KUCHING: The use of technology is crucial in advancing green economy initiatives, especially in the area of carbon trading, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that in carbon trading, the capacity of forests to absorb carbon plays a key role, and this is where technology such as 3D data in forest management becomes vital.
“Many tropical countries, including those in Latin America such as Brazil, still have dense forests, just like the rainforests in Borneo.
“Each tree species has different characteristics in terms of carbon absorption capacity.
“If you have the technology to identify and categorise tree types, you can determine how much carbon they can absorb.
“The price of carbon is based on the volume of carbon absorbed.
“With that data, we can calculate the overall carbon absorption capacity of our forests,” he said during the launch of the International Day of Forests 2025 celebration, themed ‘Forests and Foods’, held here today.
Abang Johari added that such data would allow the state to consider imposing a levy or carbon tax based on the carbon absorption process carried out.
“This is why we must leverage technology to support green economy management initiatives,” he said.