Climate Change Platform of the University of Malta discusses
Trade and Climate Change Mitigation from Agriculture and Energy Sectors in Malta
On integration of solar panels in greenhouses, effective waste-to-energy with biogas, community trade
On 24 November, the Climate Change Platform (CCP) organised its fourth Climate Change Research Seminar Series. The aim of these research seminars is twofold: to present state of the art research developed by members of the University of Malta, and to identify gaps where further research is needed to support policy. The CCP, set up under the auspices of the Islands and Small States Institute, aims to facilitate collaborations between University of Malta entities and individuals interested in climate change issues, and to promote research and teaching initiatives relating to climate change.
Prof. Prof. Maria Attard, Director of the Institute of Sustainable Development and Climate Change and Vice-Chair of the Climate Change Platform, opened the seminar, highlighting the importance of such research initiatives, and stressing the growing relevance of research, which while producing evidence-based knowledge can support decision-making more effectively.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Taruna Shalini Ramessur, Associate Professor at Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Mauritius, who showed how the energy and agriculture sectors can drive climate change mitigation actions, especially if supported by the right level of economic incentives and certification.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefano Moncada, Climate Change Platform Focal Point, included Dr Charles Yousif, Lecturer, Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Malta, Mr Tony Meli, Institute for Earth Systems, University of Malta, Mr Martin Galea de Giovanni, Friends of the Earth Malta. The discussants all agreed on the important role that the energy and the agriculture sectors can play in reducing their share of greenhouse gas emissions in Malta, especially when cooperating with one another. This is the case, for example, of using photovoltaic panels on greenhouses, developing sustainable community gardens, and effectively using manure to produce biogas, which could represent an important addition, with approximately 2.5 percent of the total, overall energy production of the country.
For further details/interviews please contact
ccp.research@um.edu.mt or Stefano Moncada – Climate Change Platform Focal Point