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 potential benefits of Prime Minister Meloni’s emphasis on a pragmatic approach to climate change?
**Interview with Environmental Policy Expert Dr. Elena Rossi on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Remarks at COP29**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized a “pragmatic approach” rather than an ”ideological” one in dealing with climate change at COP29. What are your thoughts on this perspective?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. I think it’s a refreshing take, especially in a landscape where many discussions around climate policy can become highly ideological. A pragmatic approach allows for flexibility, recognizing that solutions need to be tailored based on local contexts and conditions.
**Editor:** Meloni also mentioned Italy’s commitment to allocating a significant portion of its Climate Fund to Africa. How crucial is this funding for global climate efforts?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s critical. Developing nations, especially in Africa, face some of the most severe impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to the problem. Financial support from developed countries helps these nations build resilience and contribute to global efforts, which is essential for collective success.
**Editor:** The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of technological neutrality in the decarbonization process. Can you elaborate on what this means?
**Dr. Rossi:** Technological neutrality means that policies should not favor one technology over another but rather support a diverse range of solutions. This is crucial because renewable technologies are still evolving, and the best options may vary by region or sector. Emphasizing a broad approach can enable innovation and help us find the most effective paths to decarbonization.
**Editor:** Lastly, what are the risks if we steer the decarbonization process without considering the sustainability of production and social systems?
**Dr. Rossi:** Failing to consider these aspects can lead to significant pushback from industries and communities that rely on fossil fuels for their livelihood. If not done thoughtfully, we risk creating economic instability, increasing inequality, and ultimately hindering our climate goals rather than helping to achieve them.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on these important issues at COP29.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me!
