MCESD Discusses National Climate Change Adaptation Plan

The MCESD held a strategic meeting with the Climate Action Authority, attended by Chief Executive Eng. Abigail Cutajar and consultants from Grant Thornton, represented by Dr George Vella, to discuss the drafting of Malta’s National Adaptation Plan. The Hon. Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, also participated in the meeting and emphasised the importance of involving social partners throughout the entire drafting process.

The meeting focused on the need for Malta to strengthen its resilience to the impacts of climate change, particularly given its vulnerability as a small island in the Mediterranean. The Climate Action Authority, established nine months ago, is the first of its kind in the European Union. Its mission is to consolidate government efforts and engage social partners in shaping a comprehensive national response.

Minister Dalli highlighted the significance of initiating discussions at MCESD during the early stages of the plan’s development. “This is a global challenge, and Malta, as a small island, must adapt. We cannot do this without the involvement of society as a whole. That is why we approached MCESD from the outset, to ensure the Council is part of the drafting process. Faced with a challenge that requires changes in how we think and act, we must work as one team,” she said.

Technical presentations were delivered during the meeting, outlining the initial framework of the Adaptation Plan, which will address ten key sectors. Social partners were invited to contribute their perspectives to ensure the plan reflects Malta’s specific needs and realities.

Social partners stressed the importance of practical and implementable strategies and discussed key issues such as competitiveness, compliance costs, and access to data. Other themes included education, enforcement, innovation, inter-ministerial coordination, and private sector involvement.

MCESD Chairperson, Perit David Xuereb, emphasised that Malta’s vulnerability to climate change calls for a plan that not only addresses environmental challenges but also considers shifts in skills demand, business continuity, and investment opportunities. He thanked all participants for their valuable input and reaffirmed the Council’s role in shaping a resilient and inclusive climate strategy.