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Four climate futures: the case for change
We know the science. We've seen the warnings. Yet, climate action still lags behind the urgency of the crisis. The problem? Data alone doesn't move people—stories do. From global catastrophe to local consequences, Lushano Myburgh explores how reframing climate change as a personal, tangible reality may be the key to real change.
The illusion of preservation: Government's superficial planning reforms for Gozo
Victor Paul Borg delves into the government's recent planning brief to preserve Gozo's character by mandating the use of globigerina limestone for new buildings. Announced on 14 February, this measure mirrors a 2015 policy, raising questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of these so-called reforms.
Fighting the Ecomafia
Manuel Delia delves into the sinister operations of these environmental bandits and the emerging legal battles aimed at curbing their destructive ambitions.
Sun, Sea, and Scarcity: Climate Change's Toll on Malta's Tourism and Farms
Climate change presents a pressing reality for Malta, with rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, and climbing sea levels. Malta must sustain its economic pillars while adapting to these changes. Alex Torpiano explores the implications and emphasises the urgent need for adaptive strategies to safeguard the island's future.
Working now to protect tomorrow
Vanessa Macdonald speaks to Patrick Calleja, the new president of Din l-Art Helwa, about his vision for Malta's urban future, the imperative of safeguarding cultural heritage, and the transformative power of sustainable architecture in the face of ongoing developmental challenges.
A planning system gone perverse
Victor Paul Borg argues that the perversion of the planning system has led to haphazard developments and a lack of accountability, despite promises of reform from the government. Conflicting policies, a loose interpretation of regulations, and insufficient oversight from consulting entities and the Planning Authority further exacerbate the problem.
COMPETING THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY
While many companies have some form of sustainable programs and initiatives throughout the year, many lack a more profound consideration of how sustainability can enhance a business model. So what does it take to transform sustainability into a competitive edge in today's business world? Lyndsey Grima asks.
THERE’S MORE TO BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS THAN GREENWASHING
The world has had its wake-up moment regarding corporate greenwashing, says Richard Muscat Azzopardi, and the results are that most businesses still don't care about the environment. The idea of a sustainable business is far more attractive than the reality.
ONLY A CHANGE OF THE GUARD CAN SAVE MALTA’S URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENT
We have heard much about the need to change planning policies to protect the country from the destructive, unsightly urban and rural development that has spread like a blight in the past five years. Labour Party figures are among those calling for policy reform, and the government has been hinting that it is currently working on tweaking planning policies. Victor Paul Borg goes on to explain.
GREEN(ING) REAL ESTATE IS IMPERATIVE TO ACHIEVE CLIMATE NEUTRALITY
Moving towards a more sustainable society and urgent climate action have gained more and more traction in the past years. In addition to government policies and international agreements such as the EU Green Deal or the Paris climate accord, active commitments by private sector companies and greater scrutiny by shareholders, customers and civil society are increasingly driving this green transition. Dr Kathrin Kutlescha, a chemist and manager at EY Malta's Sustainability team, reports.
WHY SUSTAINABLE BUILDING IS CRUCIAL FOR TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
In recent years, the battle has raged on two different fronts of climate change. The first controversy was whether climate change was happening, and the second was whether humans caused climate change. Even recently, some politicians (in the United States and Brazil) either dismissed the science as a hoax or quoted science that supported their point of view, even though they probably did not understand it, Alex Torpriano continues.
THE FUTURE OF DESIGN AND URBAN PLANNING
Lyndsey Grima caught up with Ray De Micoli, principal at DeMicoli & Associates, to discuss Malta's current plan for development, the future of urban planning and how the country can improve to support a more sustainable approach toward design and architecture.
DWELL[ING] ON THE CONSTRUCTION SAGA
Alex Torpiano shares his thoughts on whether the word sustainability applies when so many blocks of flats are being built, even though most are destined to remain empty.
NEW LEADER, NEW VISION?
With the country caught up in a metaphorical reputational typhoon, Giselle Borg Olivier interviews Leader of the Opposition and Nationalist Party Dr Bernard Grech to get his views about the current political and economic situation on the island, his thoughts on taboo topics, and his plans for tackling the post-COVID-19 scenario.
BECOMING COMINO
A globally acclaimed architect, and the future of a rural Mediterranean island. Dayna Camilleri Clarke met with Hili Ventures to understand the new proposed Comino Hotel project's scale and what steps must be undertaken to bring this ambitious proposal to life.
SOMETHING’S BREWING
MONEY speaks to Ian Ritchie, founder of world-renowned Ian Ritchie Architects, on his latest project: Trident Park and The Brewhouse.
GREEN DEAL
Maria Giulia Pace gives an insight of the European Commission’s proposals tied to the European Green Deal.