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 are the implications of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s “pragmatic approach” to environmental protection for Italy’s future climate policies?
**Interview with Dr. Laura Rossi, Environmental Policy Expert, on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Speech at Cop29**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized a “pragmatic approach” to environmental protection during her speech at Cop29. What do you think she means by this?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. By “pragmatic approach,” I believe the Prime Minister is advocating for practical solutions that prioritize immediate actions over ideological debates. In the context of climate change, this could mean focusing on actionable policies that encourage technological innovations rather than getting stuck in discussions about the merits of certain energy sources.
**Editor:** She also mentioned significant funding commitments to Africa and endorsements of various climate funds. How important are these contributions?
**Dr. Rossi:** Very important. Italy’s commitment of over four billion euros to the Climate Fund, particularly aimed at the African continent, highlights the global urgency needed to address climate impacts. Supporting initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund is essential, as it not only aids developing nations but also fosters international cooperation in addressing climate change.
**Editor:** The Prime Minister mentioned “technological neutrality.” Can you elaborate on what that means for the future of energy production?
**Dr. Rossi:** Technological neutrality suggests that we should not favor one type of energy source over another arbitrarily. Instead, we should allow the market and technological advancements to determine the best ways to transition away from fossil fuels. This recognition is crucial as it encourages diverse solutions, whether that’s renewable energy, nuclear power, or other innovations, all contributing to reducing carbon emissions without imposing strict limitations.
**Editor:** Meloni also raised concerns about the sustainability of production and social systems during the decarbonization process. How can policymakers balance these concerns?
**Dr. Rossi:** Balancing these concerns requires an integrated approach to policy development. Policymakers need to engage various sectors—industry, labor, and environmental groups—to ensure that transitions are both sustainable economically and socially. This means investing in green jobs, upskilling workers from fossil fuel industries, and ensuring that vulnerable communities aren’t left behind. Ultimately, sustainability must encompass economic viability and social equity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on this crucial topic.
**Dr. Rossi:** My pleasure! Thank you for addressing these vital issues.
