An alternative site? No need, it’s ok for MEPA

The siting of the so-called “American University” has thus far been shrouded in controversy. Following a public outcry over the vast stretch of land earmarked for it, we have seen a rethink. The ink still fresh on the heads of agreement, Joseph Muscat stated that his government would try to find an alternative site. 

At first it sounded like good news. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. MaltaToday published a story quoting MEPA describing the site as “acceptable” for the development, following a preliminary assessment. Is this really coming from an authority entrusted with safeguarding the environment? 

What a shame, for MEPA to come out with such a statement at this premature stage when no detailed studies have been conducted. What a shame, for MEPA to recommend an ODZ land for this development, in breach of its own policies. 

I get the impression that MEPA conducted its “preliminary assessment” by sending an officer for a walk over the area and reporting back to base on the visual findings. Rightly so, MaltaToday requested a copy of the “preliminary assessment”. Surprise, surprise… it turned out this was a desktop study – a terminology conveniently used to give the impression that a detailed study was conducted. I have submitted a parliamentary question requesting a copy of the assessment undertaken, but I’m afraid that nothing will be forthcoming. I hope I will be proved wrong. 

In any case, the Prime Minister’s commitment to finding an alternative site cannot be taken seriously, now that MEPA has described the site as acceptable. Not that his environmental credentials could be taken seriously, but this move by MEPA made his ‘efforts’ look like a farce. 

Climate change legislation and political will

Parliament discussed the new legislative framework on climate change in its first sitting at the new Renzo Piano building last Monday. Indeed what a “masterpiece” – pity Joseph Muscat realised this only a few weeks before its inauguration, round about the time when a formal invite to Architect Renzo Piano should have been sent out. 

But no more criticism, the Piano project is, undoubtedly, a masterpiece. 

Back to climate change – the bill is a step forward in providing for an established legal setup in binding the government with an approach to tackle the challenge in a structured manner. 

The Opposition will nonetheless move forward a number of amendments to provide for increased public participation by, and involvement of eNGOs. In the creation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the disbursement of funds, the government has so far refrained from granting a seat to representatives of eNGOs in the respective boards. 

We will also propose binding the disbursement of funds according to the mitigation and adaptation strategies. It makes no sense creating strategies, without securing funds for their implementation. 

Climate change commitments still suffer from lack of political will. The parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change have failed to reach consensus on a binding agreement to limit the increase in global warming during the meeting last December. Developed countries should strive in sustaining their commitments, and help developing ones to contribute towards reducing emissions. 

Bye-bye EU energy targets?

An island-state, Malta must likewise carry its share of responsibility. Our responsibilities are bound to international and European commitments, as a minimum requirement. In five years’ time, 10% of our energy demand should be provided for through green energy: 4% from wind energy, 3% from solar energy and 3% from waste.

Now that the government-controlled MEPA turned down the offshore wind farm application, where will the 4% wind energy come from? If not wind energy, how will we achieve our commitments due in five years’ time? 

The National Renewable Energy Action Plan was due for publication in September 2013. This plan sets out a way forward for achieving targets in different sectors of green energy. The delay raises doubts on the government’s willingness to turn to green energy, in particular in keeping with European commitments. As things stand, in the absence of strategic decisions on how the shortfall in wind energy is to be achieved, there is no way Malta will manage to meet its commitments in time for 2020. 

The Environment Minister can boast of a legislative framework for climate change, but this will only result in more paperwork if his government’s inaction on green energy remains unaddressed.