Imagine standing at the edge of the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, the cool Mediterranean breeze carrying the scent of orange blossoms from the nearby St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Now, picture the sea level rising, the waves lapping at the feet of the statue of Grandmaster de Rohan, and the historic city slowly drowning. This is not a dystopian fantasy, but a very real possibility if we don’t take serious action against climate change. Today, Malta finds itself at the forefront of international climate action, as the United Nations has just passed a resolution affirming states’ obligations to combat climate change.

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by Malta, that emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in tackling climate change. The resolution, titled “Strengthening the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement,” is a significant victory for climate advocates worldwide. It underscores the need for countries to enhance their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by 2020 and calls for increased ambition in climate action.

For Malta, this resolution is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a testament to our commitment to protecting our islands and our people. As a small nation, we understand the urgency of climate change. We’re not just fighting for our future; we’re fighting for our very existence.

Malta’s climate journey began in earnest at the 2015 Paris Agreement, where we pledged to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to meet this target. We’ve invested in renewable energy, with solar and wind power now accounting for a significant portion of our energy mix. We’ve also been working on improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable transport.

But we know that our efforts alone are not enough. Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. That’s why we’ve been actively engaging with our international partners, advocating for stronger climate action. The UN resolution is a direct result of this advocacy, a tangible outcome of Malta’s leadership on the global stage.

As we look ahead, we must remember that the battle against climate change is far from over. The UN resolution is a step in the right direction, but it’s just one step. We need to keep up the pressure, both at home and abroad. We need to continue investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. We need to ensure that our NDCs are ambitious and that we’re doing everything in our power to meet them.

Because this is about more than just numbers and targets. It’s about our islands, our culture, our way of life. It’s about the future of our children and our children’s children. It’s about standing at the edge of the Upper Barrakka Gardens and knowing that we’ve done everything in our power to protect what we love.

As Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela recently stated, “Climate change is not a distant threat. It’s happening here and now, and it’s affecting us all.” Let’s make sure that our actions reflect the urgency of this crisis. Let’s make sure that our grandchildren will still be able to enjoy the beauty of our islands, just as we do today.