11-14

The Living Landfill

submitted by St Michael Foundation : Amelia J Pace Bonello, Emily Strijbosch-Ali  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, school media, website
filed under Articles

This article explores the environmental challenges posed by the Magħtab landfill in Malta and proposes an innovative solution to address them. It highlights the long-term impact of unmanaged waste, including toxic emissions and the difficulty of restoration due to non-biodegradable materials. The authors critique the government’s plan to convert the site into a traditional park, arguing that such spaces promote passive interaction with nature. Instead, they propose the creation of a zero-waste community garden, “Full Circle Garden,” based on circular economy principles. Supported by research and local examples, the article demonstrates the environmental, social, and economic benefits of community gardening. The proposal emphasises sustainability through composting and growing food from scraps. Ultimately, the article presents a transformative vision of turning a polluted site into a self-sustaining ecosystem and a symbol of environmental renewal.



Read More

How Pollution Affects Climate Change and Food Prices

submitted by St Michael Foundation : Jake Stivala  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, school media, website
filed under Articles

The article examines the relationship between pollution, climate change, and rising food prices. It explains that air pollution releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which contribute significantly to climate change. As a result, extreme weather conditions including droughts, floods, and storms, are becoming more frequent, negatively affecting agricultural production. Reduced crop yields and increased farming costs lead to higher food prices and declining food quality. The article also incorporates insights from a local farmer, who highlights challenges such as unpredictable rainfall, crop damage, increased pesticide use, and the need for costly technological adaptations. To address these issues, the article proposes both individual and governmental solutions, including reducing energy consumption, adopting renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices, and implementing environmental policies. Overall, it emphasises the urgent need for collective action to mitigate climate change and ensure food security.



Read More

A Crowd of Problems Malta’s Nature is Facing Due to Overpopulation

submitted by Immaculate Conception School Tarxien : Rachael Gatt  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media, website
filed under Articles

In this article, Rachael Gatt, discusses how Malta’s growing population is placing increasing pressure on the natural environment. As more buildings are constructed to accommodate residents and foreign workers, green spaces are disappearing and wildlife is losing its natural habitat. Traffic and other forms of pollution—such as emissions from factories, aircraft, and sea vessels—are damaging both animal and plant life through air and noise pollution. Although Malta still has beautiful beaches and nature reserves, many of these areas are becoming overcrowded, leading to littering, water pollution, and the disturbance of ecosystems. The article concludes by emphasising that while people continue to voice their opinions on overpopulation, Malta’s natural environment suffers in silence—highlighting the need for greater awareness and care to protect it.



Read More

But surely we have enough? Right???

submitted by St. Aloysius College Secondary School : Julian Agius Scicluna  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): website
filed under Articles

As part of his participation in the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition, Julian Agius Scicluna explores the global challenge of food scarcity and food security, highlighting that hunger is not caused by a lack of food but by unequal distribution and limited access. Despite the world producing enough food, around 673 million people still face hunger, showing the importance of better global cooperation and fair allocation of resources. The article also discusses how globalisation, conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, and instability in regions like the Middle East have disrupted food supply chains and made achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Zero Hunger, more difficult. Julian explains that food insecurity also affects local communities that depend heavily on agriculture and are vulnerable to climate change and unpredictable weather. He further highlights the issue of food waste in Europe, showing the imbalance between abundance and need.



Read More

Microplastics: The tiny destroyers of our ecosystems

submitted by St Joseph Junior School Sliema : Matilda Pullicino, Nicole Young  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): newspaper, school media, website
filed under Articles

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that come from bigger plastic items like bottles and bags. Even though they are very small, they cause big problems for nature. They end up in our oceans, rivers, soil, air, and even our food! Sea animals like fish, turtles and birds often eat microplastics by mistake, which can make them sick. When we eat fish that swallowed plastic, the microplastics can enter our bodies too. Littering makes the problem worse because plastic breaks down into microplastics and gets washed into the sea. We can help by throwing rubbish away properly, joining beach clean-ups, and spreading awareness. Scientists even discovered a type of bacteria that can “eat” plastic, which might help in the future. Fast fashion clothing also releases microplastics, so buying fewer, better-quality clothes can help. If we recycle, reuse, and reduce plastic, we can protect our planet—because we don’t have a Planet



Read More

HARVESTING TRADITION: HOW SAINT BENEDICT COLLEGE MIDDLE SCHOOL TURNED OLIVES INTO EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

submitted by St Benedict College Dr Maria Sciberras Middle School Kirkop : EkoSkola Student Committee  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media, website
filed under Articles

For the past decade, the EkoSkola committee at St Benedict College, Kirkop, has managed an organic olive‑harvesting project that blends tradition, sustainability, and hands‑on learning. In 2025, Year 7 and 8 students harvested 430 kg of olives, which were processed into 60 litres of olive oil and jars of preserved olives. Students designed labels and sold the products during school events. Half of the €940 profit was donated to Puttinu Cares, with the rest funding future EkoSkola initiatives. The project promoted health education, sustainable consumption, and active citizenship. Its success attracted recognition from the Climate Action Authority, which filmed a documentary. The committee now hopes to expand the initiative through community olive‑picking events across Malta.



Read More

AIR POLLUTION AND MALTA’S CALL FOR HELP

submitted by Mater Boni Consilii St. Joseph School Paola : Kelly Scerri  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles

Air pollution occurs when harmful particles and gases, such as fine dust (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides, enter the air. In Malta, the average level of PM2.5 is about 11.7 micrograms per cubic meter, which is more than double the safe limit of 5 recommended by the World Health Organization, according to the Malta Environment and Resources Authority (MERA).



Read More

A gem in ruins

submitted by Mater Boni Consilii St. Joseph School Paola : Emily Saliba  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles

Malta is famous for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches and rich marine life. The sea around Malta has coral reefs, about 800 types of fish, and five types of turtles. Sadly, two of these turtle species are endangered because of ghost fishing.



Read More

Is Malta’s Blue turning Grey?

submitted by Mater Boni Consilii St. Joseph School Paola : Paige Grech  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles

Even when the water looks clear, the ‘Saving Our Blue’s’ campaign is showing that our sea is struggling against constant litter and pollution!



Read More

Marine in Malta

submitted by Mater Boni Consilii St. Joseph School Paola : Kady Gatt  for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media, website
filed under Articles

Malta’s seas are full of life but are facing serious threats from pollution, overfishing and climate change!



Read More