Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545828
Abigail Cutajar: 'If we do not think ahead, we will pay a much bigger price tomorrow' Heatwaves across Europe have pushed temperatures beyond those recorded in Malta, while extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent. Climate Action Authority CEO Abigail Cutajar tells James Debono Malta must accelerate adaptation measures 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 JULY 2026 INTERVIEW HEATWAVES across Europe, in- cluding cities such as London and Paris, have seen temperatures ex- ceed those recorded in Malta this summer. Extreme weather events such as Storm Harry, which hit the island in January, are becom- ing increasingly frequent. Yet, climate change has not generated the same sense of urgency as the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate Action Authority CEO Abigail Cutajar says this is partly because climate change unfolds gradually, unlike a global health crisis, which caused immediate disruption. But she insists its impacts are already being felt; from pub- lic health risks and pressure on ecosystems to the need to cli- mate-proof infrastructure, agri- culture and other key sectors. I meet Cutajar at a time when a massive forest fire in Spain has caused loss of life and other coun- tries across central Europe are reeling from the effects of high temperatures. Dealing with the risks posed by climate change has become an urgent matter and Cutajar says the authority will shortly present Malta's adaptation and resilience plan. It will identify the sectors most exposed to climate risks and the investments needed to pre- pare for them.