Did we reap the rewards and leave our children to foot the bill?

The iFuture Summit gathered young Malaysians and international graduates to discuss jobs, salaries, and artificial intelligence with three prominent panellists. A young woman's question resonated with the audience: why should her generation bear the burden of environmental damage caused by previous generations?

She questioned how governments could justify billions in investments without considering the environmental cost. This prompted Khairy Jamaluddin to encourage young voters to scrutinize politicians' environmental commitments, suggesting that when environmental concerns are not a priority, politicians fail to act.

The panellists agreed that the environment must be factored into major investments, including data centers that raise concerns about water consumption, energy use, and pollution. They also noted the growing uncertainty around AI's impact on future job markets, which could further strain young people's career prospects.

The article argues that economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment are interconnected issues that require coordinated planning. It calls for policymakers to address environmental trade-offs and job skill gaps before projects are approved, rather than after damage occurs. Ultimately, the writer urges readers to consider what kind of world they are leaving for future generations.