Malta is once again at the top of the list of a troubling trend: the fastest rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the European Union. According to Eurostat, Malta’s GHG emissions surged by 8.8% from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The EU carbon emissions reduction target is -55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Malta’s target is already a minor contribution to that: -19% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The recent news about Malta’s rising GHG emissions begs the question: how on earth does the government envision we reach that target in the coming 5 years?
Climate justice, awareness and education
What are we doing and why is it important?
We envision a society of interdependent people living in dignity, wholeness and fulfilment where equity and human and people’s rights are realised. This will be a society built upon peoples’ sovereignty and participation. It will be founded on social, economic, gender and environmental justice and free from all forms of domination and exploitation, such as neo-liberalism, corporate globalization, neo-colonialism, racism, patriarchy and militarism.
We believe that such social issues are intricately linked to climate change, its root causes, and resulting consequences. This conviction drives our commitment to сlimate justice, awareness and education projects addressing the social dimensions of climate change. These projects focus on mitigating climate anxiety, addressing migration induced by climate change, understanding the role of youth in global climate processes, and promoting climate-resilient gardening practices as a means of adaptation to environmental changes.
The Youth Proposal for a Green Deal for Europe
The Youth from across Europe have raised their voices. 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.
Calm-EY project
We aim to develop knowledge for specialists working with youth on climate worry and its mental and social effects, provide them with the necessary tools to recognise climate-related anxiety and distress in young people and help them manage it. As well as competencies and self-help methods for young people to be able to support their own mental health and wellbeing. Key outputs:
– Training programme for professionals working with youth on how climate worry
– Support groups for young people experiencing climate worry
– Self-help material for young people.
Past projects
Climate Resilient Gardening
This project hosted urban gardening activities within the climate emergency reality both in terms of practical preparedness in a warming climate and also highlighting the importance of urban gardens in a world in crisis. It offered participants the tools and expertise on how to grow their own food in urban areas whilst offering a haven for biodiversity to thrive.
#ClimateOfChange
With #ClimateOfChange we highlighted the interconnection between migration and climate change as well as the need to transform our economy and change our everyday lives. The vision is to promote the needs and protect the human rights of all people, without exploiting others and destroying the environment.
System: Reset
We live at a time of multi-layered environmental and social injustices, with the ongoing climate and ecological crisis disproportionately affecting the most marginalised communities. Yet these communities tend to be excluded from political decision-making, cut out of discussions about what the future of our societies will look like. System:Reset project was contributing to change this.
Climate publications
News
Call for participants: Climate Emotions and Eco Anxiety Training
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
An insight into the Climate Care Camp in Denmark
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.
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.