Climate change mitigation and adaptation : a regional analysis of the island of Gozo

Abstract

Climate change has come to the fore of global agenda due to changes in weather patterns and the increased occurrence of extreme weather events, which are significantly impacting the well-being, the environment, and the economic activities of various regions worldwide. To combat climate change, nations have, over time, reached a consensus on a common set of international targets. These climate targets represent collective objectives aimed at reducing global emissions and restraining temperature rise. As a member state of the European Union, Malta is fully committed to meeting its target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The climate-related goals established for Gozo, an island within the Maltese archipelago, are notably more ambitious, positioning Gozo as a leader in attaining the set national climate targets. There is a clear determination from the government to prioritise climate change, as demonstrated by the recent publication of the Regional Development Strategy for Gozo, which firmly places sustainability and ecological concerns at its core. Nevertheless, the island still faces a long road ahead to reach the desired climate targets, emphasising the urgency of continued future actions. The actions taken today will resonate in the future, and if these actions are anaemic, they may necessitate costly future interventions.