Counteracting the impact of climate change requires a shift in mentality, transitioning from the traditional economic model to a sustainable one, S&D Vice President Miriam Dalli told a New York conference.

Taking part in a debate hosted by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Miriam Dalli called for behavioural change and challenged the way various industries operate.

“Climate change is impacting all of us now. Let’s incentivize behaviour that helps us reach targets: cleaner mobility across all sectors, from road to maritime to aviation. Small and medium enterprises play a crucial role too, by pushing for greener services and products,” the Labour MEP said.

 “We need to change our traditional, economic models into sustainable and ecological ones, creating new jobs.”

Miriam Dalli said that climate should not be seen as a financial burden but as an opportunity for a new economic model that incentivizes sustainable communities, innovation, cleaner industry and better infrastructure. In the European Parliament, Dalli is pushing for a just transition to happen for workers, companies and citizens.

Whilst meeting climate activist Greta Thunberg at the European Parliament five months ago, Dalli insisted that 16-year-olds should have the right to vote. In New York, she reiterated: “Youths should have the space to speak, but they should also be involved in decision-making processes”

 On Friday, Miriam Dalli joined thousands in the climate strike march as world leaders are meeting for the United Nations Climate Action Summit, in a bid to speed up action to meet the Paris Agreement goals. It aims to limit the increase in global warming by 1.5 degrees, in order to avert the most devastating effects of climate change.