Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542865
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 28 JANUARY 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The Maltese islands are already experiencing longer heatwaves, heavier rainfall episodes, pro- longed dry spells and stronger storms. Global sea temperatures are ris- ing by around 0.5°C per decade, with the Mediterranean warming at approximately 0.35°C per dec- ade. The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report confirms that warming in the Mediterranean region is hap- pening faster than the global aver- age, with strong evidence showing that climate change has already increased extreme weather since the mid-20th century. Storm Harry that hit Malta last week brought Force 9 winds that battered the islands for almost 48 hours, causing disruption and destruction. It followed similar events such as Storm Helios in 2023 and a comparable storm in 2019, both with winds blowing at force 8 to 9. The authority de- scribed these incidents as "tangi- ble examples of a broader pattern" linked to climate change. The spokesperson said that in re- sponse, Malta has begun prepara- tory work on its National Climate Adaptation Plan (NAP), aimed at integrating climate resilience into the economy and everyday life. The authority said a pre-market consultation has already been is- sued to involve experts, alongside discussions with social partners and wider society. Development of the plan will continue through- out the year. However, the authority stressed that climate adaptation is not the responsibility of a single entity. "This is a consolidated effort across government with the in- volvement of multiple stakehold- ers," it said, pointing to ongoing research at the University of Mal- ta, including on coastal protec- tion, as well as national projects addressing flooding risks. While the forthcoming NAP will serve as Malta's comprehen- sive adaptation framework, the authority highlighted the impor- tance of community involvement and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening preparedness. Although no specific coastal measures were detailed, the au- thority acknowledged that vul- nerable areas will require targeted attention as climate impacts in- tensify. "Preparedness and resilience are no longer optional," the spokes- person warned adding that cli- mate change preparedness must be "central" to planning across multiple sectors and entities. Con- tinued investment is also essential to reduce risk, protect communi- ties and safeguard Malta's long- term social and economic stabil- ity. Malta already experiencing longer heatwaves, heavier rainfall episodes and prolonged dry spells Waves battering the shore on the front in Sliema (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Tiny Sliema room advertised for €600 rent sparks criticism and mockery A Facebook post advertising a tiny bedroom for rent has gone viral and attracted anger and mockery from commenters. The post was made by a prop- erty agent and advertised a tiny room in Sliema which can be rented for €600. The room includes a bed, a wall fan, a wardrobe, and in- cludes a private bathroom. Facebook users compared the room to a prison cell, as many noted that the room doesn't have a window. Others expressed hope that the Housing Authority would notice the advertisement and investigate the property. In December 2025, a study published by tenant union Solidarjetà showed that aver- age rent prices are on a steep rise, as the rent on an average two-bedroom apartment in- creased by 28.3% between 2022 and 2024. The study showed more than twice the increase in the mean national salary which rose by 12.4% during the same period. The author describes the cur- rent Maltese rental market as "structurally unbalanced and operates to the severe detri- ment of tenants." Meanwhile, NSO figures show that residential property prices rose by 5.7% in the third quarter of 2025. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt The room was advertised on Facebook for the price of €600 monthly