The Climate Action Authority (CAA), established only a few months ago as the first of its kind in the European Union, is prioritising the development of a National Climate Adaptation Strategy. This plan will be essential for preparing Malta for the increasing impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, more frequent heatwaves, and shifting weather patterns, particularly in the most affected sectors.
The importance of this development was emphasised in the report by the National Audit Office, “Climate Change Adaptation,” which described the establishment of the CAA as a positive and timely step and recognised several initiatives with a positive effect. At the same time, the report provides sound recommendations, including that Malta needs to enter climate adaptation planning with greater strength.
The CAA is already working on this recommendation and was among the first to start developing a strategy adapted to the national context even before the announcement of a new European framework. This demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring the adaptation plan is specifically designed for Malta, aiming to identify key sectors, estimate the economic impact, and develop an action plan with defined responsibilities.
This plan will be developed in broad consultation with all stakeholders. Interministerial discussions have already begun with Climate Action Coordinators, Permanent Secretaries who play a crucial role for implementing climate policies in their respective sectors. In the coming weeks, meetings are also scheduled with social partners and civil society to create a realistic, inclusive, and feasible plan.
“A plan like this will have a direct impact on people’s lives, our businesses, and how prepared Malta will be for upcoming climate challenges. Therefore, it must be based on knowledge, participation, and a common vision. The fact that a risk and vulnerability report has already been produced to serve as a basis, places our country at the forefront in designing this type of strategy,” said the Authority’s CEO, Abigail Cutajar.
Regarding the particularly serious challenge of rising sea levels, the CAA is also leading regional initiatives to create synergies among Mediterranean countries. Later this year, Malta will host a special conference on this subject, bringing together countries and key leaders in the region to reach a common agreement for collective efforts in the Mediterranean to adapt to sea level rise.
Continuous work, effective consultation, and strengthened coordination are fundamental pillars for a strong adaptation policy. Malta is sending a clear message; climate resilience is a national priority, and work has already begun.
