An interdisciplinary approach was required to make the climate action legislation work, which was why the chair of the board had to be appointed by the Prime Minister, Environment Minister Leo Brincat told Parliament yesterday.
However, he undertook to seek to appoint people to the Climate Action Board from the world of academia, particularly practical people who approached the subject in a realistic manner.
Winding up the debate on the Climate Action Bill in second reading, Mr Brincat said this law was the first of its kind in Malta, placing it at the fore even among other EU countries. It was important to distinguish between that which would strengthen the legislation and that which would only hinder the process.
The government was unyielding in its determination to strengthen the scrutinising process and would not hesitate to broaden representation on the board. He would make good on his promise to reserve a fixed number of places for representatives of eNGOs, provided that they agreed among themselves on this.
The easiest way, that of not legislating, asthe previous administration had done, was simply not an option
Mr Brincat said he admired the MCESD model, particularly when it came to having economy and industry representatives, and would in fact be inviting it to have its own representatives.
The easiest way, that of not legislating, as the previous administration had done, was simply not an option, Mr Brincat said, adding that for him it was the results which were important.
He gave his word that besides the ministries, he would ensure that only real experts in the area would be appointed.
Sectors with a direct impact on the climate sector should have their own representatives.
The low carbon development strategy had to be drawn up by experts, he explained, but added that there was nothing wrong with first having a consultation phase, followed by the finalising of an updated plan, as had been done with the waste plan.
The necessity of this law became apparent when one considered that since EU membership Malta’s obligations had evolved and become more specific, so much so that besides policy instruments such as the mitigation strategy and adaptation, there was an urgent need for a legal framework to ensure implementation. This was something both sides seemed to agree on, he said.
Although Malta supported the process leading to the Paris summit, particularly that of a binding legal agreement to lead to reduction targets, the EU had a standalone Energy and Climate Package until the year 2030, no matter the ultimate outcome. Malta’s commitment was necessary, and guaranteed, he said.
This sector had to be made a priority and there was an urgent need for capacity building in order to face the challenges which lay ahead, he said.
The strategy remained the sole responsibility of the Climate Minister, who was duty bound to appoint experts as required, he said. The Chair had to be chosen by the Prime Minister in order to ensure that all ministries were ‘on board’, he said, adding that he did not see how the President, who did not have an executive function, could be involved.
Mr Brincat also pointed out that Malta had gone beyond its obligations, as having a Climate Action Board and Climate Action Fund were not required by the EU, but they had been set up since the need for them was felt.