08/09/2026

TUESDAY | SEPT 8, 2026

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COMMENT by Eminder Kaur Kawan Singh

Coolcations: Trending human behaviour W HEN THOUSANDS of Europeans swapped the beaches of Spain, Italy and Greece for the The significance of “coolcations” is, therefore, not tourism itself; it is what the trend reveals about changing human behaviour. For decades, countries have competed by offering better These developments affect more than environmental sustainability. They influence business continuity, public health, logistics, insurance costs and the overall attractiveness of cities.

cooler landscapes of Norway, Scotland and the Baltic states this summer, the travel industry quickly coined a new term: “coolcations” – holidays chosen not for sunshine but for milder temperatures. Yet, this shift tells a far more important story than changing holiday preferences. It raises a question that governments around the world, including Malaysia’s, should begin asking: What happens when climate starts influencing not only where we travel but also where we choose to live, work and invest? Climate has always shaped civilisation. Rivers gave birth to cities, fertile land sustained empires and coastlines became centres of trade. What is changing today is not the relationship between climate and human mobility but the speed at which that relationship is evolving. Rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, more frequent floods and worsening droughts are steadily becoming factors in everyday decisions once driven primarily by economics or lifestyle. At first glance, it appears to be another seasonal tourism trend. Yet, beneath the changing holiday itineraries lies a more significant story. As climate change intensifies, people are beginning to make decisions, however small, based on environmental comfort and resilience. The destinations chosen for a two-week vacation today may offer an early glimpse into how climate will influence where people choose to work, invest and live tomorrow.

The question is not whether Malaysia can avoid climate change. It cannot. The more important question is whether Malaysia can adapt faster than many of its competitors. That requires thinking beyond emissions targets alone. Climate resilience should become an integral part of national competitiveness. Urban planning must prioritise cooler, more liveable cities. Infrastructure should be designed to withstand more frequent climate extremes. Reliable water and energy systems will become valuable to investors. Public transport, healthcare and digital infrastructure must all be planned with a changing climate in mind. Such investments are often viewed as environmental expenditures. In reality, they are investments in long-term economic resilience. Malaysia has already taken meaningful steps through the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the National Adaptation Plan and broader sustainability initiatives. The next challenge is to integrate climate resilience more deeply into economic development strategies. This means recognising that adaptation is not simply about reducing future losses; it is also about creating future advantages. This perspective is particularly relevant for Southeast Asia. As the region competes to attract advanced manufacturing, digital industries and high-value investment, countries will

infrastructure, lower business costs, skilled labour and access to markets. Increasingly, another consideration is entering that equation: climate resilience. This does not mean investors or skilled professionals will choose a country based solely on its weather. Economic fundamentals will always matter. But when businesses compare locations with similar advantages, factors such as extreme heat, flood risks, water security, energy reliability and the quality of urban environments may shape their decisions. Climate, in other words, is becoming part of the competitiveness conversation. This shift is already visible across multiple sectors. Insurance companies are reassessing risks associated with extreme weather. Cities are investing in cooling strategies, flood mitigation and green infrastructure to remain attractive places to live and work. Employers are paying closer attention to the effects of heat stress on worker productivity and public health. The discussion is no longer confined to environmental policy; it is influencing economic planning. For Malaysia, this should prompt a broader conversation. As a tropical nation, Malaysia is accustomed to heavy rainfall and warm temperatures. However, climate change is amplifying existing challenges through more frequent flooding, rising urban heat and increasing pressure on infrastructure.

As climate change intensifies, people are beginning to make decisions based on environmental comfort and resilience. – AI-GENERATED IMAGE

increasingly clear: investing in climate resilience is no longer solely about protecting the environment; it is about safeguarding future prosperity. In the coming decades, competitiveness may be measured not only by the ease of doing business but also by the ability to withstand a changing climate. That is why Europe’s “coolcations” deserve more than a passing glance. They are not simply about tourists escaping the summer heat. They are an early reminder that climate is beginning to influence choices once driven almost entirely by economics or convenience. The countries that thrive in the future are unlikely to be those with the lowest costs alone. They will be those that combine strong institutions, economic dynamism and the capacity to adapt to a warming world. Climate resilience is no longer only an environmental ambition. It is becoming an economic advantage. Eminder Kaur Kawan Singh is a senior training consultant at the

increasingly differentiate themselves not only through incentives and infrastructure but also through their ability to provide safe, resilient and liveable environments. This shift is already influencing how governments and businesses plan for the future. Copenhagen has invested extensively in climate adaptation through green infrastructure, flood resilient urban design and liveable public spaces, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most attractive cities for residents, businesses and global talent. Closer to home, Singapore has committed billions of dollars to long term climate resilience, from strengthening coastal protection to enhancing water security and urban cooling measures, recognising that environmental resilience is integral to its economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, international organisations, such as the World Bank and the OECD, have repeatedly warned that climate change could impose significant economic costs through reduced productivity, infrastructure damage and supply chain disruptions if countries fail to adapt. The message is becoming

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