Monday 16 September marked the start of European Mobility Week (EMW) – the European Commission’s yearly awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility. However, we observed complete radio silence from our government, when the urgency to promote sustainable mobility in Malta has never been greater.
Press Releases
What climate action? Malta’s alarming rise in greenhouse gas emissions
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?
Is-Saħħa lill-Maltin?!
9 organisations strongly condemn the Government’s attempt to change the Ħal Far Local Plan so as to allow the construction of an airstrip for model aeroplanes in Wied Żnuber. The public can object to these plans by sending an email to halfar.review@pa.org.mt by the 24 July.
Organisations slam Government plans to allow model airstrip in Wied Żnuber
9 organisations strongly condemn the Government’s attempt to change the Ħal Far Local Plan so as to allow the construction of an airstrip for model aeroplanes in Wied Żnuber. The public can object to these plans by sending an email to halfar.review@pa.org.mt by the 24 July.
YOUTHECO Launches Innovative Work Shadowing Placements
YOUTHECO, an Erasmus+ project with which Friends of the Earth Malta is in partnership, is dedicated to bolstering the employability of marginalized youth while addressing pressing environmental concerns and announces the launch of its groundbreaking Work Shadowing Methodology Placements.
“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.
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.
Organisations call on Prime Minister to change rotten planning appeals’ system
Fourteen organisations are denouncing the failure to reform the law regulating planning appeals, something which was promised by the Prime Minister in May last year, but never materialised.
Currently, developers may be allowed to start construction works covered by permits that are under appeal, leading to several cases of planning permits being revoked for buildings that are already completed. No action is then taken by the authorities to remove these illegalities.
NGOs vow to fight on to save Comino from urbanisation
NGOs opposing the urban village being proposed by Hili Group on Comino are vowing to fight on to save the islet from further commercialisation and over-construction. The Court of Appeal turned down the NGO appeal over the adequacy of the Appropriate Assessment Report which was given the thumbs up by ERA.
Empowering Youth Workers to Foster Resilient Communities
YOUTHECO, a 2-year Erasmus+ project, is making significant strides in strengthening the employability of young people, particularly marginalized youth, by equipping them with essential skills for the green economy. The consortium consists of 6 EU countries: Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Malta, Poland, and Slovenia.
YOUTHECO: Erasmus+ Project Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
YOUTHECO, a 2-year Erasmus+ project, is making significant strides in strengthening the employability of young people, particularly marginalized youth, by equipping them with essential skills for the green economy. The consortium consists of 6 EU countries: Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Malta, Poland, and Slovenia.
Friends of the Earth Malta Empowers Youth with Cycling Workshop
Earlier this year, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) kicked off its Youth and Environment Activism Programme. By organising a weekly Youth Hub session, the programme seeks to empower young people to become change-makers and activists within their communities whilst providing a platform for young individuals to develop skills in environmental, climate, and social justice while enjoying themselves and making new connections in a safe space. The programme is an Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund Project.