The Low Carbon Development Strategy will be finalised by December, Environment, Climate Change and Planning Minister Aaron Farrugia told The Malta Independent.

“The Low Carbon Development Strategy will take us a step closer to achieving the Paris Agreement milestones.” One such milestone is to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050, he said.

Two lengthy reports have highlighted that Malta is struggling to cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy. A recent Eurostat statistic shows that Malta’s CO² emissions from energy use have been rising since 2017.  A report published by the European Commission’s European Semester Report highlights that Malta did not reach its renewable energy targets for 2020, and currently the island’s renewable energy share stands at around 8%.

The Malta Independent asked Environment Minister whether he plans to put in place long-term sustainable measures for the island, to which Farrugia replied that the Low Carbon Development strategy will be finalised by the end of the year.

“I will be finalising this strategy and discussing it with the rest of cabinet. In the strategy itself there are seven categories, including transport, building regulations and renewable energy, and include measures which will focus on how the island can improve now, and to reach the targets set out by the Paris Agreement in the future.”

He said he believes that the milestones which the island signed up to in the Paris Agreement will be attainable.