Urban Forests and Pollution
Urban trees play multiple roles when it comes to local air pollution. While trees in general help reduce air pollution, including absorbing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, some species contribute to local smog by emitting volatile organic carbons...
Air pollution is the ‘single biggest environment risk’
The power station is not the only source of Malta’s air pollution problems. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli Public concern on air pollution is justified because of the high incidence of respiratory diseases in the country, according to the Medical...
Pictures: Green Walls May Cut Pollution in Cities
Plant-covered walls could slash air pollution in some city streets, recent research suggests. Living Wall A living wall bursts with vegetation at Paris‘s Musée du Quai Branly—a type of green wall that’s catching on in some big cities....
Air pollution – Drivers and pressures (Malta)
SOER Common environmental theme from Malta The protection of air quality is one of the policy areas where EU legislation and standards have brought about a revolution. Air quality is one of Malta’s most important environmental concerns due to its...
World Water Day: NTM actively promoting sustainable water practices
Living on a water scarce country is no simple feat for Malta. For a more sustainable freshwater supply availability collective action from all inhabitants is necessary. On the occasion of the World Water Day, which is celebrated tomorrow, the 22nd...
Coastal development pressures ‘major threat to Mediterranean coast’
Of the NGOs participating in the survey, 93% cited development pressures as the main risk to their own country’s coast. This was followed by overfishing (84%), tourism pressures (81%), increased litter (81%), chemical pollution (65%) and coastal...
Harvesting rainwater
At the time of writing, the average rainfall in Malta from 1 September 2014 to date is recorded at 442.4 mm. The actual rainfall varies from a high of 529.6mm, recorded at Selmun, to a low of 373.7mm, noted in Valletta. With yet some months to go,...
Clearing up Europe’s air pollution hotspots
Modelled annual mean PM10 concentrations around Europe for the year 2030 under the current legislation scenario. Credit: Kiesewetter, et. al., 2015 Current air quality legislation in Europe will lead to significant improvements in particulate matter...
A cost too high
High-rise buildings can have a damaging impact on the environment and are too costly to maintain, says Astrid Vella, Coordinator of Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar. There is no doubt that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s revised...
Building in Malta’s rural areas
Although our islands are small and densely populated, we still have some scenic and beautiful rural landscapes. Besides their rich biodiversity, our rural areas also contain distinctive cultural features, including traditional rubble walls,...