Abela continued to say that in order to make the Paris agreement work, countries need to unite their forces, emphasising that “the whole is stronger and more impactful than individual parts”.

While recovering from COVID-19, no one must be left behind and every country has the right to a better world without disparity, especially the most vulnerable, he added.

Noting Malta’s significance in addressing climate change by bringing the topic to the UN general assembly’s attention in 1998, he explains the threat that climate change poses to small island states.

“We face climate extremes from rising sea levels to devastating storms and from drought to sudden precipitation.”

Abela stated that Malta is a small country with “limited natural resources and very limited capacity for emissions reductions”, despite the fact that there is the potential for sea, wind and solar energy in the Maltese islands.

“We are currently in grave danger, which is why Malta is committed,” he said.

In his final appeal, Abela said: “Let’s rise to the occasion. Together, we will find solutions to give our children a better future.”

What do you make of this?