We want to carry out changes in the fairest way to keep progressing together for a better quality of life. This was the key message of Prime Minister Robert Abela’s address during a Parliament debate on the Climate Action Bill. The proposed legislation entails the creation of a Climate Change Authority, a development that the Prime Minister described as a clear direction of a cohesive and fully committed government towards decisive action on climate change. The Prime Minister underscored that this Authority is envisaged to undertake a comprehensive mandate, characterised by a holistic perspective and a social dialogue that actively engages all stakeholders to implement meaningful change.

“We all have to believe in the changes that are needed and carry them out. If we get lost in partisanship, we will be failing future generations because we will not take the necessary decisions in a timely manner”, Prime Minister Robert Abela said as he added that failure to embrace change will lead to widespread suffering. Acknowledging the undeniable reality of climate change, he emphasised the necessity for our country, despite its size, to adopt a proactive stance. He asserted that the foundation of our environmental policy should be rooted in preventive measures.

Dr Abela highlighted how the establishment of the Climate Change Authority builds on other major changes that are being carried out including:  the transformation in favour of the use of cleaner energy, actions that reduce the impact of tourism and the shipment of goods such as the shore-to-ship project, the recycling and the Waste-to-energy projects, the direction in favour of greener investment with the issuance of green bonds and the investment in open spaces.

Prime Minister Abela defined the green transition as the greatest economic opportunity of our generation. However he also said that this change must keep families at its core. “The government will never put the burden of changes on the people. We will take the necessary decisions, but they shouldn’t become easier because the burden is borne by the people”, Prime Minister Robert Abela said while stressing that this stand is also being made in the European fora. He stated that the achievement of environmental security cannot be delivered if the economic security in people’s lives is not ensured. The Prime Minister also warned against populism, which he has noted in the Opposition’s approach to reforms introduced by the government, such as the removal of sale of products made by single-use plastic. He claimed that populism does not provide solutions.

In pursuit of sustaining economic growth and providing social support amidst climate challenges, the Prime Minister urged for a collective effort and a shift in mindset, firmly asserting that the right decisions have the potential to usher further job creation, efficiencies in resources and expanded access to untapped markets, among other benefits. The Prime Minister emphasised the pivotal role of children and young people. He stressed on the importance of their involvement in the decision-making process and explained how the government is actively engaging with them, notably through discussions such as in the Youth Advisory Forum.

Prime Minister Robert Abela concluded by saying that Malta is a country that does not fear change because it is able to turn it into a successful opportunity. He stated that the green law put forward is not simply a written paper but a testament to a committed government in favour of social and economic changes that lead to a new prosperity.