Climate change requires a change in and every one of us and national politics should be the kickstart for this change. This was highlighted by speakers for ADPD-The Green Party when they addressed a press conference in Marsaskala, one of the localities that was severely hit by Storm Harry earlier this week. 

ADPD-The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci said that Malta, like other islands, is very vulnerable to climate change. Even if the targets laid out by the Paris Agreement are reached, the sea is expected to rise by 50 centimetres - or more if these aims are not met. This is a threat to infrastructure and communities along the coast, as well as tourist facilities which are largely to be found along the coast.

The national strategy on climate change is crucial, so much so that our buildings should reach the zero-carbon targets. We have long emphasised the need for the solar rights of each and every one of us to be protected. The politics about land use should require a new generation of buildings that is able to offset energy consumption, she said That energy, generated by the sun, should be produced on the same site. Land planning, if done properly, would substantially address climate change issues.

Gauci insisted that strategic planning documents, such as Vision 2025, lack the integration of climate change concerns; the sea levels are rising and there is the need for long-term planning especially along the coasts. With extreme storms and unfavourable weather on the increase, ADPD-The Green Party insists that coastal infrastructure should be protected, and planning must take into consideration these environmental limits and avoid the creation of more risky infrastructure along the coast.

We have a responsibility to address the accumulation of environmental changes impacting the climate, she said.  By addressing these present concerns we will guarantee the future, concluded Gauci.