ADPD has raised serious concerns about Malta’s approach to environmental issues and renewable energy. They believe current policies are inadequate to combat the climate crisis.
Party representatives highlighted that climate change is already impacting Malta with extreme heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. These changes are causing harm to agriculture and damaging infrastructure.
Despite promising commitments to European climate goals, Malta remains stuck in an economic model that prioritizes unsustainable growth. The island is lagging in generating energy from renewable sources—one of the weakest performers in Europe.
Carmel Cacopardo, the party’s deputy chairperson, criticized existing policies that continue to support fossil fuels. He emphasized that discussing environmental protection means little if investments keep flowing into fossil fuel infrastructure. ADPD suggests that the environment and economy should be seen as linked priorities. They advocate for Malta to generate half of its energy from renewables by 2030, a significant increase from the current goal of 25%.
ADPD also announced proposals requiring large companies and financial institutions to outline plans for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This move aims to hold them accountable for their environmental impact.
Mark Zerafa, an ADPD candidate, focused on transportation and urban development. He noted that Malta relies heavily on private cars, partly due to ongoing investments in road expansions instead of alternative transport options. ADPD is pushing for a rapid bus transit system and safer walking and cycling infrastructure, prioritizing public transport accessibility.
Furthermore, they called for a faster modernization of Malta’s electricity distribution to enable decentralized energy models. In construction, ADPD advocates for refurbishing and energy-efficient upgrades of existing buildings rather than new, unsustainable developments.
Malta needs clearer climate goals and more assertive leadership. Weak measures won’t tackle the challenges posed by climate change. A recent study by Eurostat shows that, in 2021, Malta generated only 14% of its energy through renewables, reinforcing the urgent need for change.
As social media buzzes with calls for more aggressive climate action, the conversation is growing louder. Many citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the urgency of climate change. ADPD’s stance resonates with these concerns, urging the government to take stronger, concrete actions.
For more information on Malta’s renewable energy targets, you can refer to the European Environment Agency.
