Articles
Small Island, Fragile Plate
submitted by St. Aloysius College Secondary School : Zack Spiteri for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles
Through the EkoSkola and LEAF project at his school, Zack Spiteri explored the topic of food security. He learned that Malta imports nearly 80% of its food, highlighting how vulnerable the island is to global supply disruptions and the impacts of climate change, which are already making farming more difficult due to hotter summers, reduced rainfall, and limited land. Instead of feeling worried, Zack became interested in exploring possible solutions, particularly through experimenting with vertical farming in the school sensory garden. Growing plants in layers showed how innovative methods can help small islands produce more food using fewer resources. This experience helped him realise that young people can play an important role in supporting sustainability by reducing food waste, choosing local produce, and raising awareness. The project inspired hope that Malta, despite its small size, can develop creative solutions and build a greener, more food-secure future.
How Climate Change Threatens Our Food Supply
submitted by San Gwann Primary : Nicholas Buhagiar for 7-10
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Articles
Climate change is making it harder and more expensive to grow and access food. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and disrupted supply chains damage crops, limit production, and increase prices. As the climate continues to warm, millions of people risk facing hunger and food insecurity unless urgent action is taken.
Traffic and Air Pollution: What are we really breathing at school?
submitted by San Gwann Primary : Year 6 Rebbiegha for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Articles
This investigation explores the air quality around a school located near a busy road in San Ġwann. By measuring nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels with diffusion tubes and carrying out traffic counts, students discovered that their school’s air pollution was nearly three times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. The study shows how traffic, road design, and environmental factors affect the air children breathe — and highlights simple actions everyone can take to reduce pollution and protect both health and the climate.
Our Countryside is not a Trash Bin
submitted by DINGLI PRIMARY : Sven Galea for 7-10
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media
filed under Articles
I believe if everyone does a small part, we can make big changes. I feel sad when I see litter and mess, but I think we can fix our mistakes. One day, hopefully, when someone takes a photo there, we will only see blue sea, green plants and happy people, and no more trash.
The Ocean is not an Ash Tray
submitted by DINGLI PRIMARY : Shelleyzia Grech for 7-10
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media
filed under Articles
The ocean is not an ashtray. It is a living system that regulates climate, supports biodiversity and sustains life on Earth. When we protect it we protect ourselves. The next time you stand by the sea, look down again. What you see is not just sand, but it is a choice. A choice between careless habits and conscious stewardship. The future of our oceans depends on which decision we make and how responsible we are for our environment. The most littered item on Earth starts between two human fingers. Your five minute smoke becomes a decade of pollution. Every action has a ripple effect!
Malta’s Food Fight: Battling Climate Change
submitted by DINGLI PRIMARY : Lea Summer Bugeja for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media
filed under Articles
Malta’s food supply faces growing pressures from climate change. Extreme weather and limited farmland challenge local farming, while reliance on imports exposes the islands to global market fluctuations. However, solutions exist such as modern farming techniques, efficient water management, government support, and promotion of locally grown produce can all strengthen Malta’s food system. By combining these efforts, Malta can ensure a more reliable, sustainable, and reliant supply of food for future generations.
The Decline of Freshwater Resources in our Island
submitted by Independent Candidate : Gabriel De Bono for 15-18
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other
filed under Articles
awarded: Participation
Climate Change and Rainfall – the Impact on Farmers and Crops
submitted by Immaculate Conception School St Jeanne Antide College Tarxien : Lara Jo Sargent for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media, website
filed under Articles
awarded: Commended
This article aims to create awareness of the effect of climate change on the Maltese farming sector and on local agricultural products. Farmers provide an insight on how too little or too much rainfall affects their crops. The article describes briefly what climate change is and mentions some of the measures that local farmers carry out to protect and sustain their crops. The article ends on a positive note suggesting small actions that the general public can carry out to contribute to combatting climate change and indirectly support the Maltese farming sector.
Choked by Cars: How Malta is Trying to Breathe Again
submitted by St. Aloysius College Secondary School : Zack Spiteri for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles
awarded: Commended
Zack Spiteri shares his concerns about Malta’s growing traffic and pollution problems. He describes how cars have taken over the small island, making it harder for kids to play, people to breathe clean air, and nature to thrive. With more cars than people and thousands of old, polluting vehicles on the roads, Malta is facing serious environmental challenges. Zack talks about government efforts like offering money to people who give up their cars, promoting electric vehicles, and making public transport free. However, he believes that real change will only come if everyone works together—by using bikes, buses, and walking more. Zack dreams of a cleaner, quieter Malta where birdsong replaces car horns, and he encourages everyone to help protect the island’s future.
Golden Bay Cleanup: Restoring Our Shores, One Piece at a Time
submitted by St Augustine College : Jayden Lee Micallef, Nathan Muscat, Shawn Agius for 15-18
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): newspaper, School magazine, school media
filed under Articles
awarded: Best Entry
Following a clean up at Golden Bay, the students analysed the litter collected and are proposing some ideas on how litter can be further reduced on our beaches.


