The Climate Action Authority (CAA) welcomes the Auditor General’s (NAO) report, “A Review Of Malta’s Climate Action Using The Climate Scanner Framework,” and notes the feedback that highlights Malta’s notable and significant progress in tackling climate change.
The CAA is also committed to further developing the recommendations of the same report and to leveraging this initiative taken by the NAO, through the Climate Scanner, to enhance its efforts and to promote and implement additional actions that positively impact the country’s efforts on Climate Change.
The Climate Scanner is a tool used by Audit Institutions around the world. In the first analysis conducted through this tool for Malta, a score of 6.92 out of 10 was registered. The Auditor General says that in accordance with the assessment methodology, this score “is considered as representing strong progress vis-à-vis climate action.”
While referencing the progress achieved, the Auditor General’s Office highlighted several initiatives, including the Climate Action Act, the establishment of the Climate Action Authority and the National Climate Council, as well as Malta’s commitment to promoting alternatives to fossil fuels.
Regarding governance, the NAO highlights sound institutions and a long-term commitment to sustainability, as well as initiatives such as the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment. It also notes the initiative in the public sector where a climate action coordinator was appointed in every Ministry.
Regarding public policy, the Auditor General also recognised a solid approach in the development of strategies and plans that include a number of measures.
The report also notes improvements in the financing of climate-related initiatives, both from the public sector and the private sector.
Engineer Abigail Cutajar, Chief Executive of the CAA, expressed her satisfaction regarding the recognition of Malta’s efforts in this sector. She emphasised that the significant progress highlighted by the Auditor General should serve as a foundation for adopting additional initiatives and implementing further measures, including those outlined in the Auditor General’s report. Such initiatives, to be more effective and impactful, must be undertaken collectively at the national level.
Among other initiatives, the CAA will continue working on a National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. A Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC) was also published, aiming to engage experts in the development of the National Plan, which has begun to be discussed with social partners. Initiatives are also being formulated to encourage the private sector to invest in more projects that have a positive impact on our country’s sustainability. These are among initiatives whose work has begun and are also mentioned in the Auditor General’s report. The CAA takes the opportunity to thank the NAO for this initiative.
