In a world beset by crises, polarised politics and mixed messages from influential leaders, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Yet, amid the noise, one threat looms large and undeniable: climate change. The evidence is clear, and the need for action is urgent.
The Earth is warming and the consequences are dire as we witness the devasting consequences of increasingly frequent events like the recent floods in Europe, wildfires in the Mediterranean and a toxic algal bloom in Australia.
In 2025 alone, rising temperatures from human-caused climate change were responsible for approximately 16,500 deaths in European cities. Climate disasters are becoming more frequent and devastating.
Malta, too, is feeling the heat - literally. The island's land and sea temperatures are rising, and water reserves are in decline: from 2008 to 2024, Malta's average annual rainfall was just 458mm - a 17% drop compared to the long-term average recorded between 1940 and 2024.
The trajectory of alien fish species in Maltese waters is increasing and heat-related deaths have been proven to spike during extended periods of extreme temperatures.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global temperatures could rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels as early as 2030, leading to catastrophic consequences for ecosystems and human societies.
In such times, quiet reflection is needed to shut out the noise and assess the evidence. The facts are stark, but they also provide a clear direction for action.
The implications of failing to adapt to this new reality are severe, risking economic instability, community displacement and irreversible damage to the natural environment.
Without proactive planning and concrete steps to improve our resilience, we may find ourselves unprepared for an increasingly hostile and unpredictable world.
Thankfully, there are positive developments globally. India has reached its climate target five years ahead of time, China's emissions are finally falling and Pakistan has seen a solar revolution. The EU continues to push for the Green Deal, and technology and AI are making us more efficient at problem-solving and data gathering. But is this enough?
For a small island nation like Malta, where natural resources are limited and coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and rising sea levels, proactive climate action is more urgent than ever.
Recognising this, Malta has established a dedicated Climate Action Authority, one of the first EU member states to do so. The authority is tasked with coordinating national responses to climate change, focusing on both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Its goal is to create a resilient Malta that can withstand the impacts of climate change while ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
EY, one of the largest professional service networks in the world, recognises the need to evolve its operations and create a positive impact on the environment. By integrating sustainability into its business model and service offerings, EY leads by example and hopes to inspire others to take action.
As a testament to the shared commitment to addressing climate change, EY and the authority are excited to announce a dedicated breakout session titled 'Change: The Case for Climate Adaptation' at this year's annual EY conference, 'Future Realised 2025'.
This dynamic and interactive discussion will focus on climate change adaptation, featuring insights from local experts and forward-thinking leaders. Participants will learn about Malta's most pressing climate risks, the high costs of inaction and effective solutions that turn risks into opportunities.
This session is not just an opportunity to learn; it is a call to action for all stakeholders to engage in the conversation and take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future. Together with the Climate Action Authority, EY invites you to be part of this important dialogue.
Let us work together to safeguard Malta's future and embrace the change needed to combat climate challenges.
Chris Meilak is partner at EY-Parthenon Malta.