As a kid born and raised in Malta in the early 1950s and 1960s, I experienced horrific winter storms. I still remember the high waves beating against the rocks in Sliema, often reaching the promenade. The Mediterranean is unpredictable. According to a 1992 study conducted after the big 1989 storm that hit the Maltese islands during the Gorbachev/Bush summit, the Mediterranean is uniquely warm because it is “between contrasting climates” (1) of Europe and Africa. Although storms can be reasonably predicted, calculating wind and wave interactions is more difficult. This is due to the vast differences in the surrounding orography to the South (North Africa) and to the North (Sicily and Italy). This study was conducted after what was eventually labeled the Gorbush Storm (1). It is also still relevant when discussing climate change as an excuse for poor governance.

In July 1955, the passenger ship Star of Malta, en route from Sicily to Malta, ran aground on the Merkanti Reef 80 meters off the coast of Paceville in thick fog (2). An unheard-of phenomenon, but it happened. In those days, we took the summer heat and winter storms in stride because Malta was more mindful of environmental sustainability than it is today. Houses were built of stone, with high ceilings, windows, and balconies fitted with wooden shutters that kept out the hot summer sun. We walked barefoot on tiled or marble floors, depending on our wealth, and enjoyed the cool nights on roofs. Nobody had heard of air conditioners, and nobody needed them. In winter, the only two places that experienced flooding were Msida (for obvious reasons) and Valley Road in Birkirkara.

The issue of poor governance began in the late 70s, when tourism was prioritized over other vital needs in Malta. As a small island with significant historic value that could be marketed, the focus shifted away from attracting foreigners just for the beaches. Instead of emphasizing Malta’s unique historical appeal, governments from both major parties aimed to turn it into a generic sun-and-fun holiday destination. This started the tourism development plan of hotel construction without end. Watching beautiful homes along the Sliema front being demolished and replaced with concrete structures signaled that Malta’s future was already decided.

Rather than adhering to the island’s tradition of using local stone in architecture, which naturally sustains comfortable homes year-round, academia—responsible for training “modern” architects—and the government pushed a narrative of progress. This resulted in an environmental disaster that cannot be reversed. Considering the significant increase in population, vehicles, and glass facades, it becomes evident that climate change is being blamed for the island’s descent into chaos.

There is a distinction between environmental awareness and climate change narratives. Germany boasts the most environmentally conscious population globally. Forests, waterways, historic villages, and towns are well protected. Environmentalists advocate for conservation and do not justify poor decisions. They safeguard wildlife and implement systems to control the overpopulation of certain species. Hunting is a traditional practice in Germany, but hunters must follow strict firearm regulations and limits on deer or boar quotas. Sometimes, hunting young animals is prohibited; other times, it is encouraged to manage herd sizes and minimize environmental impacts, such as on forests or predators. This reflects the true definition of an environmentalist—someone who actively conserves, unlike those driving electric cars that rely on fossil fuels and contain toxic batteries.

Both main parties share responsibility for the island’s slow environmental decline. Nevertheless, the current government, in power for ten years, bears the greatest guilt. The island has been metaphorically sold for ’30 pieces of silver,’ masked as overdevelopment and the exploitation of foreign labor. Issues such as poor tourism choices, intense noise pollution, and rural neglect are leading to erosion and severe water mismanagement. Therefore, climate change is not the main cause; human greed is.

In the 1950s, scientists estimated the Earth’s age at about 4.5 billion years (3). Through geochemical experiments, fossil analysis, and rock studies, they could approximate how the planet developed and changed over time. It is believed that there are roughly 7 billion years remaining before the sun goes nova and Earth faces destruction. Climate does change subtly and unintentionally, contradicting the misleading narratives of those who seek to exploit environmental concerns. For instance, in 2012, New York City did not sink into the ocean as Al Gore predicted, a claim that helped him amass wealth from a disaster-themed film that never materialized. The seas did not overheat or overflow, casting cooked fish and shrimp onto beaches. Instead, governments—lobbied by self-interested groups, individuals like Al Gore, and activists—have engaged in unethical, unrealistic debates for personal gain, such as Greta Thunberg’s protests or to profit from the alternative energy industry, which has little impact on actual climate change.

Nobody in Malta even thought about climate change until a decade ago, when breathing fresh air outdoors became a rarity. The environmental nightmares do not stop at the horrendous traffic that worsens the summer heat and the suffocating air year-round. Environmental nightmares continue on sidewalks filled with garbage and dust from concrete and other building materials that harm both physical and mental health. Add to this mixture the depletion of sunlight in towns and villages as Maltese architecture is replaced by communist-style apartments.

The climate in Malta remained unchanged, but the political landscape shifted. With it came the influence of globalism from the EU and beyond, pushing governments to accept unchecked immigration without questioning its effects on an island that should ideally have a population of around 350,000, not over 500,000. The current Maltese government told its people that the island could not survive without foreign workers. This is simply untrue. Historically, our hospitals, clinics, elderly care homes, restaurants, hotels, and transportation systems have thrived with Maltese labor. The only reason foreigners are employed is that they are often willing to accept lower wages, particularly those from developing countries. What amounts to slave labor, disguised as a response to labor shortages, is still just that—slave labor.

I believe protecting the environment is essential. It should not be exploited for profit. Malta faces a crucial choice: it can pause to evaluate the environmental harm caused by poor governance or continue down this destructive path. If it persists, like the planet, it risks collapsing under corruption and irreversible damage to its history, culture, and morals. Is it already too late?

1. Dell’Osso, L., L. Bertotti, and L. Cavaleri, 1992: The Gorbush Storm in the Mediterranean Sea: Atmospheric and Wave Simulation. Mon. Wea. Rev., 120, 77–90, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0493(1992)120<0077:TGSITM>2.0.CO;2.
2. Scicluna, C. July 26, 2020. The Night the Ferry from Sicily ran aground. Times of Malta. https://timesofmalta.com/article/the-night-the-ferry-from-sicily-ran-aground.807417
3. Kiger, P. J. Updated April 8, 2025. How old is earth and how did scientists figure it out? Howstuffworks. https://science.howstuffworks.com/how-old-is-earth.htm