Friends of the Earth Malta welcomes the motion related to Climate Change as presented by, Hon. Leo Brincat yesterday in Parliament. We believe that this is the way forward to make sure that the current, and subsequent, governments are committed to act on the pressing issue of climate change. Friends of the Earth is thus urging all MPs to put aside all political differences and to support this petition.

Friends of the Earth has been campaigning on the issue of climate change for the past few years and also have been working on an educational campaign with the aim to reduce emissions, by improving energy efficiency and by using sustainable renewable energy sources.

As part of this campaign, FoE Malta has been collecting signatures for a petition since February 2008 asking government to reduce CO2 emissions by 3% year on year.

Climate change is considered to be one of the most pressing concerns that will be faced by our country and the EU within the next 5 to 10 years. According to recent statistics the Maltese electorate is worried about escalating fuel and relative costs such as energy prices and an increase in surcharge rates. A legislation committing the country to a sustainability plan that tackles emissions and renewable energy will have to define strict parameters if Malta is to reach the targets set by EU regulations.

Friends of the Earth Malta believes that through the integration of environmentally friendly systems of transport and energy, CO2 emissions are reduced through legally binding commitments to cut emissions year-on-year. These cuts should be equal to at least a 30 percent reduction of EU-wide domestic emissions by 2020 and 90 percent by 2050.

Friends of the Earth Malta urges the government to consider the full implications of the situation. By committing to legislating the bill the govenment will be taking the lead and answering the call for a groundbreaking piece of legislation that all political parties should be proud of. Concurrently, only two other countries in the EU – England and Finland – have made this important step.

Our question is, will the government commit to support the new legislation in favour of a strong law tackling climate change?

There are only two choices. Urgent action is required. A ‘no’ is a failure to rise to the challenge and make it an opportunity. Friends of the Earth Malta reminds the government  of the recently signed bilateral accord pledging that ‘All developed countries’ should make cuts ‘in the range of 80 percent – 95 percent by 2050’. FoE Malta therefore urges all ministers to vote in favour of amendments that address these issues when they are tabled and called for debate at Report Stage, to put aside all political implications and simply think of what’s best for Malta.

Friends of the Earth Malta calls all citizens to show support by sending a letter to their local ministers asking them to vote in favour of the enactment of a strong Law to tackle Climate Change. You may do so by clicking here where you will see a letter you can send to your local minister. Simply type your name, select your town and type in your email address. Then click on send so your minister knows you care.  The climate is changing… are you?