“Today we are doing environmental justice and emphasizing collective responsibility.” This was the main message of Prime Minister Robert Abela during a speech that marked the establishment of the Climate Action Authority.
An authority that is the first of its kind in Europe and whose ultimate goal is to ensure that the effects of climate change are followed so that this phenomenon continues to be effectively combated and healthy. The Authority will do this by listening, coordinating, and taking action effectively, including through legislation and regulation, while consolidating the divided efforts of the past into one collective work for climate action.
The Prime Minister Robert Abela claimed how this important milestone marks another promise fulfilled by this Government.
“Doing nothing is not an option. That’s why we are here to push a policy that looks to the future but also improves our lives today. An environmental and fairer policy because we are aware of the realities that are affecting everyone, even the Mediterranean. Today we are taking this other fundamental step with the conviction that tomorrow should be better. That’s why we take the decisions,” said the Prime Minister.
Here the Prime Minister pointed out the Government’s political direction for this country, the one that continues to bring progress at the same time assuring the tranquility and serenity that everyone deserves. In fact, regarding the Climate Action Authority, Dr. Abela said that now through it we must introduce laws while implementing changes to turn the challenge of climate change into an opportunity.
During the launch of this Authority, the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Great Port Miriam Dalli claimed that all this work will only be effective if we have the ambition and the -courage that despite our smallness, we remain thirsty to push climate action; locally and even internationally. “In Malta and thanks to the initiative we took with MED 9, we have led to the fact that for the first time, nine countries of the European Union in the Mediterranean have agreed to make the Mediterranean a clean energy hub. This is the vision. This is the ambition. And that’s why we set out for Malta and the Maltese to be pioneers in the realization of that vision, and this Authority which is the first in Europe is another step towards this vision,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
Minister Dalli added that even though it is true that climate change brings with it several challenges, climate action also brings a number of opportunities. “If we recognize it and have the courage to make the changes that need to be made,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
Engineer Abigail Cutajar, who will serve as Chief Executive of this Authority, also spoke. Cutajar pointed out, “Climate change demands concrete but fair action. The Authority is one that listens, competent, transparent and that will row to help the country move towards a stronger era of sustainability.”
Photos: DOI-OPM
