George Pullicino, Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, today addressed the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) in Durban.

Minister Pullicino said that Malta fully supports the European Union’s commitment towards a Second Commitment Period to the Kyoto Protocol, under the condition that concrete progress is achieved in Durban. This should include an agreement on a Roadmap under the Convention, leading to a global and comprehensive legally-binding framework, which will include commitments from all Parties, in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Addressing the Conference Minister Pullicino highlighted the fact that Malta has honoured in full its fast-start finance pledge for the year 2011. The funds have been disbursed towards mitigation and adaptation projects in Africa including Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Ghana. These projects include the installation of renewable energy plants as well as access to clean water. Malta has, through these projects, understood further that the Green Climate Fund can serve as a more effective and reliable means to address climate change financing in developing countries.

Speaking about renewable energy, Minister Pullicino said that Malta plans to reach 10% of all the energy consumption from a renewable energy mix by the year 2020, with about 4% coming from wind, and 2.5% coming from waste. In recent years the Maltese Government has undertaken several national initiatives to sensitise members of the public to invest in renewable sources of energy. As part of the implementation of the National Mitigation Strategy, thousands of families benefited from grants for the purchase of solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems for domestic use. Industry has also been granted aid to invest in solar energy generation. Malta is also currently investing in an Interconnector project consisting of a high-voltage submarine cable linking Malta to the European network. This project which shall be completed in 2013, will enable Malta to purchase energy from larger energy installations with better economies of scale. These projects, together with the closure of an old Power Station will help substantially to reduce our electricity generation emissions. The Maltese Government is seriously evaluating the installation of a gas pipeline to the European gas network in order to switch to the cleanest of fuels for our electricity generation.

Minister Pullicino stressed that Malta is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and therefore he emphasised the importance of the implementation of adaptation measures. Minister Pullicino announced that Malta’s National Adaptation Strategy which seeks to address those areas which are most likely to be affected by climate change, was also finalised.

Minister Pullicino concluded that Malta is determined to continue to play its part on both a national and international level to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. “We believe that Durban should provide another important step forward in the right direction towards a global and comprehensive framework for the climate change regime in line with the agreed 2 degree objective. I therefore urge all colleagues to work in the spirit of compromise towards a successful outcome this week: A solution is not only possible but also attainable.”

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