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.
Sustainable mobility
What is our vision for a better transport system in Malta?
Today, road transport contributes to one-third of the total greenhouse gas emissions in Malta. To stop fueling the climate crisis and reduce carbon emissions, as well as the impact of air pollution on public health, road safety concerns and diminishing public space for anyone outside a car, we need to move away from planning only for cars.
Exactly because Malta is small and space is limited, we need to invest in cleaner and leaner modes of transport. The car is the least space-efficient mode of transport of all! The average commute in Malta is only 5.5km, therefore we need to invest in direct, safe, comfortable, attractive and connected infrastructure for walking and cycling so that the choice to go on foot or by bicycle for short trips is easy and obvious.
Friends of the Earth Malta are pushing the government to recognise the need of more socially just transport infrastructure which is safe and pleasant for pedestrians and micromobility users. The public transport services, such as buses and ferries, should be reliable and serve the diverse needs of the public and not the financial whims of private investors. More urban space shall be dedicated to communities rather than to the stowing of private vehicles.
MICROMOBI project
In MICROMOBI project we aim to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, small human or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips. Increased uptake of micromobility is a key tool to reduce carbon emissions from transport, the main priority we are addressing through this project: to contribute to more environmentally friendly cities and fight against climate change.
The project combines training and skill-sharing activities that enable bottom-up and top-down change in the transition to micromobility: educating the users through micromobility and road safety training, repair cafes to teach skills and contribute to sustainability of materials, and training planners and professionals within organisations and entities to better plan for sustainable mobility, including micromobility, and contribute to improved road safety for vulnerable road users.
Bike About project
The Bike About project (04/2023 – 03/2024) was aimed at increasing the use of bicycles as part of our NGO work, promoting cycling and bicycle use amongst our volunteers, youth group and community, and teaching people the skill of cycling and bicycle repair.
By teaching people how to cycle and how to do so safely (for commuting to school or work) and by showcasing the use of an e-cargo bike to transport goods, we enabled and inspired more people to make the shift to cycling, for some or all of their trips. Cycling is a form of climate action! A reduction in private car use by shifting to cycling contributes to greenhouse gas emission reductions and improved quality of life in the locality and country.
In our commitment to supporting cyclists, we’ve created a bike repair kit available for public use for repairs or to borrow, at the FoEM Green Resource Centre. The kit includes:
– Pump, tube patches and various glues
– A helmet, high visibility vests and bicycle lights
– Multitool and tire levers
– Biodegradable degreaser, cleaner and lubricant
This service is available during office hours and when we have events at our Green Resource Centre in Floriana. Please send us a message via Facebook/Instagram before coming to ensure someone is in the office and able to provide you with the necessary tools.
Outside of our Green Resource Centre in Floriana you can find a secure parking space for your bike.
The Green Travel Plan
The Green Travel Plan is designed to assist our staff, volunteers, and project partners to make more sustainable choices when travelling to, from, and around Malta. The plan includes a range of information and links to travel planning websites to support green travel.
From rail connections from Europe, to ferry routes across the Mediterranean, as well as local travel information about public transport and ride-hailing services across the Maltese Islands, the Green Travel Plan offers practical alternatives to reduce your transport carbon footprint. The useful links, tips, and step-by-step planning tools can assist in discovering cleaner and greener ways to move to, from, and around the islands.
Information by Dr Suzanne Maas, Climate Campaign Coordinator – Friends of the Earth Malta
Designed by Owen Dyer and Aprille Zammit, Communications Team – Friends of the Earth Malta
Climate publications
News
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.
Rethinking Mobility: insights from our micromobility workshop
Our recent workshop, “The Way We Move,” held on March 27th at the FoEM Green Resource Center, sparked a lively...
Call for Participation: Climate Care Camp
The summer camp “Compass for Climate Chaos” is happening from the 20th of June (evening) until the 24th of June (afternoon) in Teglværksvej 30, 4420 Regstrup, Denmark. From eco-anxiety, anger or grief to hope, joy and empowerment, the camp will be about learning to navigate in emotions you feel in the climate chaos.
EU Parliament votes to leave the climate-wrecking Energy Charter Treaty
Today, the European Parliament adopted the EU’s proposal to leave the controversial Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), an international trade agreement protecting fossil fuel investments. The Energy Charter Treaty is a significant obstacle to enacting national policies to combat climate change. After years of campaigning for an exit, Friends of the Earth Europe and climate justice activists across Europe celebrate this victory for the environment and the climate.
Wrapping up the adventures of our Bike About project
As the wheels of the Bike About project come to a gentle halt, it’s time to reflect on the journey...
DISPLACEMENT, A Collective Performance About Climate Migration
DISPLACEMENT MALTA is a site-specific version of Displacement realized for the opening of Malta Biennale of Art 2024.
Displacement MALTA is directed by the visual artist and choreographer Andrea Conte (Andreco) and the Studio Andreco with the support of Friend of the Earth Malta and the Malta Biennale.
Call for Participation: Climate Migration Performance
Friends of the Earth Malta is excited to collaborate with Andreco Studio and maltabiennale.art 2024 on DISPLACEMENT, a collective performative action directed by the visual artist and choreographer Andreco. The performance is dedicated to the consequences of water-related climate changes.
Micromobility revolution begins
The project is aimed to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, smallhuman or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips.