Standing at the foot of the historic Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra, one can’t help but wonder: if these ancient structures could speak, what would they make of our current environmental debate? As Malta’s prime minister, Robert Abela, continues to make grand promises about our green future, the question on many minds is: can we trust his words?

In his recent re-election campaign, Abela pledged to make Malta a carbon-neutral country by 2050. He promised to invest heavily in renewable energy, improve public transport, and protect our natural habitats. Sounds great, right? But as the saying goes, the devil is in the details.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Abela’s environmental promises and compare them with the reality on the ground.

Renewable Energy: More Talk Than Action?

Abela has repeatedly promised to increase the share of renewable energy in Malta’s energy mix. Yet, according to the National Statistics Office, in 2020, renewable energy sources accounted for just 6.5% of our total energy consumption. That’s a far cry from the 20% target set for 2020 by the previous administration.

Public Transport: A Long Way to Go

Abela has vowed to improve public transport, but Malta’s bus system remains overcrowded and unreliable. The much-awaited Bus Interchange project in Ħal Far, meant to ease congestion and improve services, has faced numerous delays and is now expected to be completed in 2024 – five years behind schedule.

Environmental Protection: A Mixed Bag

On one hand, Abela’s government has introduced some positive measures, like the ban on single-use plastics and the expansion of protected areas. On the other hand, it has also faced criticism for its handling of environmental issues, such as the controversial development projects in areas like Marsascala and Ħal Far.

Abela’s supporters argue that change takes time, and that he’s doing the best he can. Critics, however, point to a pattern of exaggeration and misinformation in his environmental claims. For instance, in 2021, Abela claimed that Malta was the first country to introduce a circular economy bill. In reality, several other countries had already done so.

When asked about these discrepancies, Abela’s office often responds with vague statements about “misinterpretations” and “taken-out-of-context” comments. But for many Maltese, the question remains: if the prime minister can’t be trusted to tell the truth about our environmental progress, how can we trust him to lead us towards a greener future?

As Malta continues to grapple with environmental challenges, it’s crucial that we stay informed and hold our leaders accountable. We must demand transparency and concrete action, not just empty promises. Let’s make sure our voice is heard, from the historic Ġgantija Temples to the bustling streets of Valletta.

“We need to insist on honesty and transparency,” says Dr. Aaron Farrugia, a local environmental activist. “We can’t afford to wait. Our planet can’t wait.”