There is no doubt that the government is taking certain decisions to help the environment. The focus on recycling, planting more trees are always welcome, yet it is failing on a number of other fronts. Major fronts at that.
The biggest failure thus far is to place the environment ahead of construction. This government has achieved a negative grade in this regard.
For all the talk of the importance of the environment, that seems to stop as soon as a major project comes to mind. Then it becomes a case of pandering to developers.
If we really want to protect the environment for future generations, then its time for our politicians to put their money where their mouth is and stop beating around the bush.
The environment is a priority they say. Well then fine, where are the green urban parks filled with trees, rather than parks filled with more paving than greenery? Where is the push to minimise development in favour of more green space?
Planting trees is all well and good, but at the cost of mature trees is unacceptable.
A government statement earlier this week read that X Factor will be the first TV programme to go entirely paperless and will also embark upon a tree-planting campaign.
During the audition session, any time a judge says ‘yes’ to every promising participant, a tree will be planted. Through this initiative, about 100 trees are expected to be planted later this year. “As a government, we are starting to implement the measures of our ambitious long-term waste management plan. Meanwhile, we welcome all initiatives by the private sector to reduce waste, raise awareness, and contribute to our environment,” the Environment minister said. Does such an initiative really merit a government statement?
How about we stop trying to highlight little initiatives for political points and really focus on the bigger picture. Where are we heading in the years to come?
What can we really do to better conserve the environment?
Well first off, less reliability on private transport, an issue which the government has really failed to tackle. Secondly, how about further incentivising the use of solar panels, and perhaps not allowing the overshadowing of buildings that invest in such panels. Thirdly, how about requiring development to be greener and include more open spaces than is currently required. Thirdly, how about having a Planning Authority that cares more about neighbourhoods rather than a single development. What happened to houses filled with gardens in the middle of towns? Gone to make room for apartments.
This country really needs to take stock of the situation and find a balance as right now, the balance is tipped in the favour of construction with a 100 tonne weight.
What Malta should we leave for our children? Take a look outside. Chances are you’ll see an apartment block or ten, none of which are visually appealing and all of which are barren of anything green. Is that the kind of Malta we envisaged when we were young?
Talk of having greener buildings is welcome, but actions speak louder than words. We need more open spaces, but not only ones which are in the middle of nowhere, but in the heart of our localities. Our urban environment needs to be protected and improved. There are some initiatives being done, but it is far from enough.
If action is not taken now, the current flock of politicians will be held accountable by future generations.