Standing at the foot of Mġarr Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one can’t help but marvel at the stark contrast between the lush, untouched scene and the sprawling construction sites below. This scenic spot in the north of Malta has become a symbol of the environmental challenges our islands face. It’s also a stark reminder of the promises made by our Prime Minister, Robert Abela, on the environment.

In his 2020 election manifesto, Abela pledged to prioritize the environment. He promised to plant a million trees, reduce plastic waste, and increase renewable energy usage. But two years on, how are these promises shaping up?

Abela’s million-tree pledge was a crowd-pleaser. But according to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), only around 150,000 trees have been planted since 2020. That’s just 15% of the target. When asked about the shortfall, a government spokesperson cited “unforeseen challenges” like bad weather and supply chain issues.

However, environmental activists like Alexandra Montebello, coordinator of Wise Malta, argue that the slow pace is due to a lack of planning and commitment. “We need more than just tree-planting events,” she says. “We need a comprehensive strategy to protect and restore our forests.”

Abela also promised to reduce plastic waste by 50% by 2025. Yet, according to the Malta Waste Management Authority, plastic waste has actually increased since 2020. In 2021, Malta generated 25,000 tonnes of plastic waste, a 5% increase from the previous year.

While the government has introduced measures like the plastic bag levy and the deposit-return scheme for drinks containers, critics argue that these are not enough. “We need to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics at the source,” says Mark Mifsud, a local environmental lawyer.

Abela’s third promise was to increase renewable energy usage to 20% by 2030. But according to the Energy and Water Agency, we’re currently at just 6%. The government has plans for several large-scale solar projects, but these have been delayed due to permitting issues and public opposition.

“We need to speed up the transition to renewable energy,” says Ing. Joseph Borg, a renewable energy expert. “But we also need to ensure that these projects are done right, with proper consultation and environmental impact assessments.”

Malta’s environmental challenges are real and pressing. According to the Malta Climate Change Office, without significant action, our islands could face severe impacts from climate change, including increased flooding, water scarcity, and damage to our tourism industry.

Abela’s promises were a start, but they’re not enough. We need bold action, not just words. We need a government that treats the environment as a priority, not an afterthought. Because if we don’t act now, the future of our islands – and the generations that will inherit them – is at stake.

As Alexandra Montebello puts it, “We can’t afford to wait. Every tree planted, every plastic bag avoided, every solar panel installed – it all makes a difference. And we need everyone, from the government to each and every one of us, to do our part.”