The Climate Action law, which was approved in Parliament last year, came into effect today, Environment Minister Leo Brincat announced this morning.
Addressing a press conference Mr Brincat also introduced the members of the Climate Action Board.
Professor Simone Borg is the Chaiperson of the board. Mr Brincat described her as being "an authority" on the subject both in Malta and abroad, as well as Malta's climate change ambassador.
Dr Philip von Brockdorff, the head of the University of Malta's Economics Department, is Deputy Chairperson.
The board is also made up of representatives of various ministries that are directly or indirectly linked to the subject, such as the transport, finance, agricultural and education ministries, and the MCESD.
The Environment Minister spoke on the need for synergy between all sectors with regards to the adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects.
He also announced that a Climate Action Fund would be set up in the near future.
While the existing inter-ministerial climate action committee will remain functional, the two new structures will have the duty and responsibility to see that Malta conforms to national, European and multilateral obligations, Mr Brincat said.
In the meantime the board has met for the first time without a representative of the environmental NGOs, which are holding a boycott over the government's hunting policies.
Mr Brincat said the eNGOs had missed the opportunity to nominate someone but the invitation still stands. Mr Brincat said the place reserved for environmental organisations would remain vacant, adding he did not feel it was right for him to pick and choose a representative.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/1KU1MrP
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