The latter half of 2023 may shape up to be a significant turning point for the international community. A number of crucial summits are scheduled to take place, which may leave an enduring impact, and ensure a more sustainable future for our generaiton, and and all that follow.
Back in July, the United Nations Food Systems Summit took place in Rome. Delegates from all around the world, assembled in the Italian capital, to discuss important questions related to international and regional food secuity concerns. The question of food security is certainly not a new phenomenon. More recently however, the issue has become all the more relevant, the importance of which was indeed reflected in both the summit’s ambitious agenda, and the discussions that emanated from it.
When the Covid-19 pandemic pushed the globalised model of food production to the brink, we all continued to recognise the necessity for geographiclly isolated countries, such as Malta, to sustain and diversify local food production. The Russian war continued to make matter worse, as over and above the untold harm suffered by the Ukranian population, this conflict led to devastating effects on the availability and affordability of raw materials which form the basis of many food systems. These include the availability of cereals, as well as affordable access to fertilisers which in turn directly led to undue pressure on local agriculture production as a whole.
The organization of the Summit was thus a timely opportunity for the concrete steps necessary in addressing pertinent matters related to food systems and security. It is also a a significant prelude to two other momentous occasions.
In September the United Nations will organise the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit. A few months later, the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take place in Dubai. These high-level meetings seek to evaluate the progress undertaken so far by the international community over the past five years, in enacting the policies and investments needed to combat climate change, and in ensuring a more sustainable future.
All of these conferences have lofty, and ambitious goals. However, as the UN itself seems to admit, the aims of all these conferences are merely “promises, not guarantees.”
Identifying the consequences of climate change seems easy enough. There is also universal acknowledgement of the importance of sustainable food production, limiting the emissions that originate from agriculture and food transportation. Arriving at concrete solutions to these pressing issues, however, is easier said than done.
The effects of climate change are no longer just isolated to the regions suffering from extreme climate phenomena. Over the past weeks, countries like Greece, Italy and now Hawaii, faced a deluge of wide-scale fires and floods which impacted the livelihoods of many, including access to basic services. Many people also died from the direct impact of these incidents.
Climate change knows no boundaries. The borders, the cultural, political, economic, religious and language differences that divide humanity, do not spare anyone from the threat that faces us.
Malta has also been severely impacted. The record-breaking temperatures that our country faced earlier this summer, severely impacted our electricity distribution network, and our food production. The recent announcement by Malta Dairy Products, claiming that these scorching temperatures led to lower milk production than normal, is eye-opening. But it’s by no means isolated: other long-term negative effects are impacting our agriculture, our fish stocks and our local food supply.
Amidst the gloomy climate forecasts, there is still room for renewed hope. Technological advancements and innovative solutions are empowering us to tackle climate change head-on. Renewable energy sources are becoming more accessible and economically viable, gradually reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The drive for electric vehicles, sustainable agricultural practices, and the increasing role of aquaculture, also signal a positive shift in the right direction.
Decisions such as the recent legal amendments to Malta’s Exclusive Economic Zone, will also help our country chart a more sustainable future. By strengthening our food production, we can ensure both the accessibility, and the affordability of nutritious, local produce for our consumers. These amendments will also help Government induce further investment in off-shore renewables and battery storage, thus reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Climate change is both a time for reckoning and renewed hope. We must face the harsh realities of the climate crisis and take responsibility for our actions. Simultaneously, we must embrace innovation, global cooperation, and individual empowerment to pave the way for a more sustainable future.
By enacting the changes needed in our fishing, agriculture and aquaculture sectors, we ensure accessible, affordable and nutritious food for everyone. However, this window is closing rapidly, and decisive action is required at every level to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
As we stand at this critical juncture, the question arises: is it a time for reckoning or renewed hope? What will the future that we envision for our children look like? The answer lies in our collective actions and our ability to recognise the urgency of the situation while finding inspiration in potential solutions.
Alicia Bugeja Said is Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Welfare.