Din l-Art Helwa opens its autumn cycle of cultural and environmental presentations on Thursday with a talk by Martin Scicluna entitled “Complacency or Confronting the Challenge? – Malta’s Sustainable Development and the Effects of Climate Change”.

During his talk, Martin Scicluna will trace Malta’s economic, social and environmental development in the last 20 years and looks ahead to the challenges facing Malta in the next 20 or so critical years to 2030, when the threat of climate change will be making itself increasingly felt.

In essence, he will be analysing the progress made in the last two decades but will also look ahead, to the unprecedented and absolutely epic challenges facing Malta’s economy, its society, environment and quality of life in the face of the changes in Malta’s climate and, especially, the effects of climate change. “Malta will not be immune to increasing fuel costs,” he said. “Future energy supply and the provision of adequate water – the very bases of civilised life and sustainability – will increasingly pose major difficulties for us requiring hard choices.” Securing their supply is the number one challenge. They are urgent in view of the long lead times and the major investment costs required. They demand the most careful planning for they impact on our society, our way of life and our environment and economy in the most fundamental ways.

The economic risks of inaction – and the risks to the very structure of our society – are very severe. Martin Scicluna asks whether either of the major political parties will address them in their forthcoming election manifestos.

Martin Scicluna is a member of the National Commission For Sustainable Development.

The talk will take place in the Judge Caruana Curran Hall, 133 Melita Street, Valletta at 6pm. Those intending to participate are advised to be seated by 5.45pm.