During the summer recess, walking back to my Valletta office, I settled behind my desk. I was the first one in, and I found it a little strange for the office to be so cool. It was only later that I discovered that the air conditioner had not been switched off the previous day. I was not pleased, to say the least, and neither was one of my assistants when I pointed it out as he came in. I must say he looked a bit surprised at my reaction, but the thing is we must all understand how precious energy is in today’s world, and the extent to which our planet is affected to produce it. This led me to write this piece on climate change and global warming.
In a global perspective, we seem to be fascinated by the planet we live on. Yet despite this fascination, it seems though we still treat it with scant respect. Only recently there was a wave of understanding that shook many into place. Unlike many other issues that cause furore without much justification, the one concerning climate change is indeed justified.
With all the implications surrounding the phrase, none seem to carry the same depth as the new challenges that threaten the global system today. Global conflict and multilateral diplomacy, mass migratory movements, the spreading of disease and epidemics and, naturally, climate change and global warming have all left an indelible mark on the way we view the impact of every decision we make.
The truth is that the answers to several of the global issues presented to us today lie largely in the realm of collective decision-making and on collective policy approaches.
When all is said and done, however, a true impact in the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere and on the amount of energy we use can only take place if the public heeds the call for such a change.
In Malta’s case, while the government is doing its utmost to commit funds to long-term investments in wind energy, photovoltaic systems and any other options that are viable for our specific needs and conditions, so too must the public play its part. This is why the response to climate change is so often linked to the call for a change in mentality.
This is particularly important since energy efficiency is usually confused with making large sacrifices in the way we go about our usual affairs when this cannot be farther from the truth.
In reality, energy-efficiency calls on us to continue performing our daily routine but at a lower energy cost. It means rendering the same services and level of activity but with an eye on plugging out waste.
Therefore, an energy-efficient lifestyle doesn’t force us into working by candlelight at night; it does, however, ask us to replace our used-up incandescent light bulbs with energy savers that, after all, last six to eight times longer.
Although it might sound drastic, global warming is endangering the future of our world. There are many warning signs. Perhaps we should not rush into a panic yet; we must, however, begin to understand why global warming is taking place, its consequences and what we can do to alleviate the problem.
In spite of its different character, climate change is still mostly seen as an environmental problem and mainly the responsibility of the environment ministers. For the European Parliament, supported by the EPP-ED Group that I form part of, this has to change. This is a vital approach that should be sought all over the world.
Climate change and the environment are not only issues for environment ministers, but for all stakeholders, those representing all sectors, all industries, and finally even you and I. Climate change has serious implications, not only for ecosystems, but for the economy as a whole, for public health, water and food security, migrations and agriculture.
On a local level, the fabric of our country is one of its abiding glories. Giving the environment its due importance should not just consist of isolated efforts to reduce emissions or keep the place tidy, but a holistically conscious effort backed by a serious vision.
Hoping my office colleague, who is usually the first to read this article, does not forget the air conditioners on again, I believe we can all make a difference. You can start by switching plugs sockets off before you go to bed, and perhaps putting a bottle in the flushing to reduce water outflow. It is our duty to do our part for our planet, to leave it as we found it for our future generations. And the answer is... sustainable living.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
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www.davidcasa.eu