84% of Maltese fear that they will have to move because of climate change, a survey carried out by the European Investment Bank (EIB) has found.

"Almost all of the respondents for Malta recognise the need to adapt their lifestyle due to the effects of climate change," the annual Climate Survey commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB) found.

"Among the challenges facing their country, they ranked climate change second only to the cost of living. Almost all believe that investing in adaptation now will prevent higher costs in the future."

84% - 49 points above the EU average of 35% - think they will have to move to a less climate-vulnerable place (whether locally or abroad) to avoid floods, forest fires or other extreme weather events, the survey found. "75% say they will have to move to a cooler region or country (47 points above the EU average of 28%).

The key findings state that 99% of Maltese respondents say it is important for their country to adapt to climate change, while 77% say it needs to be prioritised.

The EIB, the climate bank, released the seventh annual EIB Climate Survey earlier this month. The survey contains the views of over 24 000 respondents from across the European Union and USA on the topic of climate change. In Malta, 500 people took part in the survey, which was conducted in August 2024.

A statement by the EIB reads that  according to a report by the European Environment Agency, Europe is currently the fastest-warming continent, with the number of extreme weather events expected to increase as global temperatures rise. 

In terms of the respondents in Malta, 97% - compared to the EU average of 86% - say that investing in climate change adaptation can create jobs and boost the local economy. It also states that 97% - compared to an EU average of 85% - believe that that adapting to climate change requires investment now to avoid higher costs later.

"Maltese respondents recognise the economic opportunities that climate change adaptation measures present, while first-hand experiences of extreme weather events add to the sense that urgent action is required: 97% - 17 points above the EU average of 80% - have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the last five years. 53% have suffered from extreme heat and heatwaves, 30% have faced coastal floods and 28% have seen heavy storms or hail."

It said that 99% of Maltese respondents - 33 points above the EU average of 68% - reported having suffered at least one direct consequence of an extreme weather event. "37% experienced power cuts or energy supply issues, 29% had health issues (such as heat stroke or respiratory problems) and 28% faced food supply issues (like reduced availability of certain products)."

The survey also found that 94% - compared to an average of 72% for the EU - recognise that they will have to adapt their lifestyle due to climate change. 

Adaptation priorities

Maltese respondents identify the following key priorities for local climate adaptation: 42% cite improving infrastructure, for example, installing better drainage systems, flood barriers, storm shelters or more resilient power grids. 41% - 13 points above the EU average of 28% - mention improving insulation in homes and public buildings. 39% highlight creating tree-lined streets or green spaces to cool cities down, the EIB statement reads.

"When asked who should pay for climate change adaptations: 38% think that the companies and industries that contribute most to climate change should bear the costs; 30% think everyone should pay equally; 15% - 7 points above the EU average - say that insurance companies should contribute."

When asked who should benefit first from adaptation spending: 35% believe that everyone should benefit equally; 28% - 5 points above the EU average of 23% - say that people living in high-risk areas should be prioritised; 26% - 9 points below the EU average of 17% - think people with disabilities should be the first to receive support, the statement read.

"Concerns about who should benefit from adaptation aid go beyond national priorities. Most Maltese respondents - 90%, 33 points above the EU average of 57% - recognise the need to support global adaptation efforts and believe that their country should do more to help the most vulnerable developing nations adapt to the growing impact of climate change."