Parliamentary Ombudsman meets Climate Action Authority to discuss climate resilience and public awareness

Parliamentary Ombudsman meets Climate Action Authority to discuss climate resilience and public awareness

Published July 22, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Action Authority, Ing. Abigail Cutajar, as a follow up to discussions held between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Authority earlier this year.

The meeting focused on current challenges arising from climate change and the Authority's ongoing work to strengthen Malta's response through mitigation, adaptation, and public engagement.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman emphasised the importance of increasing public awareness of the effects of climate change and the role that every person can play in addressing them. Referring to the current heatwaves and other increasingly frequent extreme weather events, he underlined the need for the public to be better informed about both short term and long term measures that can help reduce risks and build resilience.

The Ombudsman also reiterated that climate change should be viewed through a human rights lens, noting that its effects are already impacting people's wellbeing, livelihoods, and quality of life. He stressed the importance of ensuring that public policy continues to place the protection of persons and communities at the centre of climate action.

During the meeting, Ing. Abigail Cutajar outlined the work undertaken by the Climate Action Authority over the past year, with particular reference to the ongoing development of the National Climate Adaptation Plan. She explained the Authority's role in coordinating national initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen adaptation measures, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and promote public awareness and education on climate action.

The meeting formed part of the Office of the Ombudsman's continued engagement with public authorities on issues of strategic importance that affect good administration, sustainable development, and the wellbeing of present and future generations.

The CEO of the Climate Action Authority was accompanied by Margaret Cassar, Chief Policy and Strategy Officer of the Climate Action Authority.