Abela’s Environmental Promises: More Hot Air Than Action?

Standing on the sun-baked streets of St. Julian’s, where the scent of sea salt and sizzling lunch specials from the local trattorias fills the air, it’s hard to imagine that Malta’s prime minister, Robert Abela, was once hailed as an environmental champion. Yet, as the summer heat intensifies, so do the questions surrounding his government’s commitment to tackling climate change.

In 2019, Abela, then Minister for Justice, Environment and Cultural Heritage, was praised for his role in pushing through Malta’s first-ever National Environment Policy. He was lauded as a green hero, a beacon of hope in a country long criticized for its environmental shortcomings. Yet, fast forward to 2022, and the honeymoon period seems over. Environmental groups and opposition parties are now accusing Abela’s government of backsliding on its promises, of putting development before sustainability.

Abela’s government pledged to reduce Malta’s carbon footprint, to increase renewable energy usage, and to protect and restore natural habitats. Yet, a closer look at the government’s actions reveals a different story.

• Despite promises to prioritize public transport, the government has pushed ahead with a controversial road tunnel project in Ħal Far, which environmentalists argue will only increase traffic and emissions.
• Renewable energy targets have been missed, with the government relying heavily on expensive and polluting diesel generators to meet peak demand.
• Protected areas like the Marsaxlokk and Wied il-Għajn biċċaffa valleys have been threatened by development projects, sparking public outcry and legal challenges.

Abela’s government has also been criticized for its handling of the controversial Delimara power station, which it initially pledged to close but now plans to upgrade, further extending its lifespan.

When asked about these issues, Abela’s office maintains that the government remains committed to its environmental goals. A spokesperson pointed to the recent approval of the National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as investments in renewable energy projects, as evidence of this commitment.

However, environmental groups remain skeptical. “We’ve seen too many broken promises,” says one activist. “We need to see action, not just words on paper.”

As Malta faces increasing pressure to meet its European Union climate targets, and as the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, the pressure is on Abela to deliver on his environmental promises. The question is, will he rise to the challenge, or will his government’s environmental record remain a tale of hot air and missed opportunities?

“Malta’s future hangs in the balance,” says a local environmental lawyer. “We need bold action, not empty words. The clock is ticking, and we’re running out of time.”