Readiness Assessment of Transformational Adaptation in Urban Klang Valley, Malaysia

Transformational adaptation refers to climate change adaptation efforts that aim to achieve long-term systemic improvements across sectors, as compared to incremental changes. Malaysia, as a developing nation in Southeast Asia, is set to face increased vulnerabilities unique to the region in the coming future, and it must move beyond mitigation efforts to invest in adaptation strategies. Its ongoing efforts, primarily through the Malaysia National Adaptation Plan, aims to map out a more holistic approach toward the country’s climate action strategies, conceptually moving toward transformational adaptation. The plan identifies infrastructure and cities as a national priority sector with unique vulnerabilities, given the rapid urbanization rates that are expected to reach up to 90% by 2050, as well as increased concentration of climate impacts such as heat waves and flash floods. It also aims to be informed by equity through measures such as inclusion of gendered perspectives. Despite this approach, efforts are still sidelined by an overemphasis on climate mitigation, on top of existing fundamental gaps such as lack of climate risk assessments, reliance on band-aid measures and weak cross-sectoral coordination. Marginalized communities such as urban poor, women, children, and youth also face these vulnerabilities, but many times over. Hence, this commentary aims to explore the readiness of urban Klang Valley in adopting transformational adaptation measures, with emphasis on adaptive capacity and climate justice principles. It will stock-take existing policy measures on adaptation and assess understanding of structural change across stakeholders. It will also provide recommendations toward adaptation measures that embody more whole-of-society approaches aimed at achieving long-term societal change.