Reaching target early only in best-case scenario

Reducing Malta's greenhouse gas emissions to below the EU's suggested level five years before the 2020 deadline is a best-case scenario, Resources Minister George Pullicino clarified yesterday.

He was referring to the report titled Emissions Target 'To Be Reached Early' that appeared in The Times yesterday quoting him as saying that he was confident Malta would come in line with the EU target for greenhouse gas reductions five years early.

According to a graph in the national strategy on greenhouse gases issued on Tuesday, the new power station, the submarine electricity link with Sicily and the decommissioning of the Marsa plant could see Malta reach the EU's 2020 greenhouse gas emissions target by 2015.

However, the ministry clarified yesterday that this was only a "best-case scenario". Malta would be able to meet its international obligations comfortably "apart from the fact that for instance delays may occur in the issuing of permits".

"It is difficult to reach the targets so early knowing the tribulations we will encounter," said Mr Pullicino. "It would be a miracle if we did."

The national strategy, which lists 96 measures to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions, will be reviewed every three years to adapt to the country's needs.

By 2020 Malta has to bring down its greenhouse gas emissions to five per cent below its 1990 level and it is currently far off the mark. To achieve the target it will have to reduce emissions created in 2008 by half in just 11 years.