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.

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!