As Malta works towards the vital target of climate neutrality by 2050, the Climate Action Authority (CAA) plays a central role in shaping the policies, strategies and collaboration needed to turn that vision into reality. Margaret Cassar, Chief Strategy and Policy Officer for the Authority, believes that the body’s work is ultimately about responsibility to generations yet to come.

“What motivates me most is the opportunity to contribute to an issue that affects everyone,” Ms Cassar explains. “Climate Action is not just a policy area, but a responsibility towards future generations. Being able to help shape Malta’s response and support solutions that make a tangible difference – that is what drives my work.”

This mission is not a new one for Ms Cassar. For the past ten years, she has held a headship position within the Maltese government ministry responsible for climate policy. During this time, she worked closely on climate-related initiatives and policy development, a path that naturally led her to her current role within the Authority.

As she explains, climate action touches virtually every sector of government and society – from energy and transport to the wider economy. Coordination across these sectors is therefore essential to ensure that everyone understands the work that needs to be done and moves in the same direction. This is where the Climate Action Authority comes in, providing a structured approach to that mission.

The importance of the Authority’s work is not lost on Ms Cassar, who hopes the body can demonstrate to others across Europe how climate change can be tackled effectively at a national level. “It is one of the first authorities of its kind within the European Union specifically dedicated to coordinating climate action, ensuring a structured approach to climate policy, implementation, monitoring, and engagement with stakeholders,” she asserts.

The Authority is relatively young, having been officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister in October 2024. Yet in its first full year of operations, it has already supported the government in developing a number of key climate policies and strategies. Among other initiatives, it has contributed to discussions on the upcoming EU 2040 climate framework, supported the development of Malta’s National Adaptation Plan, and advised on policies aimed at helping the country transition towards a more sustainable future.

Given its role in shaping government policy, the Authority must also ensure the highest standards of accountability and transparency. As Ms Cassar explains, this is established through the Climate Action Act. Enacted in May 2024, the legislation created the Authority and set out its responsibilities, reporting obligations and oversight mechanisms, while also establishing a dedicated Climate Action Fund to finance its initiatives.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the Authority is focused on the continued development of Malta’s National Adaptation Plan, which will outline how the country prepares for and responds to the impacts of climate change. At the same time, the Authority must ensure Malta remains on track with the EU 2040 climate framework, which sets a target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. Ms Cassar says her team must ensure the strategy remains “realistic, achievable, and cost-effective.”

Malta’s National Energy and Climate Plan is intended to guide the country in meeting these commitments. If implemented successfully, it will deliver a 41 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2005 levels by 2030. This shift will come through changes in the energy, waste management and transport sectors, all of which fall within the Authority’s wider coordination remit.

So, what would success look like by the end of 2026? Ms Cassar believes it would mean “further strengthening Malta’s institutional capacity to coordinate climate action, while supporting government, business, and the public in implementing measures that reduce emissions and build climate resilience.”

As Malta continues its journey towards climate neutrality by 2050, the Climate Action Authority aims to remain at the centre of that effort – guiding policy, supporting implementation and helping the country adapt to a rapidly changing climate. For Ms Cassar, the objective is clear: ensuring that the decisions taken today lay the foundations for a more sustainable and resilient Malta for generations to come.