Road to carbon neutrality is not without its bumps
Climate change is affecting the entire world, with extreme weather conditions such as drought, heat waves, storms, floods and landslides becoming more frequent, including in Europe
Other consequences of the rapidly changing climate include rising sea levels (1cm per year in Malta), sea acidification and loss of biodiversity.
In order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a threshold the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) suggests is safe, carbon neutrality by mid21st century is essential. This target is also laid down in the Paris agreement signed by 195 countries, including Malta. It is good to remind readers that in December 2019, the European Commission presented the Green Deal, its flagship plan that aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. This target will be reached through the European Climate Law that sets climate neutrality into binding EU legislation. So far the uptake by countries has not been stellar even so as in a world grappling with the escalating climate crisis, Malta has set a clear and ambitious goal: to become carbon neutral by 2050. This transformative endeavour calls for a comprehensive and concerted effort across all sectors of society, from energy production to transportation, industry, and agriculture. Why is this so crucial yet so expensive to remedy for us with a burgeoning national debt restriction.
Like many small island nations, we are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure and communities, while extreme weather events (note the heavy April downpour that flooded streets and upset underground drainage pipes) have become more frequent and severe. Again, for a decade we have not switched to alternative green sources so Malta is totalling dependent on burning fossil fuel to generate electricity via Enemalta and Electrogas plants. The island's dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation further exacerbates its carbon footprint, highlighting the urgent need for a transition to cleaner sources.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Malta has embarked on a multi-pronged approach to achieving carbon neutrality. At the heart of this strategy lies a commitment to renewable energy, with a focus on solar and wind power. Starting from a trajectory of near to zero per cent renewable energy contributions in 2009, Malta pushed renewable energy generation up to approximately 12% by 2023. The motivation for investing in renewable energy has always been twofold: to reduce emissions and increase renewable energy generation in line with EU decarbonisation obligations and to ensure more reliable and secure access to electricity that mitigates exposure to international supply chain disruptions.
Energy efficiency should be another key pillar of Malta's carbon neutral action plan. Upgrading buildings, switching to LED lighting and adopting smart technologies may significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. The government is providing incentives and support to encourage the adoption of these measures.
Transportation is another significant contributor to Malta's carbon footprint (with over 400,000 gas guzzlers on the road). To address this challenge, the government is promoting sustainable mobility options, such as free public transportation, cycling and electric vehicles. Investments in infrastructure, including dedicated cycling lanes and charging stations, are crucial to facilitate this shift. But providing cheap fuel to all encourages waste. Industry and agriculture also play a role in Malta's greenhouse gas emissions, it stands to reason that implementing energy-efficient practices, adopting renewable energy sources and reducing waste generation are essential steps in these sectors. The government is working closely with businesses and farmers to support their transition towards sustainability.
While noting the late start for Malta's commitment to carbon neutrality, due to limited resources, our efforts are commendable. We all agree that the path to achieving this goal is not without challenges. The island's limited size and reliance on imported energy sources pose logistical and economic hurdles. Additionally, the transition to renewable energy requires significant upfront investments and infrastructure development.
Despite these challenges, Malta's journey towards carbon neutrality presents a wealth of opportunities. Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency can create new jobs, boost economic growth and enhance the island's energy independence. Moreover, adopting sustainable practices can improve public health and environmental quality, creating a more livable and resilient Malta for future generations. One such example is the EUfunded project, Mediterranean Island Cleantech Innovation Ecosystem (MICIE). Malta and Cyprus join their forces to accelerate their efforts in research and innovation.
Malta's quest for carbon neutrality is not merely an environmental imperative but an opportunity to transform the island into an economic model of sustainability and innovation. By embracing cuttingedge technologies, fostering international collaboration and engaging the public in climate action, Malta may pave the way for a greener, cleaner and more prosperous future.
The journey towards carbon neutrality is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires unwavering commitment, resources, strategic planning and a willingness to embrace change.
“At the heart of this strategy lies a commitment to renewable energy, with a focus on solar and wind power. Starting from a trajectory of near to zero per cent renewable energy contributions in 2009, Malta pushed renewable energy generation up to approximately 12% by 2023.”