An assessment of climate change adaption in Malta's 2007-2013 European Regional Development Fund allocation

Abstract

Climate change is currently one of the principle threats being faced by countries worldwide. However, its impacts differ among regions depending on their vulnerabilities, exposure and adaptive capacity, including policy response. This dissertation aims to investigate climate change impacts envisaged for the Mediterranean region, with a focus on Malta, and its efforts to mainstream climate change adaptation into policy-making. More specifically, in the absence of specific measures aimed at enhancing EU island states' adaptive capacity, or providing adaptation financing, this study analyses whether, and to what extent, the Maltese government is mainstreaming climate change adaptation when utilising European Regional Development Fund during the 2007-2013 Multi-annual Financial Framework. This analysis is performed in relation to five specific climate change impacts, which are expected to negatively impact Malta in the near future; higher temperatures, precipitation patterns, weather extremes, sea level rise and human health.