The Climate Change Platform (CCP) and the Public Risk Management Organisation (PRIMO) organised its second Climate Change Research Seminar Series on 29 November. The aim of these research seminars was twofold, it presented state of the art research developed by members of the University of Malta, and identified gaps where further research is needed to support policy. The CCP, set up under the auspices of the Islands and Small States Institute, aims at facilitating collaborations between University of Malta entities and individuals interested in climate change issues, and to promote research and teaching initiatives relating to climate change. 

Pro-Rector Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino gave a welcome address highlighting the importance of mainstreaming disaster risk management into national and international development strategies. Prof. Lino Briguglio, Director of the Islands and Small States Institute, followed by stressing the importance of finally considering disaster risk reduction strategies as an opportunity to increase resilience, especially in islands.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr John Schembri, managing director at Shield Consultants and Visiting Lecturer with the Insurance Department of the University of Malta, discussing the impacts of climate change on risk management, highlighting the current challenges faced by Malta with raising risks associated to extreme weather events.

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr Stefano Moncada, Climate Change Platform Focal Point, included Adrian Mifsud, Director of the Department of Local Government, Luciano Micallef, Senior Manager from the Malta Financial Service Authority, John Mifsud from the Malta Insurance Association, Simon Grima, Head of Insurance Department and Chairman Education Committee Public Risk Management Organisation (PRIMO), and John Paul Cauchi, from Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA).

For further details/interviews please contact ccp.research@um.edu.mt or Stefano Moncada – Climate Change Platform Focal Point.