Prime Minister Robert Abela has stated that measures which truly address climate change must now be implemented.
This can be done by means of robust policies that incentivise investment in the digital economy together with policies that encourage greater use of alternative energy, the Prime Minister said.
He was speaking at the COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Tuesday.
During his address to the United Nations meeting on climate change, attended by numerous world leaders, the prime minister announced that just like last year in Glasgow, Malta will be doubling its contribution to the International Climate Fund.
Abela added that Malta is implementing its decarbonisation strategy which will lead to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Prime Minister Abela explained that this year, the Maltese Government has also focused on a structured stakeholder dialogue with the private sector, and this has generated a crucial momentum to drive the green and just transition.
The prime minister outlined Malta’s presence at COP year after year is a manifestation of the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, as well as our resolve to keep the 1.5-degree target alive.
Furthermore, Malta is committed to the EU’s ambitious Fit for 55 package, aimed at reducing emissions to thus mitigate global warming, he added.
Abela said that we must go beyond statements of goodwill, as only actions will deliver results that safeguard our environment, and this must be done with commitment and ambition.
The Prime Minister stated that this phenomenon is impacting every corner of the world, yet small island states are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change despite being the ones that have least contributed to the release of carbon over the years.
The prime minister said that going forward, the future should be based on the equality of nations, without disparity, and added that Malta is probably best placed to serve as a test bed for new technologies that can make a difference.
He also discussed Malta’s willingness to provide assistance to Small Island Development States (SIDS) by sharing best practice, including on water management.
He added that Malta will be offering scholarships to students from these islands, to undertake climate related studies at the University of Malta.
Furthermore, he said, Malta is supporting other countries in their decarbonisation efforts, and recently sent medical assistance to Pakistan following the devastating floods as part of our support to countries experiencing climate-related disasters.
The prime minister said that the sea level rises caused by climate change should not affect any rights which islands and coastal nations currently have over their land and maritime jurisdiction.
Abela concluded that the green revolution will lead to shared benefits including affordable clean energy, healthy air, and enough food for all.
“This transition must be delivered for our people and our future,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister also addressed a high-level meeting on water security where he shared Malta’s best practice in water sustainability.