Mean temperature rises by 0.8 degrees since 2004

The mean temperature in Malta over the past 30 years was higher than the climatic norm of 18.6 degrees Celsius.

Malta’s net emissions of greenhouse gases increased by 57.7 per cent from 1990 to 2012, with the energy sector contributing 91.2 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Malta.

Data released for the United Nations’ World Environment Day, shows that the bulk of emissions in Malta originate from energy industries, which comprise the Marsa and Delimara power stations.

From 1990 to 2012, emissions from the power stations constituted 66.7 per cent of emissions from all sectors.

Emissions from transport sources comprise the second largest source and amount to 18.6 per cent of national total emissions.

Scientific evidence indicates that the increase in heat-trapping greenhouse gases from human activities is causing significant climatic changes worldwide.

The mean temperature for 2004-2013 (19.3ºC) was 0.8 degrees Celsius higher than the mean temperature recorded during 1974-1983 (18.5ºC).

From 1985 onwards, all years had a mean temperature which was higher than the climatic norm for Malta, with an upward trend in the number of days when the maximum temperature exceeded the climatic norm.

Total rainfall during 1974-2013 averaged 557 millimetres, slightly higher than the climatic norm of 553.4 millimetres. While rainfall intensity has varied from one year to another it has, on average, increased slightly. During 2004-2013, both rainfall intensity and variability of total rainfall from the climatic norm were the lowest in the past four decades.