Tougher measures needed to stop climate change

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday joined Green parties all over Europe in calling for tougher measures to stop climate change. December 3 is World Climate Action Day.

Monica Frassoni, co-president of the Greens/EFA group, said:

"The greenhouse gas reduction commitments agreed under the Kyoto Protocol were only a first step in the combat against climate change. It is high time to think beyond 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol first commitment period ends.

"Success in the United Nations Climate Conference, currently taking place in Montreal, is of the utmost importance. During the Kyoto Protocol negotiations, the EU will have to play a key role in paving the way for an international, long-term agreement on curbing greenhouse gas emissions."

AD's spokesman on energy, Industry and IT, Ralph Cassar, said Malta, being an island, had a direct interest in combating climate change, which leads to the rise of sea levels.

He said AD was calling for immediate investment in a reliable, efficient and clean public transport system; a complete overhaul of the obsolete equipment at Marsa power station and a scheme to help households and industry reduce the use of energy through fiscal incentives. Malta, he said, needed an energy plan as soon as possible.