Extinction Rebellion Malta met up with the Nationalist Party on the 23 of February, 2022, to discuss the topic of climate crisis and how it can be tackled.
Present in the meeting where PN members Karl Goulder and Michael Piccinino, along with Kris Bajada – XR Chair, Isabel Mallia -XR Secretary General, Zofia Stelmaszczyk – XR Vice President, and Kevin Vella Zammit – XR Treasurer.
Extinction Rebellion Malta had a list of topics they wished to discuss with the PN members. The topics consisted of:
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
During the first four months of 2019, 105 people died from chronic asthma as stated by Chris Fearne in Parliament. It has also been found first biggest reason of deaths in Malta are cardiovascular diseases, with 25% of the population suffering from obesity.
The second biggest death in the country was found to be respiratory diseases – in the first four months of 2019, 105 people died from chronic asthmas as stated by Chris Fearne.
Furthermore, according to WHO, 120,000 people in Malta are living with a mental disorder, and it has been proven that the global pandemic is worsening the situation.
Solutions were mentioned by XR in order to combat these problems. They mentioned how more green areas in Malta would reduce air pollutions and invite people to engage in physical activity and to spend time in a calm and healthy environment.
Environmental Committees and Developments
Previously, the Nationalist Party had proposed the creation of a new agency focused on climate change, therefore, XR feels that the PN would be open to the suggestion that there should be the introduction of more stringent Environmental Impact Assessments to be performed on new development in areas.
Moreover, XR believes that environmental organisations should have a larger say in the development of property.
Energy Generation and Sustainability
When it comes to energy generation and sustainability, XR feels that the following should implemented: the continuation of subsidies for pv installations, the development of implementation of offshore wind turbine farm, a law which states that all new domestic and industrial buildings be as energetically efficient as possible, and that all government buildings should achieve LEED certification within the next five years.
Transport
XR proposed that short-term plans should also be implemented along with long-term plans such as the metro system. Short-term plans would include wider pavements and an increase in bike lanes, which would encourage more people to travel by bicycle.
Food and Hydroponics
XR proposed the following points with regards to the importance of food and food water:
- Tackling food waste
Illegalising food waste due to packaging damage – instead, donating to a food bank. Furthermore, they also proposed that there should be a law requiring all supermarkets to have discount sections for short dated items.
- Increasing vegetarian\vegan food availability
Proposed a law requiring all food outlets to have a minimum of 10% vegan and 10% vegetarian options.
- Public awareness campaign
Environmental impact of beef and dairy by the use of public campaigns.
Extinction Rebellion Malta mentioned the above mentioned points to the members of the Nationalist Party and discussed the possibility of these new laws and proposals being enacted. While there was agreement on some of the points, others have to be thought of in more detail, however there is still the possibility of them being implemented in the future.
XR meeting with other political parties
Moreover, XR have met and are meeting with different political parties which include but are not limited to Volt and The government represented by Aaron Farrugia to speak about the climate crisis as they believe it is an important topic and one which should be taken more seriously.