Join Us This Thursday: Champion Environmental Action with The Malta Independent!

Over the last dozen years, Malta’s environment has faced serious challenges. Many of us can see how much the country has changed, often not for the better. Recent reports highlight a troubling trend: our natural surroundings are suffering under ongoing development.

To address this, I proposed a bill in Parliament aimed at ensuring everyone in Malta has the right to a clean and healthy environment. This right should be part of our Constitution, making it a fundamental guarantee for all citizens.

It’s crucial that we discuss this bill in Parliament. It’s the first legislation brought forward by the Opposition under Dr. Alex Borg’s leadership. The urgency of this measure can’t be stressed enough. Each day, as our environment continues to decline, so does our quality of life. Now is the time for real change.

For too long, the environment has been dismissed as a concern only for “tree-huggers.” This idea could not be more wrong. Our environment includes everything around us—the air we breathe, the buildings we live in, and even the quality of our water. Declaring the environment a fundamental right empowers citizens to challenge decisions that harm their surroundings.

While development is necessary for progress, it must be sustainable. Current trends show that too often, our landscapes are being transformed into symbols of greed, prioritizing profit over public welfare. The loss of green spaces has a real impact, leading to overcrowding, traffic issues, and increased pollution. These problems aren’t just theoretical; they affect our health daily.

Air quality is another area that needs urgent action. Studies reveal that Malta’s polluted air is linked to various health problems, contributing to serious illnesses and even premature deaths.

We also can’t ignore climate change, which is a significant challenge we face today. Extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels threaten our ecosystems and communities. As these changes become more frequent, we must act decisively.

Food security is another pressing issue, especially in a small island nation. Our farming communities are feeling the pressure from shrinking rural land and aggressive development. Without immediate action, we risk jeopardizing local food production.

It’s essential for us to act now, while there’s still something worth protecting. By including the right to a healthy environment in our Constitution, we pave the way for future generations to defend their quality of life effectively.

Every one of us deserves to live in a clean and safe environment. As I lead this initiative, I urge all Parliament members to prioritize Malta’s future in our upcoming discussions. This is a pivotal moment where we can make a real difference. Historians and future generations will look back on this decision with gratitude.

For further insights on the importance of environmental issues in Malta, you can reference studies from [Environmental Sciences Europe](https://www.esjournal.org).

Dr. Darren Carabott is the Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and President of the Public Accounts Committee.

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