Prof. Moncada nominated to join world-leading panel of climate scientists

Prof. Stefano Moncada, Director of the University of Malta’s Islands and Small States Institute, has been nominated to join as  Leading Author (LA) the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s foremost scientific body assessing climate change. He is the only expert from Malta to be selected in this latest nomination round, following a rigorous evaluation process at both UNFCCC and IPCC levels. This builds on a previous nomination whereby Prof. Lino Briguglio had also served as a LA for three consecutive assessment reports, positioning the Islands and Small States Institute at the centre of climate change research worldwide. 

In addition to this new role, Prof. Moncada serves as a National Climate Council Member within the Climate Action Authority, contributing his expertise to national discussions on climate adaptation policy and climate resilience. His nomination to the IPCC further recognises his long-standing commitment to evidence-based climate research and policy engagement.

In his new appointment, Prof. Moncada expressed his intention to help counter the rising tide of populism and misinformation surrounding climate change by strengthening the communication of scientific facts. The IPCC’s work is central to global climate governance, assessing the latest scientific evidence, summarising climate impacts and future scenarios, and providing the foundation for international and national policymaking.

Prof. Moncada has been selected as a Lead Author for Chapter 13 of the upcoming IPCC assessment cycle, a role reserved for internationally recognised experts.

“This nomination shines a spotlight on the critical importance of Island Studies, as islands are on the front lines of the climate crisis, facing unique vulnerabilities while also serving as repositories of climate action and innovative solutions,” Prof. Moncada said. “Malta is ideally positioned to contribute significantly to efforts aimed at both mitigating and adapting to climate change,” he concluded.