NAO Calls on Government to Empower Climate Action Authority for Effective Environmental Change

The National Audit Office (NAO) has urged the government to give more resources to the Climate Action Authority (CAA). This is important to help coordinate the country’s climate policies better.

A recent evaluation gave Malta a ClimateScanner score of 6.92 out of 10. The NAO suggests that improving resource allocation, tracking finance, and implementing effective policies should be the government’s focus.

The CAA has been around for a year. It plays a key role in raising public awareness about climate issues, executing EU laws, and reporting on Malta’s climate goals.

The NAO believes the Environment Ministry and CAA should use the assessment’s insights to enhance governance and planning related to climate action. The governance framework scored 6.55 out of 10, indicating solid structures but some gaps in accountability. The NAO recommends more parliamentary engagement to strengthen this.

To effectively coordinate climate policies, the CAA needs adequate resources, better monitoring systems, and improved data collection. This would help them engage more effectively with public and private stakeholders.

On finance, Malta scored 6.20 out of 10, showing that while mechanisms are developing, gaps remain. The NAO recommends two key actions. First, the government should invest in a detailed climate finance tracking system to better classify funding for climate initiatives. Second, it should find ways to encourage private financing for climate action by utilizing available grants and schemes.

Recent studies highlight the importance of effective climate finance. According to the Global Climate Finance Report, governments need to mobilize around $6 trillion yearly to meet climate goals. With more investments, Malta could enhance its climate initiatives, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

The call for improved resources and systems reflects a broader movement towards smarter climate governance. Many countries face similar challenges, showing that Malta is not alone in this pursuit.

For more insights on climate finance, you can check this government report.

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