Carmel Cacopardo

During the past days we have witnessed the brute force which nature has unleashed in the form of prolonged gale force winds and the rabid action of the sea along the coast. Waves of considerable height crashed inland, sweeping away whatever was in their path.

As a result, a number of schools were closed. Gozo Channel crossings were cancelled. Some cars were caught in flood waters. It was also reported that in Marsaskala waves crashed through a restaurant close to the coast. Scenes along the coast at Marsalforn, Cirkewwa and Sliema were clear enough that nature has had enough and is seeking to restore order. It would be appropriate if we take notice and take the appropriate action urgently.

Through the news we have witnessed similar sights which report the impact of extremes of weather in other countries. This extreme weather is now becoming a more frequent occurrence locally too, and clearly, we are not in the least prepared for the consequences. As soon as weather forecasts were clear, civil protection measures kicked into action. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team at the Civil Protection Department, whom, we can never thank enough. Their dedication is however not enough.

Having a brave and dedicated team at the Civil Protection Department is not enough. We need to plan in order to be able to address the impacts of extreme weather which is becoming much more frequent, primarily in view of the impacts of climate change. Coastal protection needs to be urgently upgraded in order that both people and infrastructure are better protected than they are at present.

Adequate planning also requires contingency plans to address coastal flooding. This should address the vulnerable areas along the coast and would preferably also include regular simulation exercises to test our preparedness. Undoubtedly local councils need to be roped in as their involvement is crucial to long-term civil protection planning which we so desperately require.

Nature will always be in charge. However, our preparedness could help mitigate impacts as well as substantially reduce damage and save lives.

It is clear that the long-promised breakwater at Marsalforn, for example, is an urgent necessity which cannot be postponed any further. Similarly, the coastal infrastructure at Marsaskala lacks a breakwater without which current investment in recreational improvements are practically useless.

The commercialization of the coast and coastal areas has yet to factor in the impacts of extreme weather as we have experienced in the past days. We also need to take into consideration other impacts of climate change, primarily sea level rise.

A case in point is Vision 2050 which ignores the impacts of climate change. A primary climate change challenge in the years to come will be a rising sea level as a result of which the coastline of the Maltese islands may recede inwards. In the Mediterranean Sea studies project that sea level rise is to range between 9.8 and 25.6 cm by 2050. This is however, merely, an indication, as it could be much worse.

The coast, we may remember, is home to most of our maritime and tourism infrastructural facilities, all of which are consequently under threat as has been most evident in the past days.

Residential areas developed close to the sea level are vulnerable and will be impacted. The  residential areas at l-Għadira, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Gżira, Msida, Sliema, Ta’ Xbiex, Pietà, Marsa, Xgħajra, Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala, Birżebbuġa, Xlendi and Marsalforn will be at the receiving end. Impacts could also move towards inland low-lying areas which are developed at almost sea level. The Marsa Sports Club would be an additional casualty.

Nature is definitely in charge. We will either take heed of nature’s clear warnings or else we will be swept away. Nature does not negotiate. Nor does it compromise. It will impose its will.

We have a clear choice to make. Factoring nature and natural forces in our long-term plans is a necessity which we cannot afford to keep ignoring.

Carmel Cacopardo is Deputy Chairperson of ADPD-The Green Party

First published in The Malta Independent on Sunday: 1 February 2026