Earth Matters

El Niño is often thought of as a weather phenomenon, bringing hotter and drier conditions to parts of the world. But according to the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia, the bigger story may not be the weather itself, but rather how prepared Malaysia is to deal with the pressures that come with it, from water shortages and pollution risks to energy security and the management of critical infrastructure. Joining us to unpack these issues is Piarapakaran Subramaniam, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER), and CEO of the Centre for Water and Energy Sustainability (CWES).Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 More than 1,500 Orang Asli and supporters recently gathered in Putrajaya to submit a memorandum calling for greater recognition and protection of Indigenous customary lands. The demonstration comes amid growing concerns over land disputes affecting Orang Asli communities across the country, including the recent demolition of homes belonging to a Jakun community in Pekan, Pahang. We take a closer look at why land rights remain such a pressing issue, what's at stake for Orang Asli communities, and what advocates are calling on the government to do next, with Eliana a/p Tan Beng Hui, Programme Coordinator from Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli and Albert Bansa, an Environmental Campaigner with Greenpeace Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is the show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. Together with co-host Jennifer Neoh Tan, bookshop manager of Sunda Shelves, we speak to Mimi Salleh, an author, illustrator and publisher of Casa Kids Book, a Malaysian children’s imprint known for picture books that explore environmental themes, social awareness, and the Sustainable Development Goals, all through stories created for young readers. We discuss the books that shaped Mimi’s own relationship with nature, how Casa Kids Book approaches storytelling about sustainability, and why stories for children can sometimes be one of the most powerful ways to change how we see the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forests are some of the most productive and resilient ecosystems on Earth. They support incredible biodiversity, build healthy soils, and sustain life in ways that scientists are still learning from. So what if we applied those same principles to the way we grow food? That idea lies behind the concept of food forests, and it is one of the themes that will be explored at the Food Forest Forum 2026, a gathering that will bring together practitioners, farmers, researchers, and community groups interested in regenerative agriculture. Joining us to discuss food forests, regenerative farming, and community resilience are Abdul Razak Abdul Aziz, co-founder of SEEDS Malaysia, Chee Hoy Yee, the founder of Project M.A.R.S and Grow Community Market, and Gabriel Hii, the co-chair of the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance.Photo Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.