Three participants in the competition ‘The World is in my hands!’ organised by MediaToday and MB Solco, were yesterday awarded their prize by Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs George Pullicino.
The aim of the competition was to raise awareness among students about climate change problems and the solutions that can exist to combat this phenomenon.
More than 30 students from different schools, including private, church and state schools, participated. The competition was divide into three age categories. The essays had to discuss the threat of global warming to our country and what each and every person could do to reduce air pollution.
Minister George Pullicino said that government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases were also focused on the containment of gases emitted from old landfills, such as Maghtab. He said that by contrast, he is in a position to reveal that the methane produced by Ta’ Zwejra landfill will start producing electricity for 3,000 households.
“If a family of four eat meat three times a week, they contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases equivalent to what a car emits in six months, due to the intense agricultural process and its production of methane,” the minister said highlighting one of the aspects of the emission of GHGs.
He also mentioned Malta’s role in bringing climate change to the fore when it put the subject on the agenda of the United Nations’ general assembly 20 years ago, that eventually led to the creation of the Kyoto Protocol.
Professor Edward Mallia, a scientist who has devoted his life to studying and developing alternative energy sources, as well as being an environmental activist, judged the essays on the basis of the use of language, creativity, and the clarity of discourse used.
In the first category (12-13 years) Maria Rosa Ciantar from the Mater Boni Consilli School, Paola, was the winner. Her tutor was Marika Betts.
In the second category (14 years) Patrizia Fenech Adami from Sacred Heart School, St Julian’s, was the winner. Her tutor was Henrietta Marmara.
In the third category (15-16 years) Hillary Briffa from San Anton School, Imselliet, was the winner. Her tutor was Doreen Coleiro.
The three winners won a solar water heater each offered by MB Solco, which will be installed by the same company at a place indicated by each winner.
Profs. Mallia judged Patrizia Fenech Adami’s contribution the best overall.