A strategy for Climate Change Committee

I refer to the letter by Victor De Giovanni, the secretary of Żminijietna - Voice of the Left, on climate change strategy (January 28). The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs had appointed the Climate Change Committee way back in June to propose measures which need to be implemented in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This modus operandi has also been adopted by countries that have legislated on climate change, such as the UK.

The resolution approved by Parliament on January 15 clearly states that:

• A debate in Parliament on the draft strategy will follow the public consultation process, and this not later than one month from termination of such process.

• After approval of the draft strategy, the government is to implement the approved strategy in the best possible way, including taking administrative and/or legislative measures.

• A governmental annual reporting procedure is to be introduced into our parliamentary system regarding the work carried out throughout the administrative year in the form of an annual progress report that will afterwards be discussed in the House.

The ministry also notes that all the members of the committee are highly respected professionals who come from different but relevant sectors and are experts in their field. It is unjustified to state that no NGO was represented - Paul Pace is the vice president of the Church's Environment Commission. The reason why a small group of experts was appointed on this committee was in order to be able to deliver a report with tangible recommendations in a relatively short period of time.

The ministry would like to take this opportunity to invite the public to actively participate in the public consultation process and to give its feedback. One may view the report on www.climatechange.gov.mt.