Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543552
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 MARCH 2026 OPINION Harry's warning MALTA once again confronted the harsh realities of an increasingly volatile climate after Storm Har- ry swept across the islands last month, unleash- ing powerful winds, heavy rain, and destructive waves. The storm left extensive damage across farms, coastal businesses, infrastructure, and mar- itime assets. According to the Malta's Meteoro- logical Office, wind speeds in Valletta reached up to 103km/h, with the southern and southeastern regions, including Marsaskala, bearing the brunt of the impact. It was a reminder of how Malta re- mains susceptible to intense weather events. Farmers, some of them already recovering from an earlier hailstorm, estimate thousands of euros in losses due to damaged greenhouses, polytun- nels, and ruined crops. Coastal communities faced towering waves that hurled debris inland, damag- ing property and disrupting daily life. Emergency services responded to hundreds of calls, ranging from fallen trees and hazardous debris to structur- al risks and flooding incidents. Storm Harry was not isolated in its intensity. Over the past decade, Malta has experienced a notice- able rise in the frequency and severity of storms, prolonged heatwaves, and erratic precipitation patterns. Climate scientists consistently emphasise that while a single storm cannot be directly linked to climate change, extreme weather events like this one align with a climate change hotspot such as the Mediterranean, where warming is occurring faster than the global average. Storm Harry in January 2026 was Malta's most powerful storm on record, but it was not unique. Similar gale-force storms hit in February 2019 and in 2023 (Storm Helios), each bringing force 8-10 winds and significant damage. Interestingly, the National Statistics Office (NSO) has observed a rise in thunderstorm days over recent decades. Ex- treme heatwaves are becoming more common and long-lasting. In summer 2023, Malta endured an unprecedent- ed 10-day heatwave (Cerberus) with temperatures peaking at 42.7°C. Officials noted that record-high summer temperatures now occur regularly in Malta. An NSO climate report likewise found that heatwaves (and droughts) have grown more fre- quent in recent years, in line with a general warm- ing trend. Rainfall has become more irregular, swinging between heavy downpours and extended dry spells. Notably, Storm Helios in February 2023 dumped 140mm of rain in 24 hours— Malta's wet- test February day in 85 years—causing flash floods. Yet overall, the islands are getting drier. Annual rainfall is declining (about 10mm less per decade) and a quarter of Malta's driest years on record oc- curred since 2001. These domestic realities unfold against a stark global backdrop. New findings from the EU's Co- pernicus Climate Change Service confirm that 2025 was the third hottest year ever recorded, sur- passed only by 2023 and 2024. With more than a million hectares of European land burned during a record-breaking wildfire season, coupled with two major heatwaves throughout June, last year once again underscored the Euro-Mediterranean region's status as a climate-vulnerability hot spot. Over the past three years, global average temper- atures exceeded 1.5°C above pre industrial lev- els, marking the first time a three year period has crossed this critical threshold. The report identi- fies persistent greenhouse gas emissions and ex- ceptionally high sea surface temperatures exacer- bated by El Niño conditions as the primary drivers behind this escalation. The consequences are visible worldwide: Inten- sified heatwaves affecting hundreds of millions, severe storms across continents, and unprecedent- ed wildfire activity. Notably, the Antarctic experi- enced its warmest year on record, while the Arctic followed closely behind. Scientists warn that unless emissions decline rapidly, the world is on track to formally breach the 1.5°C target within the decade far sooner than initially projected under the Paris Agreement. For Malta, the implications are clear. Rising sea temperatures in the Mediterranean are amplifying storm behaviour and coastal vulnerabilities. Apart from the immediate action to address storm dam- age lies a broader challenge—strengthening na- tional climate resilience. Storm Harry is both a reminder and a warning. It should also be seen as an opportunity to learn on how to improve our future responses to similar events. For a small island nation like Malta, pro- active adaptation guided by scientific evidence and long term planning will be crucial in safeguarding communities, infrastructure, and the nation's cul- tural and economic fabric. THE family is the beating heart of society and the place where values are entrenched. By taking the lessons of yesteryear we can find better solutions for today and tomorrow that offer not only pro- tection, but also better health and security. Whatever changes we imple- ment, we need to keep the focus on our children. We need to of- fer families a balanced life. The parents' role is crucial, which is why sensitive cases in the Family Court, involving issues of domes- tic violence, separation, custody and child maintenance, must be treated within a serious, practical, and effective legal cluster that of- fers a fair and impartial treatment to all parties involved. Wide consultation has led to recommendations intended to address problems that arise in these sensitive processes. The recommendations outlined in bill currently before parliament, make a practical difference in everyday life. We are committed to giv- ing parents peace of mind in the provision of a better life for their children. The systematic collection of various laws into one code is in- tended to provide more efficient legislative processes. Legislative and administrative changes will go a long way towards address- ing undue delays or time-wasting tactics by all parties concerned. There will also be a strict defini- tion of each parent's responsibil- ity towards each other and their children. It is imperative to eliminate, once and for all, the incidence of children having to carry the emo- tional burden of their parents' separation. This will be realised with the strengthening of the chil- dren's legal representative role. Mediators will also help ascertain balance and proportionality by guiding all parties towards agree- ment on various issues that are not necessarily legal in nature. These changes will mean chil- dren will have a stronger voice in court without impinging on the court's impartiality. The chil- dren's legal representative will have access to all parties involved in the case, enabling them to have a clearer picture of the family and be in a better position to assist the court on issues such as custody, access, home, therapy, and pro- tective measures. Independent professionals will evaluate the therapeutic needs of the children and all parties. If constant therapeutic intervention is needed, the new law will allow support persons to participate in the process. Crucially, the new law introduc- es the principle of co-parenting while taking into consideration the ability or otherwise of either parent in raising their children. Access to children has to be linked with balanced responsi- bilities and a smooth mechanism of cooperation between the two sides. The law will also contem- plate sanctions, particularly in the case of sustained breaches of the court's decrees. This can also lead to a suspension of any access ar- rangement. The co-parenting principle will remain central to decisions con- cerning the education, health, and activities of the children during the mediation process. No form of intentional manipulation will be tolerated. Parental alienation is a problem that can have an emotional impact on children. The court will be empowered to appoint a legal representative and support persons to provide emo- tional and psychological support to affected children. The proposed changes also ad- dress the payment of alimony, making sure it is used for its in- tended purpose. With the chil- dren's wellbeing in mind, clear and transparent regulations will help establish the allocation of al- imony without the children being dragged into unnecessary argu- ments. This reform has long been felt. It delivers an autonomous Fam- ily Court with all the specialised tools and resources required to discharge its duties. The implementation of this re- form is yet another Labour gov- ernment pledge being realised. Only in this way can justice be delivered efficiently without the uncertainties these delicate situa- tions often create. Family at the heart of society Charles Galdies & Emma Cassar Taliana Galdies is a member of the National Climate Action Council, Taliana is the Climate Action Authority Head of Data and Reporting Alison Zerafa Civelli Parliamentary Secretary for Local Councils