As the final negotiation process kicks in during the conclusive week of COP21 in Paris, with negotiators on one side and respective ministers for climate attending the so-called high level segment of the conference, we are at the stage where the future of the COP process itself and the daunting challenge of addressing climate change will be determined.
Although Malta did not have to submit its own INDC (intended nationally-determined contributions) as it is bound by those established for member states by the EU itself, many are those who understandably ask the logical question: what is being done on the local front to address climate action?
Through an inter-ministerial committee, Malta is coordinating efforts being addressed by a number of ministries and entities that impact directly or indirectly our own greenhouse gas emissions.
The recently approved Climate Action Bill that won bipartisan support is now at the stage where its structures are being fleshed out.
Among the future public consultations envisaged are regular meetings with the MCESD to further update them on climate action developments both internationally and locally.
Work is under way on a low carbon development strategy that, apart from providing an update and benchmarking of our adaptation and mitigation strategies, is intended to provide an institutional framework for climate change while hopefully building the appropriate human capital.
The first phase for the development of such a strategy has already been launched by our ministry through a scoping study. The timeline envisaged for the development of the low carbon development strategy (LCDS) has already been communicated to the European Commission and is highly dependent on civil participation.
Apart from stakeholder consultation on the scoping document, a high level LCDS visions document is being prepared, public consultation on it will be adopted and next year Malta can move from the preparatory phase to the vision angle to the strategy itself. The period July 2016 – December 2017 has been set to be taken up with the actual preparation of the LCDS, public consultation on the draft document, analysis of feedback and adoption of the LCDS.
It is worth mentioning that the inter-ministerial committee was reactivated by the ministry last year. An ad hoc inter-ministerial committee was also set up in the lead up to the negotiations on the 2030 package in the EU.
With the merger of the climate change unit within the MRA, with the environment directorate under the new Environment and Resources Authority, a far more integrated approach is expected to be developed.
Improved energy efficiency remains pivotal across all key sectors
Increased capacity building will be a major challenge.
Work with the University is ongoing to address existing data gaps and establish a scholarship programme for developing countries to form part of our international climate finance contribution.
The same can be said for the national inventory system that will establish the clear institutional framework addressed in the Mitigation Strategy.
The MRA’s climate change unit convened a working group this year to address emission projections in the longer term for more accurate reporting and accounting.
There have been numerous actions taken on abatement measures by various ministries: the finalisation of work on the interconnectors, thus connecting Malta to the European Electricity Grid; the Marsa power station was taken out of service last year; the government committed to a plan to switch from heavy fuel to natural gas for the generation of electricity at the Delimara power station; initiatives on energy demand management as well as the issue of the third national energy efficiency action plan.
There is much potential for further action on energy performance in buildings. A nearly zero energy plan for Malta has been developed and this has set targets for the shift towards nearly zero energy buildings by 2020.
The new renewable energy mix should go a long way to reducing CO₂ emissions by more than one million tonnes. A 90 per cent dip in particulate matter is expected as a result of this process while the Ministry for Energy is committed to reach five per cent of our RES targets by the end of the year.
The revised Mepa policy on solar farms and the major shift to solar energy envisaged in the new road map with PV systems featuring as the main source should contribute positively towards this process.
The lopsided manner in which we had previously depended on wind energy more than solar had defied logic and common sense.
Action on securing effective management of water and water production as well as action under way on agriculture and waste abatement measures should contribute further to this process.
The transport abatement measures need to be stepped up as a result of a sustainable transport plan, with much increased emphasis on e-mobility even though affordability remains a main hindrance.
Improved energy efficiency remains pivotal across all key sectors.
This should in no way mean or imply that we have reached our goals and fulfilled our obligations. Much work remains to be done. But the political will, determination and resolve in a joined up mainstreamed manner was never as evident as it is now.
Leo Brincat is Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change.