During his address at the COP28 in Dubai, Prime Minister Robert Abela underscored Malta’s unique challenges and noteworthy achievements in the face of a changing climate.
Abela highlighted Malta’s recent experience of one of the most challenging summers in its history, drawing attention to the urgency of global climate action.
Abela expressed optimism about the ambitious target set during COP21 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Despite being one of the smallest states, Malta strives to lead by example, aiming for a substantial 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, building on its significant achievement of retaining a 19% reduction target in carbon emissions for the same year.
Abela highlighted Malta’s 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector over the past decade.
He stressed the necessity for continuous reform, citing initiatives such as the issuance of green bonds by the Water Services Corporation and Malta’s doubled contributions to the Green Climate Fund in the last four years.
Abela urged collective action when it comes to global sea level rise, asserting that no state should suffer loss of rights due to this phenomenon.
Malta, as a small island state, commits to supporting fellow Small Island Developing States and maintaining a leadership role in advocating for the interconnection between climate change and health.
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