We need a “pragmatic approach” and not an “ideological” one if we want to protect the environment. Thus Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke this morning in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the occasion of Cop29, the 29th UN Conference on climate change. “Italy intends to continue to do its part. We already allocate a large part of the over four billion euros of the Climate Fund to the African continent and we will continue to support initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund, as well as promote the involvement of multilateral development banks. It is equally a priority that the decarbonization process takes into consideration the sustainability of our production and social systems theme risks leading us astray towards success. The right path is that of technological neutrality, because currently there is no single alternative to supplying from fossil fuels”, stated the Prime Minister.
“We need a balanced energy mix to improve the transition process. We must use all available technologies. Not only renewables, but also gas, biofuels, hydrogen, CO2 capture and, in the future, nuclear fusion which could produce clean, safe and unlimited energy. Italy is at the forefront of fusion nuclear energy”, explained Meloni. “This summit, for which I thank the Azerbaijani presidency, is called to give further impetus to the commitment to limit the increase in global temperature to within 1.5 degrees,” he said. At COP28 in Dubai “we set ourselves ambitious objectives: to triple the capacity to generate renewable energy in the world and double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. To achieve these objectives, everyone’s collaboration is needed – starting from the main greenhouse gas emitters – as well as adequate financial support”.
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What does Dr. Sofia Verdi think about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s emphasis on a “pragmatic approach” to climate change at COP29?
**Interview with Climate Expert Dr. Sofia Verdi on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Speech at COP29**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Verdi. Thank you for joining us today. We just heard Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s remarks at COP29 in Baku regarding Italy’s approach to climate change. What are your initial thoughts on her call for a “pragmatic approach”?
**Dr. Verdi:** Good morning! I believe Meloni’s emphasis on a pragmatic rather than ideological approach is very significant. It hints at a recognition that solving climate issues requires practical solutions that can work within existing economic and social frameworks, rather than pushing for rapid changes that might not be feasible.
**Editor:** She mentioned Italy’s commitment of over four billion euros to climate funds, particularly for Africa. How important do you think this funding is in the global context of climate action?
**Dr. Verdi:** The commitment of funds, especially towards developing nations, is crucial. Countries like those in Africa are often the most affected by climate change yet have the least resources to combat it. Supporting initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund not only helps these nations but also fosters global solidarity, which is essential in addressing climate change effectively.
**Editor:** Meloni also talked about technological neutrality in the decarbonization process. What do you think about this stance?
**Dr. Verdi:** Technological neutrality can be a double-edged sword. It allows for a diverse range of solutions to emerge based on what works best in different contexts, which is good. However, it could also slow progress if it encourages continued reliance on fossil fuels without committing to specific strategies that promote renewable energy. A clear transition plan is crucial.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you think are the biggest challenges Italy and other countries will face in implementing these strategies?
**Dr. Verdi:** The biggest challenges will likely be political will and public support. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is tricky, especially in industries reliant on fossil fuels. There needs to be a concerted effort to communicate the benefits of transitioning towards sustainable practices, not only for the environment but also for economic resilience and social stability.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Verdi, for sharing your insights on this important issue. We look forward to seeing how Italy’s strategies evolve in the coming months.
**Dr. Verdi:** Thank you for having me! It’s an important conversation to keep having as we work towards a sustainable future.