84% Of Maltese Are Thinking Of Moving To Avoid Symptoms Of Climate Change, Study Finds
84% of Maltese people fear they may need to move to a less climate-vulnerable country or locality to avoid the extreme symptoms of climate change, a survey found.
A study conducted by the European Investment Bank looked into trends of thought related to climate change across the European Union and Malta had some pretty interesting numbers.
One thing that stuck out is the fear among 84% of the 500 Maltese respondents of what will happen to the island-nation as a result of climate change. In fact, these respondents think they will have to move to a less climate-vulnerable place (whether locally or abroad) to avoid extreme weather events. The average of EU citizens thinking the same is just 35%.
Meanwhile, a staggering 75% are thinking of moving to a cooler region or country, this number is 47 points above the EU average.
The survey further found that Maltese citizens consider themselves well-informed on climate change, with 91% of locals feeling equipped to adapt their homes and lifestyles effectively.
Most of them – 82%, 42 points above the EU average of 40% – are also aware of existing public subsidies or financial incentives to support adaptation efforts.
A whopping 97% of Maltese respondents agreed that spending on climate adaptation is urgently required to avoid even higher costs in the future. These respondents believe that investing in adaptation can actually create jobs and boost the economy.
41% said that improving infrastructure should be a priority as part of this adaptation. This would mean installing better drainage systems, flood barriers, storm shelters or more resilient power grids.
41% mentioned the need to improve insulation in homes and public buildings while 39% highlighted the expansion of tree-lined streets or green spaces to cool cities down.
Most Maltese participants (38%) agreed that companies and industries that contribute most to climate change should bear the costs while 30% think that everyone should pay equally. A good chunk (15%) believe that insurance companies should contribute too.
Are you thinking of moving to a less climate vulnerable country?
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