‘High time that politicians and leaders get a grip of reality’: CEO Sabrina Agius on raging heatwaves

GSE Technologies CEO Sabrina Agius on Monday called for politicians and leaders to be more accountable and give greater focus to climate change and the serious problems it is resulting in.

Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region, has faced raging heat over recent days, with Greece, Italy and Malta bearing the brunt of a heatwave forecasters have named “Charon”. Temperatures in Malta reached a staggering 42.7°C on Monday, matching the highest July temperature ever recorded.

What made it even worse for Malta and the two other countries was that they have all had electricity issues during the heatwave, making the heat even more unbearable while posing potential health problems. In Malta’s case, pressure has been piled on energy services provider Enemalta plc and authorities for the persistent issues, with some households experiencing consecutive nights without any power.

This prompted Ms Agius to reflect on how many politicians suffered consequences from these electricity cuts.

“Greece, Italy and Malta have all made headlines due to the heatwaves which consequently led to darkness, stress, anxiety, loss of business and general confusion. Yet, no resignations or any form of accountability. Neither an explanation of what is in plan for the near future,” she said.

She further questioned why this situation is taking place, whether it is the fault of politicians who “think of the short term”, business leaders who only think of making “easy money”, or else “the fault of all of us consumers”.

“I am not sure how objective one can be when answering such questions. What I am sure of is that the world needs clear solutions as people are suffering,” Ms Agius added.

“It is high time that politicians and leaders get a grip of reality as climate is an issue and it is only in such desperate circumstances that we realise how serious the problem is,” she continued.

She noted that “unity is the answer for meaningful impact”, and she hoped that those that actually want change “will work with others to achieve it”.

Ms Agius is Co-Founder and CEO of GSE Technologies, a company that aims to “bridge the gap between Malta and other smart countries and cities”, by bringing about change in the implementation of green, sustainable and eco technology. Through this, GSE Technologies seeks to make Malta a “better” and “greener” place.

She holds a Master’s degree in Creativity & Innovation and a Bachelor of Communications, both from University of Malta, as well as a Diploma in Digital Marketing from ICE Malta.