Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1270964
12 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 JULY 2020 Ralph Cassar is secretary-general, AD – the Green Party ralph.cassar@alternattiva.org.mt OPINION Ralph Cassar No business-as-usual please THE science about climate change is crystal clear. It is necessary to make a greater effort on a European level, in- deed on a global level, to do as much as possible to reach zero carbon by 2030. Unfortunately due to a lack of vision by 'business-as-usu- al' leaders and politicians, and the fetishisation of economic growth and industrialism, it is probably now too late in the day to reach that target. It is a matter of urgency how- ever, that, at the very least, each and every EU country, includ- ing Malta, commits with clear and legally binding targets, to reduce carbon emissions by at least sixty five percent (65%) between 2030 and at the latest by 2040, and zero carbon by 2050. To this end, a sizeable part of the billion-euro EU recov- ery fund earmarked for Malta and other investment through, say, Malta Government bonds should be used to achieve this goal. A Green Deal speeds up the shift to renewable energy rap- idly and leads to improved quality of life for everyone. In- stead of a proper plan, in Malta we have a National Energy and Climate Plan and The National Air Pollution Control Program with low and vague targets, and with no ambition. True, these targets conform to international agreements and EU directives, however they are still weak and inef- fective. Targets should be re- viewed upwards immediately. We need action to move quickly to a mix of different clean energy sources. We need energy from wind, including offshore and micro-turbines, mandatory solar panels on every building and factory, as well as energy from the sea by means of waves and floating solar panels. The cumulative impact of small projects, such as mi- cro-turbines, is huge. The Government should com- mit to also buying renewable energy from the interconnec- tor and enter into partnerships with our neighbour, Sicily, in renewable energy sources such that we can tap other sources of clean energy and at the same time increase employment in this area. An imperative is investment to improve the electricity dis- tribution system not only to reduce energy losses but also to make it possible to better transmit and distribute a larg- er volumes of renewable en- ergy generated in residential areas. Another interesting develop- ment in the energy sector is a submarine pipeline linking Ge- la in Sicily and Delimara. It seems that the EU is not keen on financing a natural gas pipeline. So far so good. Natu- ral gas is a fossil fuel which the fossil fuel industry is keen on locking countries into using for the long term. The EU's refusal to subsi- dise fossil fuels is a blessing in disguise. It is reported that to agree to finance such a project, the pipeline needs to be hydro- gen-ready. This would also eliminate the need for the gas storage tanker in Delimara. Brussels' plans for the transition to a clean hydro- gen-based energy sector should be seen as an opportunity. One thing must be clear, the hydrogen strategy should not be allowed to become a green- washing exercise to subsidise hydrogen derived from fossil fuel. While certainly part of a di- verse energy mix and a means to store renewable energy, the focus must remain on the ex- pansion of renewables, and as regards hydrogen, only in- frastructure which produces green hydrogen should be con- sidered. Efficiency in energy use and production should also play a big part in economic recovery. The building industry should be redirected towards energy and resource efficient renova- tion. Banks and financial services institutions should be obliged to show how their investment decisions will lead to a net-ze- ro carbon economy, and indus- trial policy should be based on reaching ambitious climate and circular economy goals. Invest- ments in renewable energies and a wave of renovation will create jobs, reduce fossil fuel emissions and protect the plan- et and our wellbeing. As usual, we are already hear- ing a multitude of excuses and arguments in favour of pre- serving the 'Maltese economic model' based on tax evasion for the wealthiest multination- al companies with only an ad- dress of phantom subsidiaries registered in Malta; so-called letterbox companies. Finance Minister Edward Scicluna spoke of EU recovery money contingent on tax-jus- tice measures and climate change mitigation and action as 'prickly pears'. He is joined by warnings about threats to Malta's com- petitiveness – based on tax theft – by PN/EPP official and former candidate Peter Agius. What a disservice to the coun- try. It would be better if the need for reform is framed as an op- portunity for a fairer economy rather than a threat. Making hay while the sun shines may have suited Malta well for a while. However, preparing for an economy based on solidarity, ecological and social justice cannot wait anymore. Whoever brings up excuses for not investing heavily in the necessary measures to change our societies and the way the economy functions, and allows polluters to carry on with busi- ness as usual, is irresponsible. There is no other way out. Malta's risible climate change targets should be scrapped and replaced with a clear and legal- ly binding science-based ze- ro-carbon action plan now. We have to move to a new normal. Our economic and social model and the way we live must be based on respect for nature, our planet and ul- timately, on respect for our- selves and for each other. I CHOOSE FAIR Dates: Friday, 31st July and Saturday, 1st August 2020 Venue: Grand Hotel Excelsior, Great Siege Road, Floriana, Malta Time: 31st July 16:00-20:00hrs 1st August 09:00-13:00hrs Visitors are requested to bring their ID Card and face mask whilst respecting social distancing protocols. ichoose@gov.mt education.gov.mt/ichoose NAGĦŻEL IL-KARRIERA TIEGĦI EDUCATION FAIR POST-SECONDARY Open for students, parents and the public • Post-Secondary Institutions • Talks - visit education.gov.mt/ichoose for the schedule The Ministry for Education and Employment is embarking on the 'I Choose' initiative, targeting all 5th formers. This will be another opportunity whereby our students can explore post-secondary options as they leave compulsory education. The 'I Choose – Nagħżel il-Karriera Tiegħi' event, will enable our students to make informed choices about their future. The event will include all post- secondary educational institutions. The programme also includes the possibility for both students and parents to attend different talks which will be delivered by professionals in various related fields. The overall aim of this event is to help students to overcome difficulties and doubts related to their future career paths.