Use of Geospatial tools and techniques for enhancing capacity for climate change-related planning and management in Malta

Malta, as a small island state, faces increasing challenges from climate change due to its vulnerability to climate impacts. This study investigates the application of geospatial tools and techniques to enhance Malta’s capacity for climate change-related planning and management, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. The methodology integrates historic cartographic resources, as detailed in our previous work (Tranchant et al., 2024), with contemporary approaches such as UAV photogrammetry and dataset comparisons using software like Cloud Compare. These datasets are augmented by ground-truthing data, including geotechnical monitoring via tilt plates and ground monitoring nails - both deliverables from a previous project, Coastal Satellite-Assisted Governance (SAGE). The collected data will be compiled into a unified geodatabase to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts through real-time monitoring of climate-enhanced risk levels. The tools and insights, where permissible, will be shared with stakeholders beyond government and academia to promote education and public awareness. While the study does not directly aim to mitigate the effects of climate change, it strengthens the Maltese government’s capacity to proactively evaluate and respond to its impacts, particularly with respect to coastal dynamics. Future efforts will focus on developing an open-source, WebGIS-based A-DiNSAR monitoring system for ground deformation. This system aims to replicate the Copernicus European Ground Motion Service while leveraging higher-resolution datasets to achieve greater precision at localized scales, such as monitoring ground movement and infrastructural stability in cliffside and coastal zones. By addressing areas most susceptible to ground movement and stability issues due to climate change, the study enhances Malta’s resilience to climate impacts, aligning with the objectives of SDG 13: Climate Action.