Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1416377
13 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 OCTOBER 2021 OPINION Our urgent global challenge CLIMATE change is no longer a problem for the future, it has caught up with us. The recent disasters are a reminder that its effects do not just occur in faraway countries but also hit close to home. It is therefore no surprise that the European Parliament's September plenary session has placed its focus on the presentation of the 'Fit for 55 package'. This discussion comes after the publication of the Intergov- ernmental on Climate Change (IPCC) report which reminds us of our global challenge. This report addresses the most up- dated understanding of climate change backed up by the latest climate science, with a tinge of hope that there is still time to limit climate change. As highlighted, climate change is "widespread, rapid and inten- sifying", with time running out we have no option but to opt for the route of decisive action. Earlier this week during a discussion organised by S&D on the Fit for 55 package with MEPs and experts, I said that the 'Fit for 55 package' is a top priority in order to ensure that the EU's climate policy is in line with our Union's climate goals. It is the possible solution and holistic approach to the prob- lem at hand. At Council level, we are at the beginning of the examination of the package which has an overarching di- mension and needs to consider all Member States' various abil- ities of decarbonization in the wider context. COP26 will be a test of our collective commit- ment, EU-wide and globally, to fulfill the objectives of the Par- is Agreement. The rest of the world also needs to follow in the Union's lead towards climate neutrality. With Malta's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and the publication of our roadmap of how to get there through clear and 'costed' measures, outlined in our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) for 2050, this govern- ment has a concrete vision of how to move forward. The European Commission has given its green light to Mal- ta's recovery and resilience plan under the Recovery and Resil- ience Facility (RRF). The gov- ernment has made a conscious decision to emerge back strong- er from the devastating coro- navirus pandemic. Embracing the opportunity to address the green transition, our plan has devoted 54% of our total allo- cation to measures supporting climate objectives. These investments -- which are anchored in our vision -- include financing sustainable transport initiatives, energy ef- ficiency interventions in build- ings, and strengthening our circular economy. These invest- ments aim to reduce emissions in the transport sector, address congestion, and make transport more sustainable. Furthermore, improvements in the buildings sector will limit energy waste, lower carbon emissions and en- sure positive social, health, and environmental implications. In addition, a more circular econ- omy will reduce the pressures on our natural resources, bring- ing about a more sustainable economy than the current lin- ear model whilst creating more green jobs. Fully aware that this is an am- bitious plan but shouldering its responsibility, we have em- barked on a long-sighted direc- tion that makes economic, en- vironmental, and social sense. Government wants to avoid harsher and more painful deci- sions on both our climate and citizens. The cost of transition is high. However, we must put things into context. We need to also focus on the cost of inac- tion, not just in economic terms but also in human terms. As emphasized by the Euro- pean Commission's Executive Vice-President Frans Timmer- mans in his speech, "not tack- ling the climate crisis will lead to the most horrible social in- equality, because rich people can always find a way out and a place to live. Poor people, mid- dle class cannot, and will suffer if we don't act now." Many European countries have already experienced for- est fires and extreme floods this summer, some of which have resulted in deaths and devastat- ing impacts on both homes and livelihoods. Our government has under- stood this. I have confidence that our population also under- stands this. We all want change, but we all need to want to change. We must realise its ne- cessity and the cost by grasping that sacrifice will lead to posi- tive results. These are some of the many reasons we must start negotia- tions with other member states in the Council of the EU, Com- mission and European Parlia- ment on the Fit for 55 package swiftly. We must ensure that the gains and burdens are shared in a fair and just manner. We must find solutions, to a common problem, based on Eu- rope's legal obligation of at least 55% by 2030 and climate neu- trality by 2050. Aaron Farrugia is minister for the environment Aaron Farrugia We have embarked on a long-sighted direction that makes economic, environmental, and social sense. Government wants to avoid harsher and more painful decisions on both our climate and citizens