2023 in Review

As we step into 2024, we couldn’t be more proud of the achievements our campaigners, climate activists around the world, and allies have made for the environment.

Over the past year, we have been at the forefront of various initiatives, campaigns, and collaboration efforts aimed at fighting against climate change and increasing public awareness of environmental protection.

And, we couldn’t have done our work without your support.

Now, let’s read on and celebrate the key highlights of the journey we made together in 2023.

2023 Climate Justice Ship Tour at Port Klang

We started the year by making a comeback of the Rainbow Warrior after the ship’s last visit in 2018. Hundreds of public visitors were welcome to get on board the Greenpeace flagship and have a tour of its facilities – learning about the ship’s history, its contribution to the global environmental movement, and Greenpeace as an organization.

To anchor in on climate injustice, three forums related to the urgent need for achieving climate justice in Malaysia were hosted. Learn more.

With the support from Greenpeace volunteers, allies, and supporters like you, our Ship Tour ended on a good note in March 2023. While the ship sailed to another country, the spirits of collective power remained and will only heighten in the new year. Watch the video recap of the inspiring ship tour that was driven by people power.

Haze is Coming Back Artivism Exhibition

The climate agenda also inspired passionate artists to mount artivism events across Malaysia to demand government action and corporate accountability to stop the haze that continues to threaten people’s health and well-being.

The exhibition’s opening weekend featured a launch party and a contemporary dance performance by the Asia Ballet Theatre. 

 The exhibition combined art, film, and activism, immersing visitors in a visual feast with a vital message: it’s time Malaysians stand up for our right to clean Haze-free air.

Visitors were welcomed with a screening room for the short film Haze-zilla, next to a large cityscape of cardboard buildings, repurposed from the film set. Watch the short film here.

During the 10-day event, more than 2,000 visitors signed the petition demanding a Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Add your voice as well.

Climate Justice Film Screening

In June, we organised a film screening event centred around the crucial issue of Climate Justice—a cause that continues to demand attention and action. The event featured 2 short films – Selepas and Lari by Yip Sean Yi and Fiqtriey Haqimiey , drawing together a diverse group of more than 100 passionate supporters.

These documentaries served as powerful lenses through which the audience could witness the far-reaching consequences of climate injustice, specifically in the regions of Pahang and Selangor.

Selepas and Lari skillfully documented the aftermath of climate-related disasters, shedding light on the challenges faced by communities in the wake of environmental degradation. The narratives unfolded the grim realities brought about by human factors such as deforestation, exposing the vulnerabilities of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of human lives with the environment.

The event was not merely a platform for showcasing films but also an opportunity for collective reflection and conversation. Following the screening, attendees engaged in a dialogue that brought forth valuable insights and perspectives on climate justice.

Crossing 6 States with 1 Mission: #Vote4Climate

In July, we crossed 6 state legislative assemblies with the ‘#Vote4Climate’ banner to demand that political parties nominate candidates who can speak for reducing plastic pollution, preserving clean air, protecting diversity, and increasing renewable energy in the state assemblies.

We went to Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pulau Pinang, Terengganu, and Pahang to encourage the public to vote for environmental and climate-conscious candidates during the state elections.

“Malaysians have a right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment championed by environmentally and climate-conscious elected representatives who prioritise the well-being of people and our planet above singularly profit-driven goals. Real solutions already exist, namely protecting and restoring our existing natural environment, reducing production and use of unnecessary plastic, while transitioning to solar renewable energy.” – Thing Siew Shuen, Senior Programme Manager at Greenpeace Malaysia

Digital Activism: Invisible Cigarettes

In September, we launched a digital campaign to highlight the detrimental effects of ‘Invisible Cigarettes’, namely air pollution from the domestic and transboundary haze. Learn more here.

The digital campaign seeks to raise questions and greater awareness of the decades-long issue of transboundary haze and what Malaysian society deems safe. Watch the video.

It’s no surprise that our kids are one of the most impacted by air pollution like haze. Watch the video.

The impacts of PM2.5 are comparable to that of smoking, more than 3 times that of alcohol use and unsafe water, and more than 5 times that of transport injuries like car crashes. Watch the video.

And haze pollution is like an invisible cigarette we’re forced to smoke as reports of haze in Malaysia have steadily been rising in 2023.

Act for Climate Justice in Malaysia at COP28

We held a peaceful action highlighting the need for stronger political will in tackling climate change at 2023 Asia Pacific Climate Week (APCW) in Johor with our ally Ganesha Pillai, a senior research associate from the Center of Technology, Strategy, and Sustainability (CTSS). Learn more here.

The peaceful action aimed to urge the Malaysian government to recognise that basic human rights to a clean and healthy environment are the fundamentals of climate justice by transitioning away from climate polluting practices and developing a strong legislations toward a just future for all.

The government must proactively take steps at COP28 to secure loss and damage funds to finance climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Plastic Monsters Spotted in Kuala Lumpur

In effort to push for a Global Plastic Treaty, our creative and collaborative effort brought forth a symbolic plastic monster, constructed entirely from plastic waste collected by staff and volunteers.

This monstrous creation, accompanied by its unhappy bride, stands as a powerful representation while telling the story of our collective mission to break free from the toxic relationship with plastics. 

We stood firm to continue to visually convey our commitment to driving change two at the heart of Kuala Lumpur in front of KLCC and Dataran Merdeka. Add your voice to our Global Plastic Treaty petition.

Haze Emergency: Smoking 23 cigarettes in one day

To commemorate Human Rights Day, Greenpeace Malaysia collaborates with Oscar Lee on a mural, taking a strong stance in advocating for equal access to a clean, safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all citizens in Malaysia.

Located at Jalan Petaling, the mural represents the connection between health and basic human rights to a clean environment with a depiction of the potential hazard breathing in air pollution and haze have on our future generations as a haze emergency day could be as deadly as smoking 23 cigarettes in one day. Watch behind the scenes here.

We’re Greenpeace

Our supporters are the heartbeat of Greenpeace. Their passion, voice, time and financial support fuel our campaigns. Their support and belief in a healthier planet sustains our work, reminding us that this fight is a shared one.

Greenpeace volunteers are the unsung heroes in our journey. Whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes, their dedication amplifies our impact. They plant the seeds of change, lend their voices, and are the driving force that propels us toward a greener and more just future.

Our staff, experts in various fields, are the architects of our vision. They work tirelessly to craft strategies, conduct research, and communicate our message. Their commitment and innovation navigate the complexities of environmental challenges.

As we wrap up the year, our gratitude extends to every member of our community. It’s through the synergy of supporters, volunteers, staff, and allies that we turn vision into reality. We stand united in a movement that transcends boundaries, politics, and differences. Watch the recap video here.

Looking forward, we are excited about achieving more milestones with you in 2024. We will nurture change, cultivate a greener and more just world, and ensure our planet thrives for generations to come.