Alternattiva Demokratika has started a campaign, in conjunction with the European Greens, to combat climate change. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, “we are urging all residents of Malta and Gozo to write to Minister Pullicino, through the websites www.stopclimatechange.net or www.alternattiva.org.mt. From there they can send an email to tell Minister Pullicino that the countdown for global action to prevent dangerous climate change has started.”

“World leaders need to agree on an international deal to tackle climate change by the time UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen conclude on 12 December 2009.Since the EU has a role to play we are asking citizens to ask Minister Pullicno to call for the European Union to do all it can to stop climate change,” concluded Prof. Cassola.

Ralph Cassar, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on Enegy, Industry and Transport, added, “urgent action is needed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. The EU needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 30% at the very least by 2020 (based on 1990 levels). According to climate scientists, these reductions need to be delivered in the EU. As an environment minister, George Pullicino will be responsible for taking the decisions on EU legislation to deliver these greenhouse gas reductions. We are asking him to ensure that this legislation will be strong enough to deliver the necessary 30% emissions reductions within the EU. This means limiting the possibilities for paying to ‘offset’ emissions reductions outside Europe and guaranteeing that the price for CO2 emissions from industry is passed on to the economy and paid by the polluter by providing for the full auctioning of carbon permits. The EU has a vital role to play in securing a binding international agreement to tackle climate change under the auspices of the UN from 2013 on. The clock is ticking. This agreement must be adopted by December 2009 at the UNFCCC meeting in Copenhagen to ensure the urgently-needed global greenhouse gas emissions reductions take place without delay.”

On the Maltese front, AD reiterates its call for strong incentives to families and households for the installation of 50,000 solar water heaters and 5,000 photovoltaic systems in the next few years. Ad also calls for a total rehaul and modernisation of the public transport system.