Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/809226
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 APRIL 2017 Energy & Environment III Sustainable development: Malta's challenges Old charm, modern twist Sustainable development is a buzz word, does it really mean something? Of course it does. It means developing with a good, and fair, balance among priorities emerging from the economy, the environment, and society. It also means better quality of life, for all, and raising our standards of living without compromising our future existence on this planet. How far ahead are we in Malta when it comes to sustainable development? There is a long way! While we fare well in some areas, especially with progress in LGBTIQ issues, there are still ongoing problems, such as increasing relative pover- ty, poor air quality and pollution, and lack of recreational spaces, which are affecting negatively our wellbeing. What role does Malta play in the EU's climate and energy framework? We are doing our part increas- ingly better. However, it must be said that being a small island state does bring some struc- tural disadvantages that make it hard(er) to achieve EU targets. Having a small territory, a rela- tively smaller market than other EU member states, which in turn makes it sometime impossible to have proper economies of scale, ends up with a higher per capita cost for Malta than other EU countries. What do we need to improve to attain targets in energy and environmental standards? We could improve the uptake of photovoltaics, by making some of the financial schemes offered permanent, as well as exploring more convincingly small-scale wind turbines to be placed on our roofs. Like this we could come closer to reaching the EU 2020 target of producing 10% of our total energy production by using renewable sources. Beyond land use issues, what are the main environmental concerns in Malta? 1. Air pollution and the strong link to health problems associ- ated to it (increased respiratory diseases); 2. Loss of country- side (and areas for recreational activities); 3. Climate change (de- creased precipitation/droughts; risk of floods, heat waves and Mediterranean Cyclones) Do we have a solid legal framework to ensure this implementation? Thanks to the EU we have a strong legal framework, how- ever there are problem with the correct implementation of that framework. The vast majority of past, ongoing, and I would attempt to say future warnings from the EU commission in rela- tion to the correct implementa- tion by Malta of that framework, is in the area of environmental legislation. Even though there are structural limitations in terms of a small territory, and a high population density, Malta can surely do better with promoting a more sustainable development. What can we do at home to help make a change? Besides implementing the three Rs, Reduce (consumption – so do we really need to buy every- thing we see?), Reuse (extend the lifetime of items) and Recycle, we can consider walking to our des- tinations, use public transport, cycle, and ask our local policy makers to implement policies to achieve these principles. BEHIND the seemingly im- penetrable thick walls flanking Malta's Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourist radar. Predominantly a maritime hub and rich in history, this area is reviving itself and the Rolling Geeks are paving the way with their modern take on tour- ing. Explore this gorgeous open-air 'museum' full of architectural riches and breathtaking views, while cruis- ing around in an eco-friendly, smart technology vehicle. The cars are unbelievably fun, safe and easy to drive. Following a GPS guided route at an easy pace while listening to the commentary on board – in the language of your choice – gives you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace. The on- line tracking and onboard commu- nication systems enable the Rolling Geeks' vigilant staff to provide as- sistance throughout the tour giving you peace of mind. The roads on the prescribed route are very quiet and it is very easy to park up and step out whenever you wish to. The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest is up to you to capture during this experience that is suitable for all ages and great value for money. To learn more, visit www.rolling-geeks.com Stefano Moncada was born in Rome (Italy) in 1976. He has been working since November 2008 with the University of Malta, where he lectures and conducts research in the areas of development economics, climate change, island studies, sustainable development, and European studies. He graduated in Development Economics from the University of Rome 'La Sapienza' (First Class) and completed a Master of Arts in European Studies at the University of Malta in 2005. He obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Malta in 2016 focusing on the links between development and climate change adaptation, especially on the impacts of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) on health and adaptive capacity in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). As part of his research he developed a new impact evaluation assessment that makes use of participatory qualitative research and quantitative (quasi-experimental) techniques. Stefano's recent research activities include health and economic assessments, in the face of climate change, of urban communities in Africa and in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a focus on the Pacific Region. INTERVIEW