The Research Innovation Unit (RIU) is a specialised unit within the Local Government of Malta that fulfils Article 33 (1) q of Chapter 363 of the Laws of Malta (Local Councils Act) in particular:

• Climate Change research and action at regional and locality level.
• Efficient use of energy at regional and locality level.
• Protect the natural and urban environment at regional and locality level.

As a government entity, our mandate is in line with the European Climate Law to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions, the EU Adaptation Strategy and the Paris Agreement.

RIU oversees the EU Mission Adaption to Climate Change for the signed regions of Malta and is tasked with establishing the climate research agenda and action in alignment with the Mission’s objectives and EU frameworks.

Increased Temperatures: Malta experiences rising hotter temperatures, leading to heatwaves and higher energy demand.

Rising Sea Levels: Malta is susceptible to sea-level rise increased coastal erosion, flooding, and loss of coastal land.

Water Scarcity: High temperatures reduce water availability, impacting agriculture and freshwater ecosystems.

Changes in Weather Patterns: Climate change leads to more intense storms, heavy rainfall, and droughts.

Health Risks: Climate change increases heat-related/vulnerable illnesses and loss of life.

Impact on Biodiversity: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns disrupt ecosystems in Malta, affecting plant and animal species.

The Research Innovation Unit adopts data-driven climate action to inform and guide efforts aimed at adapting to climate change. This approach involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting various types of global data related to climate, local environmental conditions, energy consumption, and more, to develop evidence-based strategies and policies.

RIU adopts the use of state-of-the-art tools for its data needs as follows:

• PHASE 1 (PH-1) – award winning scientific and operational framework.
• Earth Observation Satellites by ESA, NASA and USGS for remote sensing.
• Climate Data from Copernicus Climate Change Services, ECMWF and others.
• In-situ equipment of meto, air quality sensors, traffic counters,
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of Things (IoT)

Local and European Commission funded Climate Action projects