The past 12 years, we can all agree, have been an absolute assault on the environment. Like Herbert Ganado, we too can say that we have seen Malta change, yet, sadly, it hasn't always been for the better.

All aspects of the environment have suffered under Labour administrations, demanding from us drastic and powerful action to stop and reverse this vicious trend. That is why, on behalf of the Opposition, I tabled a bill in Parliament with one clear aim, to guarantee every person in Malta the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. A right that would be enshrined and guaranteed by the highest law of the land, the Constitution, and treated as a fundamental and enforceable right.

I am absolutely pleased to note, that this bill will be discussed in Parliament this Thursday, as the first piece of legislation proposed by the Opposition under the new leadership of Dr Alex Borg.

The urgency behind this proposal cannot be overstated. Every passing day brings further deterioration in our environment and our quality of life. Now is the time for bold changes.

Unfortunately, over the years we have been fed the false notion that the environment is the realm of tree-huggers, and people who have the time to waste to chase silly passions that otherwise normal people are too busy to think of.

This couldn't be farther from the truth. The environment is literally everything and anything that surrounds us. From the air we breathe in Hamrun, to the high-rise buildings in Sliema, the street furniture in Valletta, the endemic qabru in Bahrija and the quality of sea water in Gozo. The environment is the sum-total of all that surrounds us.

Declaring the environment as a fundamental human right, in our Constitution would give people the power to defend themselves from decisions that would put the environment at risk. Decisions that alter their neighbourhoods, place wrong priorities and deteriorate their standard of living.

Development is necessary for a country to continue developing; however, it must be done sustainably and in a way that serves the public good rather than the need for speculation for overnight growth. Sustainability remains the key word here, a buzz word so used and abused that often loses its meaning. Yet it remains the most important principle, if we ever hope to pass on a decent country to our children.

Sadly, the buildings dominating our skylines today are too often soulless symbols of greed. If our architecture reflects our society, the picture it paints is deeply troubling indeed.

The relentless push for construction has eroded our green spaces, and with them, much of our quality of life. Residents everywhere complain about overcrowding, traffic, air and noise pollution. These are not abstract concerns; they affect our health and wellbeing every single day.

Another area that requires urgent attention is air quality. Scientific studies repeatedly confirm that Malta's polluted air contributes to serious illness and premature death.

Climate change remains the great challenge of our times. As seasons grow more extreme and rising sea temperatures continue to are disturb marine ecosystems, climate change is no longer something we can dillydally about. It is with us. We are feeling its effects today and action is needed now.

In a small island, food security is also an issue we must address seriously. Malta's shrinking rural land, coupled with reckless development, is putting our farmers under immense pressure and threatening local food production.

We must act while there is still something left to protect. Enshrining the right to a healthy environment within Chapter Four of the Constitution, alongside other Fundamental Human Rights will give our people the right to defend their quality of life in our courts.

We all deserve to live in a clean, safe and sustainable environment.

I am absolutely honoured to be leading this project. My appeal is to all members of Parliament on both sides of the aisle, to put the future of Malta first during this upcoming landmark debate. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly make a difference and leave our mark as politicians. Historians and future generations will thank us for it.

Dr Darren Carabott is the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and President of the Public Accounts Committee.