Malta's emissions up by half since 1990

Malta's emissions have increased by 50 per in less than 20 years, according to a report issued by the European Commission yesterday.

According to the latest progress report measuring the EU's efforts to reach the targets set by the 2012 Kyoto Protocol on climate change, in 2007 Malta emitted three million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) against two million emitted in 1990. The largest chunk, almost two million tonnes, are attributed to the two Enemalta power stations.

However, transport, waste and agriculture also contribute substantially to our release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Despite the increase, Malta is still considered to be one of the EU member states that pollutes the least. In fact, while it produces 7.3 metric tonnes of GHGs per capita, the EU average stands at 10.2 metric tonnes.

At the same time, Malta's increase in GHGs since 1990 was surpassed only by Cyprus (+ 83.6 per cent) and Spain (+52.6 per cent). The EU 27 average increase was 12.5 per cent and the majority of member states have managed to reduce their emissions substantially.

Unlike the other member states, Malta and Cyprus are not bound by any Kyoto targets to reduce their emissions as they are not parties to the protocol. This is because they were still considered as developing countries when it was signed.

The situation will change from 2012 onwards, however, when a new protocol is to be signed and both countries will have to be parties to it as members of the EU.

In fact, Malta is already taking part in the EU's overall emissions reduction efforts and has committed itself to a cut of 20 per cent over 1990 levels by 2020.