Mario Joseph Azzopardi appointed as the first chairperson of board of the Climate Action Authority

The Committee for Public Appointments has approved the nomination of Mario Joseph Azzopardi as the first chairperson of the board of the Climate Action Authority, the government said in a statement.

The parliamentary committee’s approval of Azzopardi’s nomination marks an important step towards setting up the Climate Action Authority (CAA), the government said. “This also follows the agreement reached in Parliament on the Act establishing the same Authority. The CAA will coordinate national efforts to achieve the climate goals, raise awareness about climate changes, and implement mitigation and adaptation programs, among other things.”

“For the last 11 years, Mario Azzopardi has served as chairperson of the Malta Resources Authority (MRA). During his tenure, Azzopardi, among other things, stressed the strategic use of statistics as an essential tool in climate action. He emphasised that as knowledge of the effects of climate change began to be recognised, the obligations and complexity of the required reports increased in an accelerated manner.”

“Azzopardi, who has gained experience in managing various private and public entities over the years, currently holds the position of deputy CEO at Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd. He studied at the University of Malta where he graduated with Honours in Accountancy and holds a Masters in Financial Services. He started his career as an accountant and public auditor where he worked with a leading auditing company. He served in various roles at the Water Services Corporation and in Enemalta. In 2013 he was appointed as deputy chairperson of the Regulator for Energy and Water Services,” the government statement read.