Storm Harry has highlighted the need to address the challenges of climate change through “politics of courage”, ADPD The Green Party said as it warned coastal areas need long-term planning against rising sea levels.
Speaking at a press conference in Marsascala, one of the worst hit localities, ADPD chairperson Sandra Gauci said we have a “responsibility to address the accumulation of environmental changes impacting the climate.”
Gauci warned that sea levels are rising and there is the need for long-term planning especially along the coasts.
“Coastal infrastructure should be protected, and planning must take into consideration these environmental limits and avoid the creation of more risky infrastructure along the coast,” she said.
Gauci pointed out that strategic planning documents such as Vision 2050 “lack the integration of climate change concerns”.
ADPD public relations officer Brian Decelis, who is a candidate for Marsascala, pointed out extreme weather has now become so commonplace that we are “used to it” but in order to reach the much touted zero-carbon emissions target “we need to address all our activities”.
“Addressing climate change involves political decisions that are controversial,” Decelis said.
He added that climate change can only be addressed if political decisions complement each other. However, current political decisions seem to encourage the use of cars and yachts that consume large quantities of petrol and diesel and produce considerable emissions, giving a different message, he continued.
“It is like a tug of war between the ministers responsible for climate change and transport,” Decelis said.
He suggested a change in mobility habits is “essential” but accused the government of “ignoring” the issue.
“In Malta politics concerning transport does not factor in climate issues.”