In March, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) welcomed a group of Geography students from Manchester University who spent a week in Malta studying climate change adaptation strategies and their implementation. During their visit, the students engaged in a insightful discussion with FoEM’s Climate team, Climate Campaign Coordinator Dr. Suzanne Maas and Project Manager Martina Camilleri, about Malta’s climate policies and adaptation strategy.
The discussion explored various aspects of climate action in Malta, including government policies, corporate influence, NGO efforts, and public awareness. The students were particularly interested in understanding the government’s commitment to climate adaptation, its priorities, ongoing initiatives, and key challenges.
Malta’s Climate Adaptation Challenges
Even though the Climate Action Act was adopted 10 years ago, in 2015, binding the government to implement an adaptation strategy, there has been little tangible action. The Maltese Government has not prioritised climate adaptation efforts, with the exception of a few water management initiatives. Instead, economic growth, particularly in tourism and construction, remains the primary focus, often at the expense of environmental concerns.
Malta’s vulnerability to climate change, especially to extreme heat waves, makes this lack of action particularly alarming. The 2023 heatwave led to increased mortality rates and soaring energy consumption. However, government responses have been short-term, such as installing diesel-powered generators to meet air-conditioning demands, an approach that temporarily alleviates the issue but ultimately exacerbates climate change.
Corporate and Public Engagement
From a business perspective, climate action is often seen through a profitability lens. Companies are unlikely to engage in preventive measures unless incentivized by government policies or economic factors. Public engagement also remains limited, with climate change poorly communicated. Campaigns often emphasize individual responsibility rather than addressing deeper systemic issues. Many Maltese citizens perceive flooding, heatwaves, and extreme weather as governance or infrastructure issues rather than direct consequences of climate change.
NGOs like Friends of the Earth Malta advocate for sustainable development and climate adaptation. Through campaigns such as the “Big Ask” climate awareness initiative, fossil fuel pipeline protests, and opposition to excessive cruise ship tourism, NGOs have pushed for systemic change. The government continues to pursue unchecked economic growth, neglecting to align climate policies with social and economic goals.
Key Obstacles to Climate Action and Adaptation in Malta
During the discussion with the students we identified key obstacles to climate action and adaptation in Malta.
- Lack of Acknowledgment of Climate Crisis: Climate change is not properly recognized as an urgent issue.
- Research & Planning Deficiencies: Insufficient studies focused on Malta’s specific climate challenges.
- Business Influence: Powerful business sectors and short-term profit interests hinder progress.
- Political Conflict: Internal clashes between ministries and partisan politics between parties stall climate action.
- Misuse of Tax Revenue: Instead of funding climate initiatives, tax policies support activities that exacerbate environmental issues, such as fuel subsidies.
- Land Use Priorities: More land is allocated for tourism and commercial development rather than local food production or nature protection.
- EU vs. Local Law: While the EU mandates certain environmental policies, the transposition into Malta’s legislation is not always effective. .
- Primary public concerns remain economic: housing costs, food prices, and daily expenses,while climate change is a lower priority.
- Lack of Cohesive Policy: Different ministries work at cross-purposes, leading to ineffective climate action.
Policy Recommendations
To address these challenges, Friends of the Earth Malta advocates for the following policy measures to adapt to climate change and build a resilient society:
- Transition to Renewable Energy
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels – set an end date for fossil gas.
- Invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Increase Climate Resilience
- Study and model the expected impacts of climate change in Malta and work on a practical plan and implementation strategy (with targets, timelines) to promote climate adaptation and resilience in Malta
- Protect existing natural resources and ecosystems.
- Improve water conservation strategies.
- Social & Economic Measures
- Implement housing price controls to prevent economic-driven displacement and speculation.
- Address overdevelopment through stricter construction regulations and preservation incentives.
- Long-Term Climate Planning
- Move beyond short-term economic growth models.
- Integrate climate adaptation strategies into national development plans.
Conclusion
The discussions highlighted a significant gap between policy commitments and actual implementation in Malta’s climate adaptation efforts. Economic priorities, political conflicts, and inadequate public communication hinder meaningful progress. A shift towards renewable energy, sustainable land use, and integrated policy planning is necessary to ensure long-term resilience and adaptation to climate change.