Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) is thankful for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Grand Harbour Revival Plan, and are encouraged to see a number of important considerations already discussed in the plan, such as concerns around gentrification, the importance of climate resilient design, and the necessity of securing public access to the waterfront and proposed park. We believe the plan can do more to protect and bring back nature into this urban and industrial landscape, and can be an opportunity to provide safe, direct and attractive connectivity for walking, cycling and public transport through this key node in Malta’s transport network and urban area.
Climate, energy & mobility
Why do we need climate action?
Climate change is here, now! The climate crisis is now universally recognised as the biggest threat that our planet faces, with overarching impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies. Over 10 years ago, Friends of the Earth Malta was actively campaigning for a Climate Bill in Malta. This goal was achieved via the adoption of the Climate Action Act, in 2015! The Act transposes the legally binding commitments that Malta has as an EU Member State under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Sadly, since that successful win, we have not seen the ambitious climate policy that we were hoping for.
As Friends of the Earth Malta, we believe we need bold and ambitious climate policy to reduce our carbon emissions and ensure we live within the planetary boundaries. Malta may be small but was actually the country that first tabled the issue of climate change at the United Nations in 1988. Friends of the Earth Malta is pushing the Maltese government to live up to that legacy and ensure a future for our country and planet, our only home.
We are seeking to influence the government to stop investment in fossil fuels, including new fossil fuel infrastructure, and to commit to a solid renewable energy plan, as well as promote energy efficient practices among the various local industries. This will allow Malta to meet international emission targets, and ensure a healthier planet that is also liveable for future generations.
Read more about our campaign areas:
Climate report: Towards a fossil free Malta
Over 10 years ago, Friends of the Earth (FoE) Malta was actively campaigning for a Climate Bill in Malta, as part of the campaign ‘The Big Ask’. In this European campaign, FoE groups in 16 Member States were calling on their governments to create climate change laws. In Malta, this goal was achieved via the adoption of the Climate Action Act, in 2015! The Act transposes the legally binding commitments that Malta has as an EU Member State under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Sadly, since that successful win, we have not seen the ambitious climate policy that we were hoping for.
As part of our climate campaign, we have been working on a report compiling information about Malta’s energy system and its climate impacts, the proposed Melita TransGas pipeline, and a vision for a future without fossil fuels. The report was compiled and written by Dr Suzanne Maas (Climate Campaign Coordinator at FoE Malta) alongside contributors Prof. Edward Mallia, Prof. Luciano Mule’Stagno, Dr John Paul Cauchi and Dr Michael Borg.
Download the full report and learn more about energy in Malta below!
A vision for a just new world
illustrations by Ed Dingli
(click)
Climate publications
News
Watch Nature Unfold Live: A Rare Barn Swallow Nesting
Friends of the Earth Malta is excited to announce a special collaboration with BirdLife Malta, bringing nature enthusiasts, families, and...
How much of your life are you wasting in traffic?
After weeks of discussions on transport proposals in the run up to the elections, the potential of cycling was hugely...
Malta’s seas are not a playground for oil giants
It may be a repeating election gimmick, but Friends of the Earth Malta denounces the Maltese government’s decision to once again open the door to fossil fuel exploration in our waters, by giving oil giant Chevron a licence for exploratory studies for oil and gas.
Streets for People, Not Just Cars: NGOs Urge Rethink of Msida Bridge Plans
Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota strongly condemn the recent proposal to build a pedestrian bridge as part of the Msida Creek project. The NGOs noted that similar proposals to build pedestrian bridges as part of the original plans for the project in 2020 had been shot down for a multitude of reasons.
Dwejra is to be lit up: Government’s “Protection” Law Is a Blatant Betrayal of Dwejra and a Fraud on the Public
The undersigned organisations condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the destructive bill drafted by government under the pretence of “protecting” Dwejra. This law does not protect Dwejra. It vandalises it. It is a calculated assault on the last remaining dark site of the Maltese Islands, dressed up in green language to hoodwink the public.
Environmental NGOs bring the sustainability initiative to the island, working with restaurants and the community to increase planet-conscious options
This February, restaurants and community spaces across Malta are coming together to show how everyday food choices can become powerful climate action. Through shared tables, familiar flavours, and environmentally-friendly creativity, the Eat for Impact initiative is demonstrating how local decisions can generate measurable global environmental benefits.
Waste Reduction Before Incineration
In response to the very thorough article written by Denis Zammit Cutajar, on 25th January entitled “A golden opportunity to rethink the waste-management strategy,” I would like to thank the author, and reiterate many of the same points. We should take this opportunity to reevaluate the need for a large incinerator on Malta.
Streets for People, Not Just Cars: NGOs Urge Rethink of Msida Bridge Plans
Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota strongly condemn the recent proposal to build a pedestrian bridge as part of the Msida Creek project. The NGOs noted that similar proposals to build pedestrian bridges as part of the original plans for the project in 2020 had been shot down for a multitude of reasons.
Malta gears up to ‘Eat for Impact’ to lower nationwide environmental footprint in February
Environmental NGOs bring the sustainability initiative to the island, working with restaurants and the community to increase planet-conscious options
Press Release: Are we prepared for more storms like Harry?
Storm Harry hit our islands hard yesterday. Gale force winds and 12-meter-high waves out at sea caused flooding and damage, especially in low-lying coastal towns like Marsascala. Thankfully no lives were lost in this storm, but there was a glaring lack of preparation to deal with the storm and protect communities.
Looking Back on 2025: Insights and Inspirations as 2026 Begins
With the arrival of a new year, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) renews its commitment to working tirelessly for a better environment and a sustainable future for both people and the planet. As the NGO reflects on the achievements of the past year, it also celebrates a significant milestone.