Vera, a dedicated environmental advocate here in Malta, recently attended the Climate Care Camp in Denmark and has come away with a wealth of insights and inspiration.
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
Environmental NGOs give feedback on long-awaited National Energy and Climate Plan for Malta
This week, in response to a public consultation (NL-0020-2024) from the the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Friends of the Earth Malta (FOEM) submitted their input regarding Guidelines for Catering Establishments on Food Containers and Beverage Cups.
Call for Volunteers: Be an actor for a day in our Micromobility videos
Last week, we explored micromobility in Ljubljana! The capital of Slovenia is well known for its walking and cycling-friendly policies, as it boasts the largest pedestrianised urban area in Europe.
Renewable Energy Communities in Malta: Results from research project
A renewable energy community is a group that is legally formed and operates based on voluntary participation. It is controlled by individuals or organizations who are located near renewable energy projects owned by the community. The members of this community can be individuals, small businesses, or local government bodies such as municipalities.
Call for contributions – Contribute to our collaborative zine ‘Imagining a Fossil Free Malta’
Amidst news about heat waves, extreme weather events and climate chaos, it is easy to despair. However, there is nothing as powerful as collective action to show we are not alone and that solutions for a brighter future exist.
Friends of the Earth Malta is bringing together hopeful visions for Malta’s future in a zine ‘Imagining a Fossil Free Malta’ to share inspiration and calls to action
Micromobility in Ljubljana
Last week, we explored micromobility in Ljubljana! The capital of Slovenia is well known for its walking and cycling-friendly policies, as it boasts the largest pedestrianised urban area in Europe.
Urban Cycling Training
On World Bicycle Day on 3rd June, we hosted an Urban Cycling Skills Training, aimed at boosting the confidence of cyclists!
“It’s not too late” – NGOs urge revision of Msida Creek plans in line with years of consultations
This week, Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) presented their proposal for the Msida Creek area, proposing a nature-based solution consisting of human-centric streets and a wooded green area as an alternative to Infrastructure Malta’s plans for the mega flyovers which will dominate Msida.
Researching the potential for community energy in Malta
A renewable energy community is a group that is legally formed and operates based on voluntary participation. It is controlled by individuals or organizations who are located near renewable energy projects owned by the community. The members of this community can be individuals, small businesses, or local government bodies such as municipalities.
Lack of public participation in Malta’s NECP process
Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) expresses its serious concerns regarding the lack of participation for citizens and civil society in the draft and final National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) of Malta. These plans are an obligation on EU Member States to outline how they intend to address decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security and the internal energy market, as well as research, innovation and competitiveness in the energy sector, to meet the European Union 2030 targets for energy and climate. The deadline for governments to submit their final NECP is 30 June 2024, in just 9 days.
Micromobility? What’s that?
Micromobility encompasses most small one-person vehicles that operate at low speeds and are not gas-powered, from active modes like walking and cycling to skateboards, electric bicycles, kick scooters, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
