OPINIONS & IMAGININGS II

“We do not inherit this planet from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

We are now in the midst of a climate crisis. Five of the warmest years have all occurred since 2015,
with temperatures estimated to be 1.15C above the pre-industrial average. Products of global
warming – rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and higher concentrations of greenhouse
gases – continue to put developing countries at risk with billions of dollars projected to cover
damages. This calls for heightened awareness and urgent action, including from the youth of the
world who will inherit this earth.
This publication proudly presents the top winning entries of young Malaysian writers and
photographers from 13 to 23 years old who share their thoughts, fears, hopes, and imaginings on
climate change through thoughtful essays, arresting photos, and creative short fiction for the
Maybank Foundation – Perdana Leadership Foundation Writing & Photo Contest 2020 “Empowering
Youth for a Better ASEAN. This publication also features the text of the speech by former Prime Minister YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad which was delivered at the prize-giving ceremony.