Labour MEP calls for ambitious global action against climate change

Labour MEP Miriam Dalli has called on countries to be both ambitious and realistic when setting climate change targets.

"Today, we have heard statements which allude to the idea that ambition and realism are two extremes which cannot go hand-in-hand,” Dalli said during a European Parliament plenary session. “Why can't we act both ambitiously and realistically? Ambition and realism are complimentary and not contradictory to one another.”

She warned that climate change is a global problem with grave implications.

"Its worst impact being felt by the most vulnerable and poorer countries, and whilst technological advances will help, each and every one of us has the strength and power to change things," she said.

Dalli referred to Malta’s pioneering role back in 1988 when former foreign minister Vincent Tabone pushed for climate change to be placed on the UN agenda.  

“27 years down the line, minimal progress has been achieved,” she said. "That's why arguments that we can wait for another century or so to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions are totally unacceptable to me. We can't wait any longer. Time is of the essence and the European Union has to retain its key role in fighting for a really ambitious and legally binding global agreement.”