In a press conference in Valletta prior to next week's Paris COP21 Climate Change Summit, AD Chairperson, Prof. Arnold Cassola, said, "in view of last week's tragic and barbaric events in Paris, the holding of the COP 21 talks in Paris becomes even more relevant. The senseless terrorists would have wanted to instill so much fear as to have these negotiations disrupted."

He added, "that is why it becomes even more important that things go on as planned. It is even for this reason that Alternattiva Demokratika is putting forward concrete proposals on climate change – to be implemented both locally and globally- together with the European Greens."

Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo and spokesperson on sustainable development spoke on the effects of climate change on Malta saying, "Malta faces rising sea levels which could obliterate tourist facilities which are mostly developed along the coast. Weather extremes will test our infrastructure to the limit. An increase in temperatures and different rainwater patterns will impact our agriculture. A revised strategy to address climate change impacts is called for."

Ralph Cassar, spokesperson on energy and transport said that AD is joining Green Parties around the world in making concrete proposals, based on a long term vision of a green and sustainable economy.

"Alternattiva Demokratika is also proposing a radical overhaul of our mobility patterns which till today are based on fossil fuels and weak mass transportation infrastructure. Our country has more cars than the USA (802 per thousand versus 786 per thousand) and the lack of safety on our roads is discouraging people from using alternative means of transport."

"We are proposing: the conversion of all public transport vehicles to electric vehicles and renewable clean fuels; a plan so that all new private cars are electric cars by 2030; a light rail system crossing Malta along the major arteries u heavy investment in direct and safe bicycle and electric bicycle highways connecting localities in Malta and Gozo," said Ralph Cassar.

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