a closer look at what’s at stake with Andrew Han, a filmmaker and Programme Coordinator at Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim (JEDI) Malaysia, who has spent years working alongside coastal communities affected by these changes.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Penang has long been celebrated for its heritage and natural beauty. But in recent years, concerns about overdevelopment, rising heat, flooding risks and large-scale reclamation have sparked difficult conversations about the island’s future. The Silicon Island project, formerly part of the Penang South Islands plan, is now moving ahead. Supporters call it essential for economic growth. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage and serious consequences for thousands of fisherfolk. We take a closer look at what’s at stake with Andrew Han, a filmmaker and Programme Coordinator at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jedinetwork.org/">Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim</a> (JEDI) Malaysia, who has spent years working alongside coastal communities affected by these changes. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Key Takeaways from COP30 in Belém

Earth Matters

In 1 playlist(s)

Earth Matters

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips