Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/388498
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 39 THIS WEEK Most trees produce owers and fruit, but there's a group that produces cones rather that fruit, and no owers at all. These are the gymnosperms, or conifers, and there are far less species of them than there are owering plants. Two of them – the Aleppo Pine and the Italian Cypress – are common sights in our gardens, cemeteries and aorested areas; the Araar is another conifer that has thankfully gained ground since it was declared our national tree. And then there's the Phoenician Juniper (M: Gniepru), which is very rare. It's a very Mediterranean species and surprising that it is not more common. It probably grew wild in the past but botanical records are not clear as it was often confused with the Araar (also one of its names), which is no wonder, as their scale-like leaves are rather similar. The Phoenician Juniper's cones, however, are very dierent, because they're not woody but rather eshy, look very much like berries – indeed they are edible to some birds. The Phoenician Juniper is one hardy tree that can boldy take on our arid climate, and should be planted by the thousand. 423. PHOENICIAN JUNIPER GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 325: CREATE A GARDEN PILE – Now's a good time to prepare for wildlife that might come and hibernate in your garden over the winter, such as frogs and hedgehogs. Put an uneven pile of logs in a quiet corner, for small animals to get cosy. Even a pile of stones will offer shelter to a range of insects and spiders. This week's climate summit in New York was a historic moment with 400,000 people demanding climate justice on the streets outside, more than 2,800 events organised by citizens in 166 countries worldwide, and 120 heads of state agreeing to action on climate change. Yet real action from the European Union – amongst others – was curiously missing. European Commission President Barroso indicated that the EU is set to continue its business as usual approach to meeting its climate responsibilities, with EU climate targets for 2030 set to be agreed in October. The climate challenge is too serious to wait and to make weak and ineffective decisions like the EU is about to do. Amid talk from all sides of collective ambition, Barosso failed to signal in his speech that the EU will increase its 2030 climate and energy targets beyond 40% emission reductions - far below what the EU's fair share ought to be. There was also no indication that there would be any increase in financial contributions to developing countries to assist in combating climate change - the global North has a collective responsibility to account for its historic emissions, and the means to do so. It must accept its fair share. The Climate Summit was a fool's paradise out of touch with the climate emergency we are facing. The finance pledges tabled at the Summit had no specifics, no timelines, and nothing saying if they are about new and additional climate finance or simply aid pledged in the past and diverted from its original destination. Serious concerns were also raised about the lack of accountability for corporate commitments to tackle climate change. Solutions to the climate crisis lie in shifting the focus towards citizens, alongside strong leadership on climate and energy targets from Europe. Friends of the Earth Europe believes that the EU must commit to strong, adequate targets on emission reductions, energy efficiency, and renewables in October. What we need is a true energy transformation with people at its heart, which means getting away from vested corporate interests and investment in fossil fuels, and instead supporting community- controlled renewable energy. Climate summit: EU climate action lacking Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). Text Victor Falzon Photo Alex Casha Mistura to launch new concept album LOCAL song-writing duo Mistura will be launching their first album, to be called "U d-Dinja Tkompli Ddur", on October 10 at 19:00 dur- ing the Radio 101 programme Rock- na presented by Michael Bugeja. The 64-minute album, containing 16 original tracks entirely in Mal- tese, is a rock concept album divid- ed into four sections of four songs each. Packed with biting social commentary especially in relation to local issues, the album reflects on the concept of repetition and cycles of life. "This album is two years of writ- ing, recording and exchanging ide- as, riffs, lyrics and sending bits and pieces of music to each other until they became fully formed songs," said Antonio Olivari, who together with Malcolm Bonnici forms the duo Mistura. "When we started with one song – 'Isma' Bilfors' – we had no idea we would create enough material for an album. However, the dynamic that we built in the following months, with both of us coming up with ide- as for new songs and the eventual compiling of the best ones into one thread, made the album a reality." Mistura is a duo with original songs exclusively in Maltese with music that has elements of blues and rock, both electric and acous- tic. Mistura debuted in 2012 at the L-Għanja tal-Poplu festival where they won the WAFA award for Best New Talent. They have, since then, played at many venues, includ- ing Għanafest, Notte Bianca and Poeżija Plus, and released a number of songs all of which will be includ- ed in this new album. Apart from the CD itself, 'U d- Dinja Tkompli Ddur' will contain a booklet with all the lyrics as accord- ing to Malcolm "we believe that the words need to be emphasised as part of the whole package. Furthermore the sleeve was brilliantly designed by our trusted friend and artist Jean-Claude Vancell, who managed to capture the intense moods of the music and to create visuals which enhance the whole album experi- ence." More information about 'U d-Dinja Tkompli Ddur' and Mis- tura at misturamalta.com YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt Mistura are Malcolm Bonnici (left) and Antonio Olivari