At COP29 in Baku, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration Miriam Dalli spoke on behalf of Malta, stressing the urgent need to tackle climate change. She highlighted that the 1.5-degree Celsius target is essential for the survival of millions and called for immediate, impactful action.

Dalli underscored the importance of strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to integrate both mitigation and adaptation strategies. “Resilience and sustainability must work together,” she said.

The minister also pushed for a robust climate finance agreement, advocating for the creation of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that involves a wider range of donors and combines public and private funds to support vulnerable nations. She highlighted Malta’s initiatives, including the Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Index and microfinancing projects, as examples of innovative ways to mobilize funding for small island states and least developed countries.

In closing, Dalli reiterated Malta’s commitment to climate neutrality, pointing to the Climate Action Authority as a key step in ensuring an integrated approach across all sectors. “The time for action is now,” she declared.

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At the General Affairs Council in Brussels, Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard presented Malta’s progress on rule of law reforms, focusing on key developments since 2020. This marks the third round of country-specific discussions in the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Attard outlined Malta’s transformative judicial changes, including the establishment of a separate Prosecution Service, with the Attorney General now prosecuting all non-summary offences as of October 2024. He also highlighted a 34% increase in the number of judges and magistrates since 2020 and significant investments in the Financial Crimes Investigations Department, which saw an 81% increase in staff and a 260% rise in funding.

Looking ahead, Attard noted ongoing reforms, such as the establishment of a specialised Commercial Court and Family Court reforms prioritising children’s well-being. He also addressed efforts to expedite high-level corruption investigations, including the appointment of new magistrates and proposed legislation to reform the inquest system.

Attard concluded by reaffirming Malta’s commitment to continuous reform, emphasising that while significant progress has been made, work remains to align with EU values and uphold the rule of law.

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Utqiagvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow, has entered its annual polar night, a period when the sun remains below the horizon for about 65 days. The sun set for the last time at 1:43 p.m. on Sunday, and it will not rise again until January 22.

Polar night occurs in regions above the Arctic Circle due to the Earth’s tilt, which positions the Arctic out of the sun’s view during winter. While the sun will not rise, residents may experience brief periods of civil twilight, offering a faint glow on the horizon.

Utqiagvik, home to around 4,000 people, is the first Alaskan town to experience polar night each year because of its far northern location. Other towns in the Arctic region, including Kaktovik, Point Hope, and Anaktuvuk Pass, will follow with their final sunsets between late November and early December.

This annual phenomenon is balanced by a period of continuous sunlight during summer, when the sun does not set for weeks. For now, residents of Utqiagvik and other Arctic communities adapt to the extended darkness, embracing the unique challenges and beauty of life at the top of the world.

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