As part of its role to stimulate a wide-ranging public debate on matters of importance, the independent think tank, The Today Public Policy Institute, will be making a presentation at the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise on May 22 at 6 p.m. on Climate Change: The Global Challenge And An Action Plan For Malta.

The talk will be in two parts. First, Michael Zammit Cutajar, who is Malta's Ambassador on Climate Change, will speak about the demanding world challenges presented by global warming and climate change. He will address the problems, the challenges, the international actions needed and Malta's involvement in the climate change negotiations.

Then, Martin Scicluna, who is the director general of the think tank, will take up the challenge as it affects Malta. He will describe how climate change might impact on Malta, the specific challenges this will present the island with, and then go on to propose a possible action plan to prepare to meet them. The Action Plan will need to cover water resources, energy security and conservation, food security, health, tourism, the built environment, and climate refugees and illegal immigration.

As Malta's policy-makers begin to confront the stark challenges posed by climate change, this will be a talk which will serve to analyse and highlight the key issues which lie ahead and the need for politicians and policy makers to begin to grapple with possible solutions to the impending problems to ensure that Malta is as well prepared as it can be to mitigate the effects. Its aim will be to prompt new ideas and to inspire creative solutions to ensure Malta's long-term sustainability.

The talk will be open to all members of the public and will be of particular interest to policy makers, senior business executives, environmentalists and anybody who has an interest in how Malta is going to confront mankind's possibly greatest test of the 21st century. Entrance is free on a first come first served basis. Members of the public are kindly advised to be seated by 5.50 p.m.