Gonzi calls for Euro-Med collaboration on climate change
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told the EU-Mediterranean summit meeting today that the problems of climate change go beyond environmental issues and impact social, political and economic wellbeing, and it is therefore never so important for the countries of the region to unite under a common solution.
Dr Gonzi recalled how, 20 years ago, Malta launched the United Nations Convention on Climate Change and has remained committed to participating in efforts to counter this growing problem.
The issue was such that by the end of this century, rainfall would drop 20 per cent, and regional problems caused by a shortage of water would grow worse. Among the consequences would be those on tourism and on human migration northward across the Mediterranean.
The Prime Minister said the Mediterranean could be a testing ground for new technology for cleaner power such as greater use of solar energy and the development of viable deep sea windfarms.
Dr Gonzi said the countries of the region should share their experiences so that they could together intensify the quest for cleaner, sustainable energy and also make the best use of water resources. A Euro-Mediterranean University could be particularly useful to facilitate such collaboration in scientific research.
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ALBERT FENECH
Jul 14th 2008, 05:58
A disappointing performance from Dr. Gonzi. As a good Maltese citizen he should have reminded the EU-Mediterranean Summit that over 30 years ago, his fellow-Maltese and former forerunner PM DOMINIC MINTOFF had campaigned strongly for such a Summit, had found the backing of the ill-fated ALDO MORO, and strongly maintained there could never be peace in the Middle East and tranquility in Europe unless the Mediterranean was unified in its aims. For his pains, Mintoff was then labelled "a dangerous man" and "unpredictable" by such Media as the (then) "Times of Malta" which constantly called for his resignation and campaigned tireless to oppose almost everything that Mintoff tried to do.
Time and tide has vindicated the man. Now French President Sarkozy has followed in Mintoff's footsteps by insisting on Mediterranean dialogue and actually bringing Israeli and Palestinian leaders together. This is being lauded as "a great achievement". Well done DOM MINTOFF for having had the foresight (as in many other things) to interpret the future.
I state these historical facts lest we ever forget and, particularly, for those who still feel that life in Malta began in 1987!
Daniel Micallef
Jul 14th 2008, 00:29
it's a disgrace that our country places last in the use of alternative means of energy such as solar energy, while countries which have much less solar exposure in central europe invest millions of euros per year in such systems.
Yes Dr. Gonzi, 20 years ago Malta launched the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. now can someone please tell us what improvements have we seen in our country these last 20 years where alternative means of energy are concerned?
H Farrugia
Jul 13th 2008, 22:37
instead of calling for climate change our PM should concentrate on the illegal immigration question and request help or opt out of the dublin agreement which is detrimental to the national interest. PM keep your feet firmly on the ground since this matter is reaching alarming proportions and the people of malta are already fed up. action speaks louder than words and eu has already told you that there will be no concrete steps only lip service. so let's take care of our national interest shall we?
Marco Cremona
Jul 13th 2008, 22:19
"make best use of water resources" - Coming from the PM of a country that it depleting its groundwater resources by the hour and does not even have a water policy - despite being forced to produce one by the EU - this must be the most hypocritical statement ever.
This country ranks the 9th thirstiest country in the world; and we are depleting our groundwater reserves by extracting twice as much water than the natural replenishing rate. Today, illegal extraction exceeds legal (read as WSC) extraction. And yet, one week before the election Gonzi compromised any form of control of extraction during this legislature by promising farmers that they may continue to pump out groundwater for free.
The law regulating the construction of cisterns for every building is blatantly ignored by MEPA and MRA (the water regulator), with the result that we now have floods after each storm event.
Dear PM, we know what we need to do. We do not need Euro-Med solutions. What we need is the resolve from your end to do what needs to be done in the national interest - and talk less.
G Borg
Jul 13th 2008, 21:22
Ironic that until two years ago no one was even discussing alternative energy sources and now every man and his dog is acting as though they are alternative energy experts. The economic realities are such that any national alternative energy strategy will take a little more planning than a solar water heater on the roof. Yet reading through the media one would be forgiven for believing that the Government is simply ignoring an issue. The fact is that Government is preparing its strategic plan. Govt was elected for five years not five months.
Cynical comments display are evidence of a very myopic view.
Ade Camilleri
Jul 13th 2008, 19:28
Ironic that this proposal for a Med-wide commitment to alternative energy should be coming from the prime minister of a country which has ZERO units of energy per annum being generated from alternative sources! Pharisaic, what?