Malta’s Records Highest Emissions Increase In EU, Straying Far From Projected Target
Malta registered the highest increase in greenhouse gases in the European Union, straying far away from the projected targets laid out by the regional institution.
Data collected by the European Environment Agency shows Malta trailing far behind other EU member states attempting to fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from domestic transport, buildings, agriculture, small industry, and waste in Malta climbed more than 30% between 2005 and 2023.
The second largest increases were registered in Cyprus and Bulgaria, with increases of around 5%.
The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 by 2030 and to become climate neutral by 2050. These targets became legally binding with the adoption of the EU climate law in 2021 as part of the European Green Deal.
EU countries are required to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in the sectors covered by the Effort Sharing Regulation between 10% and 50% by 2030 compared to 2005.
The national targets that have been set take into account each country’s gross domestic product per capita and the cost-effectiveness of the measures. In addition, EU countries will have to ensure they do not exceed their annual greenhouse gas emission allocation.
Malta’ has a target to reduce its GHG emissions to more than 20% below the 2005 levels, but the island exceeded its limit in 2023, along with eight other states.
On a regional basis, it is estimated that in 2023, EU emissions were 37% lower than in 1990.
PN Shadow Minister for Climate Change Eve Borg Bonello commented on the statistic, saying that it came as no surprise due to the “massive gap between Miriam Dalli’s greenwashing PR machine” and the “real facts regarding climate, energy, and emissions in our country”.
The Opposition Party added that this increase is compounded by the European Commission’s formal notice to the Maltese Government for failing to submit updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), a critical obligation under EU climate commitments.
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What can Malta do to effectively reduce its carbon emissions in these vital sectors?
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