Planet

Protect our planet’s natural resources and climate for future generations.

SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainability management of water and sanitation for all

There was a time where cisterns were compulsory by law in Malta, where drought was a reality, when water resources were limited. The introduction of desalination technology saw a shift away from the importance of conserving this natural resource. In 2016 Malta was faced with one of the driest winters yet putting added pressure on our water systems. ‘Collective inaction in terms of water resources will undoubtedly come at a price, the price will only be paid by future generations, but will be felt in our own life time’.

Source: Navigating the SDGs: A business guide to engaging with the: Sustainable Development Goals for Business: www: pwc.com.

  • Encourage the re-use of dirty water – use eco-friendly products and use dish washing water for different purposes.
  • Communities can explore ways in which to create water catchment systems.
  • Initiate an educational campaign to engage people in learning why it is essential to save fresh water and improve on sanitation.
  • Introduce rainwater harvesting systems for flushing.
  • Partner up with community initiatives seeking to conserve water.

SDG 7 - Clean Energy and less Emissions: (Affordable Clean Energy)

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

How far along is Malta on the road to affordable, accessible, sustainable energy? According to recent Eurostat data Malta, along with Luxembourg, has the lowest share of renewable energy in the European Union. The introduction of solar photovoltaic systems can only take us so much of the way which currently leaves Malta in a challenging situation if it is to meet its 2030 targets.

  • Implement energy efficient measures at home, Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer.
  • Consider switching to solar energy.
  • Invest in renewable energy and efficient systems such as PV panels in your office.
  • Invest in a good insulation system to ensure heat/cold remains inside.
  • Invest in research towards new forms of renewable energy / support initiatives.

For more information on the local context, kindly follow these links:

SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The situation in Malta

Climate change is affecting every country on every continent. “Greenhouse gas emissions from the energy, transport, and waste sectors rose by 49% from 1990 to 2007” – European Environment Agency

We as a community have to make sure that we keep our environment clean, as a sudden climate change(heat or cold) can have an effect on our agriculture and our food supplies, it can affect our human health our water supply and energy.

Another big problem at local level is the emissions (cars etc), so we have to keep our air clean, a sudden climate change can have a huge effect in our community, since if it does not rain, or it will be too hot besides being an inconvenience, it creates severe problems.

  • Employing a zero-paper policy and if using paper ensure it is recycled.
  • Eliminating the use of single use plastics, such as disposable cups.
  • Financing transport vouchers or Tal-Linja card and offering incentives for car pooling.

For more information on the local context, kindly follow these links:

SDG 14 - Life Below Water (Protection of Our Seas)

“Considerable pressure on Malta’s coastal and marine environment arise from housing, waste generation, shipping, tourism, recreation, aquaculture, and fisheries” - European Environment Agency

  • We must keep our sea and beaches clean.
  • Although agreeing with the concept of fish farms, their waste is a form of pollution to our sea.
  • Our fishermen need to realise that fishing models which were good twenty years ago are no longer applicable as indiscriminate fishing is destroying certain species of fish.
  • There is also the issue that, since the EU applies quotas, we as its members have to abide to these rules.
  • Support local initiatives such as fish4tomorrow.
  • Businesses can also play a role and favour recyclable and eco-friendly production and consumption; avoid some chemicals and water pollution.

For more information on the local context, kindly follow these links:

SDG 15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

With 1,200 species of flora and fauna, Malta is not deprived of the richness and diversity that nature has to offer and this rich diversity needs protection and preservation if they are to withstand human pressures. This begs the question - should we not be doing more as a country to ensure our precious resources are well maintained and taken care of? At present Malta has 34 Natura 2000 sites however a number of them are subject to largely unsustainable practices. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to hear that century old trees are being uprooted to make way for some form of urban embellishment. How do we go about bridging the gap between development and nature preservation?

  • Organise/Participate in environmental cleanup days as a community.
  • Supporting any local initiatives to rehabilitate or preserve the natural landscape.
  • Investing in eco-friendly infrastructures and offices that seek to be ‘zero carbon’.
  • Introducing office green spaces including terraces and rooftops.
  • Supporting any local initiatives to rehabilitate or preserve the natural landscape.

For more information on the local context, kindly follow these links: