Much greater efforts are needed. In theory, almost everybody agrees with this but when it comes to putting that belief into practice, difficulties arise. The battle to protect the environment is being lost on at least two fronts. One covers the protection of the environment from the ceaseless so-called development and construction which are destroying forests and meadows everywhere. The other front relates to global climate warming.
In Malta just as much as on a global level, declared environmental aims are not followed through. Vested interests remain strongly entrenched as they push back. Short term political calculations retard what should have been - and what is being - done, by way of the funds that should be made available and of the new controls that must be introduced. Meanwhile, big business remains focussed on just one target - maximizing profits under free market conditions.
For this country, the situation is of great concern. Our natural environment is fragile and its ongoing destruction is irreversible. Meanwhile climate warming will eventually place a good part of our territory under water.
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WAR
The risks of a generalised war have continued to increase. Too many states, not least the "superpowers", seem to feel they're under threat or are tempted by the advantages they could secure through a military operation that pre-empts somebody else. The advantages that are being factored into the calculations include territorial considerations, plus the enhancement of political, economic and cultural influence, and of financial security.
Technological "advances" in how military attacks or protective warfare can be carried out complicate the picture. Whoever has or believes "he" has some breakthrough in this area knows that if it is not put to use as fast as possible, others will soon have either copied or achieved it as well. In Europe the discourse being conducted in all the corners of the continent in favour of a stronger, more sustained military policy has become part of the "normal" political agenda of the major countries.
The shadows of war are lengthening.
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A SUCCESS? A FAILURE?
Was the year 2024 one of success? failure? Obviously if one follows what government is saying, it will have been a successful year; if what is being said by the Oppositon, a failure. From their particular perspective, both sides may be right. In terms of economic performance and social welfare, the government is spot on. In terms of governance and (with ups and downs) environmental protection, the Opposition is correct.
The point still remains that on both sides, there is insufficient clarity regarding the future they're aiming for. So their judgement about how this year has turned out necessarily remains unsatisfactory. Clarity can only emerge around the (political and social) aims that could be set for the future. If we remain tied to the targets of the past, both sides will continue to chant their respective partisan hymns about success and failure, while the number of citizens who do not want to vote for either side will continue to increase.
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Sincere best wishes for a New Year 2025 crammed with prosperity and success to the editors, staff and readers of the Malta Independent.