https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34184 2026-04-14T05:34:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45643 Title: Public perceptions of climate change as a human health risk : surveys of the United States, Canada and Malta Authors: Akerlof, Karen; DeBono, Roberto; Berry, Peter; Leiserowitz, Anthony; Roser-Renouf, Connie; Clarke, Kaila-Lea; Rogaeva, Anastasia; Nisbet, Matthew C.; Weathers, Melinda R.; Maibach, Edward W. Abstract: We used data from nationally representative surveys conducted in the United States, Canada and Malta between 2008 and 2009 to answer three questions: Does the public believe that climate change poses human health risks, and if so, are they seen as current or future risks? Whose health does the public think will be harmed? In what specific ways does the public believe climate change will harm human health? When asked directly about the potential impacts of climate change on health and well-being, a majority of people in all three nations said that it poses significant risks; moreover, about one third of Americans, one half of Canadians, and two-thirds of Maltese said that people are already being harmed. About a third or more of people in the United States and Canada saw themselves (United States, 32%; Canada, 67%), their family (United States, 35%; Canada, 46%), and people in their community (United States, 39%; Canada, 76%) as being vulnerable to at least moderate harm from climate change. About one third of Maltese (31%) said they were most concerned about the risk to themselves and their families. Many Canadians said that the elderly (45%) and children (33%) are at heightened risk of harm, while Americans were more likely to see people in developing countries as being at risk than people in their own nation. When prompted, large numbers of Canadians and Maltese said that climate change can cause respiratory problems (78–91%), heat-related problems (75–84%), cancer (61–90%), and infectious diseases (49–62%). Canadians also named sunburn (79%) and injuries from extreme weather events (73%), and Maltese cited allergies (84%). However, climate change appears to lack salience as a health issue in allthree countries: relatively few people answered open-ended questions in a manner that indicated clear top-of-mind associations between climate change and human health risks. We recommend mounting public health communication initiatives that increase the salience of the human health consequences associated with climate change. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42055 Title: The Malta national report Abstract: The purpose of this Report, prepared for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, is to review Malta’s progress in implementing sustainable development since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Description: Professor Lino Briguglio, the Director of the Institute, was entrusted with leading a team of authors to write the Malta National Report for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August-September 2002. 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41999 Title: Sustainability indicators for Malta 2010 Abstract: Today we live in a world that is giving due importance to sustainable development and social cohesion as the basis for economic growth. But to walk the talk we must, first and foremost, have a set of harmonised and reliable statistics that transcends purely economic data; in other words, indicators that really help us understand what is happening to our seawater, groundwater, waste management, land development and transport as a result of economic expansion. The concept of Green GDP is gaining in appeal. In essence it refers to an index of economic growth, factoring in the environmental impacts or consequences of such growth. When we talk of these impacts, we are also signifying the broader meaning of the term, which includes social welfare and the progress of individuals. Ultimately, this reflects the development of a nation which does not compromise the quality of life of present and future generations. This publication encompasses data ranging from employment to public finance stability, to energy intensity of the economy, and its evaluation should go beyond the figures being presented. It establishes linkages between economic data and climate change statistics, sectoral emission trends and air quality, to name but a few. The publication does not attempt to cover all aspects of environmental statistics, but is a start on which future publications will be built, as well as a lead to the pursuance of future studies. Description: Prof Briguglio was commissioned by the National Statistics Office (NSO) to assist in the compilation of a set of sustainable development indicators for Malta, which resulted in the publication of this booklet. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34196 Title: Structure plan for the Maltese islands : written statement November 1990 - 1st Draft Abstract: This draft of the proposed Structure Plan for Malta is being circulated for comments from all Government ministries and departments, other official, political, and voluntary organisations in Malta, and also for comments from the general public, through a consultation programme organised by the Planning Services Division. 2. The draft has been prepared by the consultants in association with the Planning Services Division, and has been referred to the Minister for the Development of Infrastructure for his consideration. The Minister has authorised this publication for the purpose of consultation as required by the relevant legislation. 3. The preparation of this draft plan is the result of a lengthy process of research and consultation which has included: 1. A sample survey of public attitudes 2. Circulation and comments on the Structure Plan Inception Report 3. Ongoing consultation with Government departments and key representative organisations and individuals 4. Statistically representative surveys of household travel, traffic flows, and housing stock 5. Circulation and comments on the Structure Plan Report of Survey 1990-11-01T00:00:00Z