Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529555
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS VACANCY GDA of Victoria, Gozo is urgently looking for an experienced Samsung GSPN system operator. Applicants must speak English or Maltese. Call on: 21554062 Email: gdatrade@gmail.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Moreover, 84% - 49 points above the EU average of 35% – also think they will have to move to a less climate-vulner- able place, whether locally or abroad, to avoid floods, storms and other extreme weather events. The survey's results reflect a direct response to the increas- ingly frequent extreme weath- er events that Malta has expe- rienced in recent years. 99% of Maltese respondents – 33 points above the EU average of 68% – reported having suffered at least one direct consequence of an extreme weather event. 37% experienced power cuts or energy supply issues, 29% had health issues (such as heat stroke or respiratory problems) and 28% faced food supply is- sues (like reduced availability of certain products). This urgency is reinforced by the fact that 97% of Maltese re- spondents say that they have experienced at least one ex- treme weather event in the last five years, significantly higher than the EU average of 80%. These events have led to pow- er cuts, health issues, and food supply disruptions. With the island's vulnerability to these environmental chang- es, the majority of Maltese re- spondents — 77% — view cli- mate change adaptation as a national priority, a striking 27 points higher than the EU av- erage of 50%. Furthermore, 97% of Maltese believe that immediate invest- ment in climate adaptation measures is critical to avoid higher costs in the future, ech- oing the financial concerns raised across Europe. In terms of climate adapta- tion measures, 42% of Maltese participants prioritise im- provements to drainage sys- tems, flood barriers, and storm shelters. 68% of Maltese agree that trees and green spaces play an essential role in climate ad- aptation, with a majority of respondents recognising the need for increased investment in urban greening initiatives. Maltese citizens also tend to view climate adaptation as an economic opportunity. A striking 97% of respondents believe that investing in climate change adaptation measures could create jobs and stimulate the local economy, compared to the EU average of 86%. Maltese respondents are also notably more informed about how to take action. A high 91% of respondents feel knowledgeable about the steps they can take to adapt their homes and lifestyles, compared to the EU average of 70%. Furthermore, 82% of respond- ents are aware of public subsi- dies and financial incentives available to support adaptation efforts. 97% say they have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the last five years "WATER is at the heart of Mal- ta's mission to build resilience against the rising challenges of climate change," Malta's ener- gy minister Miriam Dalli said during an address at COP29 in Baku. "As demands on our water system increase, we are pio- neering ways to sustainably en- hance our water infrastructure and services," she said. "Our state-of-the-art desal- ination plant in Gozo, which uses 23.5% less energy than conventional plants — a new record — is proof of this com- mitment." At COP29, a global platform for climate action, Malta's del- egation emphasised water se- curity as a cornerstone of cli- mate resilience. Water Services Corporation (WSC) CEO Karl Cilia high- lighted the country's achieve- ments, noting a leap in network efficiency from 52% in 2011 to 72.7% today, and a significant reduction in water loss. "Our reclaimed water system, 'New Water', produced 1.6 mil- lion cubic meters in 2022 for agriculture, easing pressure on groundwater and supporting sustainable farming," he said. Malta also showcased its in- novative funding strategies, such as a €25 million green bond framework, and ongoing plans to explore Blue Bonds for marine infrastructure. These initiatives highlight how Mal- ta integrates circular econo- my principles to meet climate goals. Energy and Water Agency (EWA) Chief Executive Officer Manuel Sapiano further em- phasised the country's vision for offshore renewable energy projects. "These developments are more than energy solutions — they drive economic and environmental benefits across sectors, creating a more resil- ient and sustainable future," he said. Malta's efforts were also com- mended by Gianni Chianet- ta, Founder and Chair of the Greening the Islands Founda- tion, who noted the country's advancements in water man- agement and renewable energy. "When it comes to water, Malta is very advanced," he said. "The desalination tech- nology, especially the new plant in Gozo, is highly efficient and represents the positive direc- tion Malta is taking." Chianetta also acknowledged Malta's initiatives in offshore wind energy, saying, "I under- stand that Malta is applying a good approach to offshore wind development." His remarks reflect Malta's growing reputation as a lead- er in sustainable innovation, balancing efficient water man- agement with renewable ener- gy strategies, as highlighted by the Director General of IRENA himself, Francesco La Camera. Malta sets new efficiency records in water Miriam Dalli at COP29 in Baku (Photo: Ministry for the environment, energy and the regeneration of the Grand Harbour)