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”, the Prime Minister stated.
“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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How do you envision the collaboration between Italy and African nations evolving in terms of climate initiatives?
**Interview with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on COP29 and Environmental Policy**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Prime Minister Meloni. You’ve made headlines today with your speech at COP29 in Baku, where you emphasized the need for a “pragmatic approach” to environmental issues. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Absolutely. My point is that we must prioritize practical solutions over ideological commitments. While it’s essential to protect our environment, we also have to ensure that our strategies are grounded in reality—particularly when it comes to the economic implications of decarbonization.
**Editor:** You mentioned Italy’s commitment of over four billion euros to climate initiatives in Africa. Could you explain how these funds will be used?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Certainly. These funds are intended to support various projects, particularly those that contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience in Africa. We will continue backing initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund, which are crucial for supporting vulnerable nations facing climate impacts.
**Editor:** You also spoke about the importance of technological neutrality. Can you clarify what that means for Italy’s energy policy?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Technological neutrality means that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to one single solution for energy supply. Currently, there isn’t a complete alternative to fossil fuels. We need to explore a variety of technologies—renewables, nuclear, and others—to create a balanced energy strategy that meets our environmental goals without compromising energy security or economic stability.
**Editor:** In your view, what role do multilateral development banks play in this process?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Multilateral development banks are vital partners in financing projects that support climate resilience and sustainable development. Their involvement can help mobilize additional resources and expertise, ensuring that initiatives are well-coordinated and impactful across regions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Prime Minister Meloni. Your insights add valuable perspective on Italy’s approach to climate change at COP29.
**Giorgia Meloni:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue this dialogue as we work together for a sustainable future.
