Pollution reaches excess level as Saharan dust settles in Maltese sky
The influx of Sahara desert dust in recent days has escalated air pollution levels to ten times higher than the recommended healthy thresholds. Winds carried the dust across Malta, resulting in hazy skies and dust accumulation on cars and windows over the past two days. However, this phenomenon has also significantly impacted air quality, particularly concerning individuals with conditions such as asthma. Real-time air quality data indicates a staggering increase in PM10 levels—particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers in size—reaching an alarming high of 514g/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) on Wednesday morning. (Times of Malta)
MUT stages protest at MCAST after lecturer attacked
The Malta Union of Teachers held a protest at MCAST, after an MCAST lecturer was assaulted by a student, requiring medical treatment. As a show of solidarity towards all MCAST grades and a manifestation of MUT’s zero tolerance towards aggression, the MUT had said that it was organising a protest for all MCAST grade, which took place on Wednesday, at the MCAST main campus in Paola. “The MUT called this protest to sound the voice of many of its members after the aggression shown by a student against a lecturer. The union expresses complete solidarity with the lecturer and its members at MCAST, while condemning aggression”, it said. (The Malta Independent)
MEP candidate says ranger monitoring is excessive
Marija Sara Vella Gafà, Labour’s candidate for MEP has argued that volunteer environmental rangers are excessively monitoring the countryside for environmental infractions. “The need arises to find a middle ground between preserving traditional Maltese pastimes and safeguarding the environment,” expressed the Labour MEP hopeful. Vella Gafà highlighted that concerns have been raised to her regarding what she perceives as an “overwhelming and inflated” presence of Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) members in rural Malta. (Maltatoday)
