Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499533
8 OPINION 18.5.2023 ESG remains at the top of our agenda George Mangion George Mangion is a senior partner at PKF, an audit and consultancy firm, and has over 25 years' experience in accounting, taxation, financial and consultancy services. His efforts have made PKF instrumental in establishing many companies in Malta and established PKF as a leading professional financial service provider on the Island L ast week, Moviment Graffitti activ- ists carried three caskets representing "nature", "health" and "quality of life" in a short procession to the headquarters of the Malta Developers Association (MDA). is is a unique type of activism protest- ing against the deterioration in the envi- ronment resulting from rampant over- building based on lax regulation by the authorities. ere is no justice in losing our country to the rule of greed. In this particular protest, the media reported six activists dressed as grim reapers car- ried placards representing the MDA and five government authorities: the Planning Authority, Lands Authority, Superintend- ence of Cultural Heritage, Environment and Resource Authority and Environ- ment and Planning Tribunal. Moviment Graffitti said the islands are facing an environmental situation that is rapidly getting worse and requires genu- ine action, not empty words and cosmetic changes. Future generations are in danger of in- heriting an island ravaged by environ- mental damage. While today's youth may be particularly motivated to find solutions that can benefit their own future, being effective stewards of Malta, is a responsi- bility for people of all ages. Professionals in positions of public leadership can use their skills and knowledge to engage peo- ple in environmental advocacy and help create a better planet for everyone. On the positive side, one is relieved to read that after months of discussions prin- cipally lead by MEP David Casa, there will be created a social climate fund. e EU regulation establishing the social climate fund - an €86.7 billion social assistance package is intended to help businesses and households from the effects of cli- mate transition. is may eventually also benefit households and small businesses. Naturally, it is a bit too little and some- what late. ere is no comparison with the mighty US version of the Inflation reduction act. e latter is a mammoth fund to help assist companies and organ- izations to fight climate change and reach net zero by 2050. One regularly meets the term "environ- mental activism". Simply defined, it is the actions of individuals or groups that protect or aid the environment. ose involved in the movement identify issues that threaten the planet's viability, from community to global concerns, and then develop strategies to promote aware- ness or produce solutions that directly address the problem. In Malta, there is a mild version of environmental activism because awareness of residents about the consequences of climate change has not sunk in. Definitely, the political direction is focused on other matters such as cost of living, state subsidies and maintaining a feel-good factor (by occasionally issuing free cheques). However, other European nations are more vocal on the visible consequenc- es of doing little to fight climate change. What can be done to light the fire of en- vironmental activism in Malta. ere are several ways to undertake this, from local grassroots strategies to nationwide cam- paigns. In some cases, advocating for the envi- ronment can also include other important activism, such as civic and social justice. Regardless of how it's performed, the goal of environmental activism is clear: to cre- ate a harmonious living environment that can be handed down from generation to generation without succumbing to poor human stewardship. Environmental responsibility is the pil- lar of corporate social responsibility root- ed in preserving mother nature. Environ- mental activism can also lead individuals to become involved with other critical forms of civic engagement, particularly in relation to social and racial justice issues. rough optimal operations and sup- port of related causes, a company observ- ing the rules of ESG, can ensure it leaves natural resources better than before its operations. Readers are invited to attend a PKF business breakfast on 27 June at the Hilton Portomaso suite St Julians, to dis- cuss such issues. Discussions by experts will delve into how companies can pursue environ- mental stewardship through: reducing pollution, waste, natural resource con- sumption, and emissions through its manufacturing process. • Recycling goods and materials throughout its processes including promoting re-use practices with its customers. • Distributing goods consciously by choosing methods that have the least impact on emissions and pol- lution. • More use of EVs, advocating the production of green energy from floating offshore plants. • Maintaining a healthy work /life balance for both private and state employees. e first step toward environmental ad- vocacy can be small and simple, such as undertaking a volunteer project cleaning up beach pollution and switching from running ICE cars to electrics. Environ- mental activism in Malta can grow by coming together of various groups of in- dividuals and organizations that work in collaboration in social, scientific, political, and conservational fields with the main purpose of addressing net zero. A slow appreciation of the merits of ESG reporting by companies and government entities needs to be buttressed by effec- tive regulation. Such initiatives will slowly pave the way for more citizens to join a larger movement or be inspired to build awareness themselves. Environmental ac- tivism in education colleges and universi- ties in Malta is low. Ideally, undergraduates and students lead critical dialogues in their commu- nities to discuss findings and brainstorm strategies for change, backed by training in civic engagement, legislative advocacy and shaping public policy. is is like tak- ing horses to water, yet they do not drink. Environmental activism can bring im- portant attention to serious issues, mo- bilizing others to use their voices — and their votes — to influence political lead- ers. Activists can also help shape environ- mental legislation. It seems that locally, students are quickly activated, if the uni- versity increases parking fees or change stipends but they are not spurned by their obligation towards the nation which funds their life-long free education pro- gramme. is lack of environmental activism can also have an impact at the corporate lev- el. Increased awareness of environmental concerns may cause companies to de- velop more sustainable practices, adopt green strategies and proactively engage in corporate social responsibility. In conclusion, the people of Malta, are bearing the grave consequences of unbridled environmental devastation. Widespread environmental destruction is resulting in physical and mental health problems, in frustrated children who have nowhere to roam and a growing desire among young people to leave the country. Collectively, we conjured this mess for one clear reason. Behind this wave of en- vironmental destruction lies a web of pol- iticians and developers who have created a system that serves the profit of the few instead of the common good. Only Dubai and Marshall Island banks brim with se- cret accounts. Exploitation of the open spaces in Malta take us to mention many instances. A glaring example is the exploitation of building Manoel island by a developer, which had first over-built Tigne point, later it was given the green sign to erect multiple concrete structures on pristine land at a historical fortress island.