The energy sector was the largest polluter in Malta contributing to 88.7 per cent of gross national emissions. Waste followed, contribuing 6.6 percent.
These indicators derive from two reports that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa), as the competent authority, recently submitted to the European Commission.
The reports - the Biennial Report on Climate Change policies and measures (PAMs) and the Annual National Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Emissions Inventory, give an assessment on the monitored emissions from greenhouse gases and recommend policies for the reduction of such emissions.
While the PAM report covers information on national policies and measures considered as most effective in reducing GHG emissions in the various sectors, the Annual National GHG Inventory identifies trends of past and present emissions that provide useful information to drive the development of mitigation measures to combat climate change.
The reports also indicate that from 1990 to 2007, the GHG emissions in Malta have increased by 49 percent with carbon dioxide (CO2) being the most significant contributor to this increase. Figures indicate that on average, per capita emissions have risen from around 5.5 tonnes per head in 1990 to 7.3 tonnes per head in 2007.
These trends reflect the socio-economic changes that have taken place over these past two decades, resulting in an increased demand for energy, with more waste generated and road transport. Despite this national trend, Malta only contributed around 0.1 percent to the overall EU-27 GHG emissions.
The PAM report, which presents the state of play as at the end of 2008 and assesses projected progress by EU members on GHG emissions limitation and reduction until the year 2020, was prepared by Mepa in collaboration with various entities involved in developing and implementing policies and measures affecting emissions of direct GHG.
Coordination of the report was facilitated by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs through the setting up of a technical working group including representatives from the relevant Ministries, Authorities and state-owned entities.
The Annual National Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Emissions Inventory which covers the period between 1990 and 2007 was compiled primarily from data provided by National Statistics Office (NSO), government entities and private establishments.
The reports are available and downloadable from the authority’s website www.mepa.org.mt.