Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1455666
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 FEBRUARY 2022 OPINION 12 THE political landscape is chang- ing. Politicians too are changing – and we can see an increase in young candidates and women candidates putting themselves forward. In fact, this election has the po- tential to dramatically shift what our House of Representatives looks like. There is no longer an "ideal" politician, but rather people from all walks of life entering the polit- ical sphere, with different voices, and different experiences. People you can relate with. Hopefully, Par- liament will start to see a glimpse of balance that we could only dream of a decade ago. More than ever, I think that this is a change that we desperately need, and there's no better time than the present to achieve that change. I'm not talking solely about bal- ance in terms of characteristics of age, gender, and social background – but in ideals too. This generation grew up envi- ronmentally-conscious, with the belief that economic progression and prosperity can coexist with the preservation of our physical envi- ronment; that work-life balance is not just a buzzword but a crucial part of everyday life; that mental health is just as important as phys- ical health and the impact that one can have on the other. We have grown up with these principles, with concepts such as sustainability and sustainable liv- ing, ingrained into us. We have been through a recession and a pandemic in under three decades, and we are still excited about pol- itics. We're fully aware of the gaps in our educational system, but we're also digital natives. Digital natives able to gain the answer to any ques- tion with a few taps of a button. The democratisation of knowledge meant that we could learn anything and everything whenever we want- ed to. And this access to informa- tion has enabled us to picture a way that things can be done differently, better even. Increasing knowledge and access to information have led us to be- lieve that it's not enough to have numbers in parliament. What we really want is a seat at the table. Let's look beyond the quota, in fact, to a time when we won't even need it. "But why have you put yourself forward as a candidate, when local politics is this cynical?" I've often been asked. The cynicism of local politics has in fact been a major reason as to why I've decided to contest the next election. I believe that politics can be more, and it can do more. In simple terms, I believe that the ideas that have transformed our youth, now also need to transform our politics. From a country with a political culture stuck in the 1990s, now we need to move in the 21st century, to an age where it doesn't matter which social class one comes from. To an age when getting the support of big businessmen is seen as the least of one's priorities. To an age when the protection of the environment and increasing con- nectivity are guaranteed for all. Maybe we are the generation that is always wanting more, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. When I talk to other young candidates, the feeling is mutual, we are impa- tient for change. We want to move things along; we are excited for what the future could look like. We have been offered a chair, but we are taking a seat at the table. Naomi Cachia is a Labour candidate on the 7th and 12th district Taking our seat ENTHUSIASTICALLY, I welcome the initiative for a €700 million investment in environment and our climate change response, not for the simple reason that it is a pro- posal made by my leader Dr Robert Abela and the Labour government, but because it's my belief in principal that the environment and climate change are one of the signif- icant matters humanity must work together to save the whole world that gives us life. This is a global warning on all of us and, although many governments around the world are funding different strategies to mitigate and recover our beloved earth, it depends on every individu- al to encourage each other; to participate in promoting innovative solutions; and to play a huge role in contribut- ing to improve quality of life for current and future gener- ations. Other initiatives were in- troduced by the government in recent years, such as, a car-pooling system that can reduce carbon dioxide emis- sions and make commutes faster; minimize fuel costs and at the same time provide a social outlet for people by means of walking or use of bicycles. Another initiative con- cerned the reduced usage of paper, since we have ad- vanced technology that is re- placing the need of printing. Last month the government announced that Malta will be amongst the first countries to ban certain single-use plastic products in the EU. The ban will apply to prod- ucts such as plastic bags, cut- lery, straws, etc. There are plenty of ideas coming from other people of different po- litical opinions. Individuals also are con- tributing to this cause. For example, collecting waste from our beaches and the sea. Many companies are organ- ising team-building for their employees by spending a day either cleaning valleys, parks, or planting trees. Children in schools are being mentored on how to recycle better and the benefits it brings by do so, plant flowers and on what food that should be eaten. In a nutshell, the majority are already taking this subject seriously, whilst regrettably, some still take it with a pinch of salt. Building underground car spaces with green spaces above is going to allow to enjoy and appreciate what nature is all about. Certain residential buildings already implemented roof gardens. This includes a school in Hamrun, places in Valletta, and surely many others in different localities. Are we doing enough? Of course not! We owe our mother earth much more in what it gave us all these years. Contributing does not mean forking out financial support but providing time management, endeavour and engaging those who still think don't take this subject seriously at all, despite global warming might be lead to the extinction of our planet. The war in Ukraine is a clear example of how people should understand the se- verity of the climate change. People are coming together, condemning the killing of human beings and the de- struction of historical and residential buildings. Just stop and think for a few sec- onds. On a larger scale, this is what is happening to our planet when we talk about global warming! This is a collective aim and only together we can achieve these goals. When we put aside politics, as Maltese cit- izens, such issues brought us together and past results speaks for themselves. My dream is to be part of the results achieved by many contributors and of course, live in a sustainable envi- ronment for generations to come. Climate change: our common challenge Dario Vella Naomi Cachia This is a collective aim and only together we can achieve these goals. When we put aside politics, as Maltese citizens, such issues brought us together and past results speaks for themselves Dario Vella is mayor of Mellieha and Labour candidate on the 10th and 12th districts From a country with a political culture stuck in the 1990s, now we need to move in the 21st century, to an age where it doesn't matter which social class one comes from