Environment indicators proof of failure - MLP

The latest state of the environment report in the country confirms how Malta still lags behind in reaching the environmental targets estab-lished in various European countries, Labour spokesman for Planning Roderick Galdes said yesterday.

He was commenting on the environmental indicators issued last week by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The most worrying indicators, according to Mr Galdes, were the increased air pollution from various chemicals and the generation of waste, bad land use management, and the impact of car use dependence.

He lamented that the indicators had completely ignored the alternative energy situation in Malta, which remains poor compared with other countries.

"These areas are crucial if Mepa truly wants to fulfill its vision to improve our quality of life," he said.

On the other hand, he welcomed the improvement in areas such as the increased planting of trees, waste recycling, eco school investment and the reduction in sulphur dioxide and benzine concentrations in the air.