Panel: Profs. Arnold Cassola (Alternattiva Demokratik), Monique Agius (Kunsill Nazzjonali Taz-Zghazagh), Alexander Hili (Kunsill Studenti Universitarji) and Duncan Muscat (TDM 2000 Malta)
Moderator: Daniel Benson Camilleri
Highlights of the debate
– Wind Energy was discussed as a possible alternative source of electric power to the Maltese islands. However this was turned down due to physical constraints.
– Solar Energy was the alternative that was adopted instead of Wind due to the availability of sun all year long.
– Economic impact of a sustainable economy deserves to be given importance since the economy is usually based on a short term cycle. Potentially due to the short cycles of the political roles of elected public officials.
– Research and Innovation need to be given importance and not just given funding but also given weight in the long term planning and setting up of investment plans.
– Culture of Communities and the way they are exposed to sustainable goals.
– Culture of students to be able to have a sustainable minded and oriented setting.
– Cycling routes and alternative methods of transport which would help to remove the gridlock that is currently slowing down the economic growth of Malta.
– Supranational Laws of the Eu which can be used to control Malta’s growing and mostly unsustainable development.
– Political Movements and the aim of generating a larger stronger economy.
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Summary
Sustainability is an issue of multilateral facades. In order to identify the main actors, the economic, environmental and developmental factors amongst others are to be taken into consideration and weighed appropriately. We cannot have a sustainable system that would ignore any factor, for that would inherently make it an unsustainable endeavour.
Transport and water issues are two matters that are taking priority with regards to sustainability. The transport issue is a very evident and apparent issue that we are all facing today. With traffic jams easily starting from six in the morning stress levels are on the increase, placing a burden on the work-life and quality of life. One cannot forget the vast waste of time spent travelling.
The water issue is something towards which a proactive approach can be adopted. The problems are real, there is no point in denying that, thus what is important is that we take into consideration the resources at hand and make use of them wisely.
