Government prefers to listen, not impose
The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs insisted yesterday that the government should continue to "listen" instead of imposing legislation about climate change.
The ministry was reacting to statements made by the Labour spokesman for the environment, Leo Brincat, who on Tuesday promised to move a Private Members' Bill to introduce climate change laws that would help Malta reach its environmental targets.
The ministry explained that it was the government's Climate Change Committee that asked to meet the Labour Party, proving that the government is seeking consultation with all stakeholders before outlining its strategy.
The government did not rule out the possibility of eventually introducing and enforcing laws to implement its climate change strategy.
The government reiterated its request for the opposition to contribute its ideas to the drafting of an action plan rather than moving a Private Members' Bill.
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L Galea
Sep 11th 2008, 15:18
Is the Government still with its ears to the ground?
Nigel Lawrence
Sep 11th 2008, 14:42
Government prefers to listen??
Government prefers to do NOTHING!
T Briffa
Sep 11th 2008, 13:28
Frankly, I consider such a statement from the Ministry is an insult to our intelligence.
Paul Smith
Sep 11th 2008, 13:20
Malta can do nothing about climate change, the only options open to Malta is to prepare.
And that means, massive new projects for rain water capture, alternative means of energy as fossil fuels deplete and more and better food security.
Els Serracino-Inglott
Sep 11th 2008, 12:16
And how is listening going to help change us to be more careful with nature and the environment? If the Government doesn't want to impose regulations, it's one thing, but instead they can impose measures that encourage people to change thei behaviour in small things (like bringing a shopping bag with you when you go shopping, why those millions of plastic bags for a week's shopping?). Just listening is really not going to make a difference! I thought Dr Gonzi promised us that the environment was going to be an important issue in this legislature, but I'm afraid that was just cheap rethorics from his side because we're not seeing enough changes.
john fenech
Sep 11th 2008, 12:12
In 2005 regarding renewable energy, the Malta government noted that given the existing constrains a reasonable target for 2010 will be 1.37% from the original of 5%, with the construction of a large wind farm.
Again in 2006 a draft proposal for a national energy policy was published for consultation. Concurrently a draft Renewable Energy Policy for Malta proposing targets for 2010 and beyond, focusing on PV cells, wind energy conversion systems & energy produced from waste.
In 2008 a committee made up of experts tasked with drawing up an action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
So when is the Government going to move from consultation to action! Every thing comes at a price, at the present rate the GHG is increasing the Water & Electricity tariffs are going up, while the price of LPG will soon be revised. For the present Enemalta are given distribution rights of water & electricity, if water & power production will be liberalised so will the cost to the customer.
Until 2012 we are exempted from the GHG targets under the Kyoto agreement, but to be on line after that we must put words into action know.