ADPD says only it can implement policies that address climate change

ADPD has warned that Malta’s current environmental policies and renewable energy targets fall far short of what is needed to address the climate crisis.

Party speakers said climate change is already having visible and damaging effects, including prolonged heatwaves, droughts and periods of excessive rainfall causing structural damage and harm to agriculture. 

ADPD argued that despite commitments to European climate targets, Malta continues to follow an economic model based on unsustainable growth. The party noted that Malta remains among the weakest performers in Europe when it comes to generating energy from renewable sources.

The party’s deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo criticised what he described as “business-as-usual” policies, saying it is pointless to speak about environmental protection while continuing to support fossil fuel industries and invest in fossil fuel infrastructure instead of green technologies. 

Cacopardo said ADPD believes the environment, economic wellbeing and quality of life should be treated as interconnected priorities. He insisted Malta should aim to generate 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, doubling the current national target of 25%.

Among the proposals announced by the party were measures obliging large companies, banks, insurance firms and financial services operators to present plans showing how they intend to become carbon neutral before 2050. 

ADPD candidate Mark Zerafa focused on transport, energy and urban regeneration policies, saying Malta remains over-dependent on private cars due to continued investment in road expansion rather than alternative transport systems. He reminded the party is proposing a rapid bus transit system, safer infrastructure for walking and cycling, and greater priority for public transport on the roads.

The party also called for faster modernisation of Malta’s electricity distribution system to support decentralised energy models and argued that the construction sector should prioritise the regeneration and energy-efficient upgrading of existing buildings rather than continued overdevelopment.

ADPD said Malta needs clearer climate targets, stronger leadership and concrete action, warning that weak or half-hearted measures will not be enough to address the challenges posed by climate change.