During an informal environment council held recently in Austria, non-governmental organisations voiced their concern to all European environment ministers on the likelihood that the European energy policy is shifting towards nuclear energy in the face of the energy crises.
Such a debate is interesting to Malta not because the likelihood of developing a nuclear facility here is real but because Malta too ought to find ways of protecting the earth's climate. Just as many industries are already turning the costs of environmental compliance into gains from pollution prevention, Malta too should focus on this priority, even at a national level.
Well over half the threat to climate comes from carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels. It disappears if customers use energy efficiently and cost-effectively.
Alternatively, much of this part of the threat disappears if low-carbon fuels (natural gas) or no-fossil-carbon fuels (biomass or other renewables) are substituted for more carbon-intensive fossil fuels (coal and oil) and if fossil fuels are converted more efficiently into electricity.
The Prime Minister lately spoke about Malta's vision with regard to renewable energy from wind and how a proposal for a deep water installation will be launched soon. The Cabinet is debating a generation plan for the future. As the outgoing Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Klaus Toepfer recently said in Malta, irrespective of whether change occurs as a result of rising fossil fuel costs or as a result of climate change concerns, the end result is identical. Less emissions is the inevitable outcome in both instances.
Other complementary approaches gaining momentum locally include recovery of energy from organic waste, as proposed for the upgraded Sant'Antnin waste treatment plant, and the gradual introduction of PV installations on all government ministries.
In general, it is cheaper to save fuel than to buy it, no matter what kind it is. Moreover, even if inefficiently used, no-carbon fuels are increasingly competitive with oil and coal, particularly here in the southern region of the European Union.
The commitment that Malta is putting in its National Allocation Plan for 2008-2012 is a clear indication that it wishes to cut its contribution of greenhouse gases. It also intends to create a framework whereby reduced emissions of any significant greenhouse gas can be traded between companies and between countries under the agreed national emission caps. This means, you can undertake initiatives, such as increasing energy efficiency, and get paid for it.
The menu of climate protection opportunities is endless and not only on a national scale. Individuals at home, when driving or at work can contribute to reduce climate change too and save costs. A leaflet prepared by my ministry for this year's Environment Day gives a number of easy tips to help us achieve this goal.
I must say I have had a very encouraging experience while touring a number of organisations as part of the Environment Week activities organised by my ministry to mark World Environment Day 2006. Companies have embarked upon new environment-friendly technologies and initiatives that are putting into practice their social conscience. ST Microelectronics, one of the world's leading players in the semi-conductor business, have managed to reduce their water consumption by 75 per cent and their chemicals use by 65 per cent. Hilton Malta has increased its energy efficiency by eight per cent, and has registered savings of 49 per cent on water consumption. Notwithstanding these impressive facts, it was clear that the potential for further improvements was also attainable.
These success stories should help one and all dispel the myth that environment works against progress. Here we have "pace setters" shouldering their responsibilities, social, corporate and environmental, and consolidating their success stories in the process.
A proper understanding of the practical engineering economics of energy efficiency, and of other climate-stabilising opportunities, can give all parties participating in the climate debate what they want - fun and profit. Those who worry about our climate can see the threats to it lessen. Those who don't can still make money.
Those who worry about the costs and burdens of redesigning their business will see those investments rewarded. Those who want improved jobs, competitiveness, quality of life, public and environmental health can get those things too. By emphasising energy efficiency and climate protection, we can responsibly and profitably address not only climate change but most of our pollution and public health.
These actions, even if carried out due to soaring oil prices, are vital to a vigorous economy, national security, healthy environment, sustainable development, social justice and a liveable Malta!
Mr Pullicino is Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment.