PM's stern warning on climate change

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday issued a stern warning to those not seeing eye-to-eye with the government over the measures needed to reduce CO2 emissions to EU levels, saying that if nothing was done Malta's economy would not be sustainable within five years because it would have to pay dearly for its lack of action.

Speaking during the parliamentary discussion on the national strategy aimed at reducing the emissions that contribute to global warming, Dr Gonzi appealed for a re-think by those who systematically criticised and sowed doubts on the plan, because they were doing a disservice to the country.

He said that addressing this "enormous reality" was of extraordinary importance. The strategy was an eye opener to the risks of doing nothing.

He invited everybody to analyse the document and see what was being proposed at the Copenhagen conference next December. At the recent UN meeting, the US, China and Japan agreed that they would pull the same rope because everybody was in the same boat.

Commitments must be enforced. If not, the economic implications would be grave. One must look beyond the next four years and take responsibility for the creation of jobs and competitiveness for the next 20, said Dr Gonzi.

The climate change strategy debate would determine Malta's economic future.

If well and urgently implemented, the strategy offered a guarantee of success. If it failed, one would be failing present and future generations.

The emission trading schemes to be introduced by the EU would mean that those countries not reducing CO2 emissions would pay millions of euro in fines.

This would only result in heavy increases in water and electricity tariffs.

Dr Gonzi said it was crucial that the Marsa power station be closed down and public transport reformed.

The price to pay if such actions were not taken was too high.

In this scenario, he said, the reasoning behind the revision of tariffs introduced on older vehicles, and measures to save energy and find alternative sources become clearer. Domestic and industrial electricity consumption had indeed gone down, benefitting the economy and the environment.

The government had already taken a number of measures, including investment in alternative energy sources and he expressed hope that the proposed wind farms would start working as soon as feasibly possible. Investment was also poured into modernising waste management plant and a number of schemes were introduced in the budget as incentives to people to make better use of energy.

The government did not introduce unpopular measures just to be seen to be "green" but to keep Malta competitive and protect jobs.

Dr Gonzi asked the Opposition to explain why it did not give any feedback on the strategy document. He acknowledged the Opposition's important role because climate change should be deemed to be a national issue. It must not be used as a political football.

Climate change was the responsibility of any government for the next four legislatures so it was important to take action today. He invited the Opposition to participate and even take uncomfortable positions on difficult issues. It must not continue to sit on the fence.

Dr Gonzi announced that in future, Mepa would issue a certificate indicating permissible emissions from any particular building.

The situation warranted a culture change. Malta had been at the forefront to protect the environment and, while the strategy document was still open to discussion, it was now time to start implementation.

Four new units would be formed under the aegis of the Malta Resources Authority. These would deal with education and communication; technology and research; policy, strategy and economic aspects; and the evaluation of programmes and initiatives and budget planning.

Dr Gonzi said he hoped that all those responsible for the implementation of the clime change strategy would do their duty diligently because Malta must be committed and respond in a mature and concrete way.