From November 17th to 24th, Friends of the Earth Malta joined a group of 40 activists, advocates and organisers from around the world who gathered to attend a dynamic training on the practice of Transformative Organising, set in the idyllic mountainscapes of Lleida Catalunya, Spain.
In December 2019, the European Commission (EC) presented the European Green Deal (EGD), a “new growth strategy” consisting of a broad and ambitious roadmap aiming to “transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy”. It’s main aim is to “make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, boosting the economy, improving people’s health and quality of life, caring for nature, and leaving no one behind”.
Plans under the Green Deal include:
- A new European Climate Law (the first draft was published in March 2020)
- A 50-55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (previously 40%)
- A circular economy action plan
- A flagship building renovation programme
- A new biodiversity strategy to tackle deforestation, soil and water pollution
- A healthier agricultural system, with reduced use of chemical pesticides, fertilisers and antibiotics
- A low-carbon transport sector, with more electric vehicles and hybrid fuels
Source: Press Release on ec.europa.eu
The Youth from across Europe have raised their voices
As a result of joint forces from multiple organisations we are pleased to present ‘The Youth Proposal for a Green Deal for Europe’. This proposal highlights the need for change, the need for a better future that is socially just and ecologically sound. Not only must our future include healthier environments, restoration of the commons and reduced pollution, we are pushing for better access to education, a respect for different cultural backgrounds and the redistribution of wealth to support the Global South. This is not just a vision for the future of the environment, it is one for people across the world to bring forth climate justice and social justice.
Read ‘The Youth Proposal for a Green Deal for Europe’ by clicking the PDF below!
Read the visions for a socially just and more sustainable future here!
System Reset: what is it?
We are part of a pan-European project, led by Friends of the Earth groups in Malta, Ireland, Denmark, Estonia, North Macedonia, Cyprus, Spain, Croatia and Austria. Our aim is to build platforms across Europe to bring young people from under-represented communities into multi-levelled decision-making and build strong, collective visions for a socially just and ecologically sound future. We strive for intersectionality and inclusiveness.
If you want to learn more about ongoing Young Friends of the Earth events, visit their page.
Our Blog
What are the challenges of micromobility?
What are the challenges that micromobility users face? To learn more about micromobility visit www.foemalta.org/projects/micromobi
Prioritize Public Transport, Not Private Car Subsidies!
Government’s secret decision to shift European Union funds from electrification of public buses to private cars has not been communicated with or approved by the European Commission. Environmental NGOs Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota encourage people to speak up and sign the parliamentary petition to demand a democratic discussion on this proposed shift of public funding from public to private transport.
EU Competitiveness Compass must safeguard social and environmental protections
Friends of the Earth Malta is among over 270 civil society organisations, trade unions, consumer groups, farmers organisations, civil rights groups and environmental organisations representing millions of citizens, who call on European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen to shun deregulation and prioritise the protection of people, nature, and democracy in its decision-making processes. This warning comes ahead of the announcement of the EU Competitiveness Compass, which is supposed to guide the EU's efforts in enhancing its "economic competitiveness".
Updates from the CALM-EY project
The EIB Climate Survey made the headlines earlier in November and it was quite a reality check (if anyone still needs one) with very worrying results showing that over 80% of Maltese fear they will be forced to move due to climate change while 99% recognise it is important for their country to adapt to these challenges. Climate anxiety is on the rise and many feel that not enough is being done. To address this rising trend Friends of the Earth Malta partnered up with environmental and mental health NGOs from Estonia, Germany and Denmark on the EU funded project CALM-EY: Coping with Climate Anxiety: Learning Methods for Mental Health for European Youth (2023-2025).
A Festive Bike Repair Cafe at University of Malta
On Tuesday 3 December Friends of the Earth Malta together with the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development and a bike mechanic from The Cyclist organised a Bike Repair Cafe on campus at the University of Malta.
Malta’s high rise in greenhouse gas emissions: What does this mean for the green transition and how can we do better?
Climate change is here. 2023 was the hottest year on record. A 2ºC rise compared to pre-industrialised levels holds a dangerous consequence for the environment and what has been proved to contribute to the increase of temperatures is the rise of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which are produced by human activity. Therefore, it’s crucial and urgent for global warming to stay below a 2ºC increase. Friends of the Earth Malta, alongside other environmental NGOs, advocate for a 1.5ºC target, in line with the Paris Agreement.
Feedback on ‘Reshaping our Mobility’ proposals by NGOs Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota
The ‘Reshaping our Mobility’ initiative has only one objective, which is to implement a series of proposals aimed to alleviate traffic congestion. There is a total lack of vision, and hence the objective is extremely limited. The vision should be for mobility justice, ensuring that
everyone, including the vulnerable, have just access to mobility.
Sharing inspiring visions of a Fossil Free future for Malta through art, stories and music
Friends of the Earth Malta has brought together hopeful visions for Malta’s future in the creative zine ‘Imagining a Fossil Free Malta’, to share inspiration for a fossil free future for Malta.
Empowering Youth to Contribute to Their Communities through Social Permaculture
Monday 16 September marked the start of European Mobility Week (EMW) – the European Commission’s yearly awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility. However, we observed complete radio silence from our government, when the urgency to promote sustainable mobility in Malta has never been greater.
COP29: Opening Pandora’s Box for people and the planet
“The supposed ‘COP of climate finance’ has turned into the ‘COP of false solutions. The terrible deal on finance destroys the notion of historical responsibility of the rich big polluting countries and pushes private debt creating finance. Global North countries are no longer obligated to provide finance to the Global South as enshrined in the Paris Agreement. COP29 also put a final nail in the coffin, opening the door to the global carbon market and the disastrous impacts for communities and ecosystems. We have seen the impacts of these schemes: land grabs, Indigenous Peoples rights and human rights violations and more.”
How Azerbaijan’s Leadership Cast a Shadow Over COP29
“The supposed ‘COP of climate finance’ has turned into the ‘COP of false solutions. The terrible deal on finance destroys the notion of historical responsibility of the rich big polluting countries and pushes private debt creating finance. Global North countries are no longer obligated to provide finance to the Global South as enshrined in the Paris Agreement. COP29 also put a final nail in the coffin, opening the door to the global carbon market and the disastrous impacts for communities and ecosystems. We have seen the impacts of these schemes: land grabs, Indigenous Peoples rights and human rights violations and more.”
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This webpage reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
This project is co-financed by the Ministry for Education and Employment (MEDE) and the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations.