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 practical steps is Italy taking to implement its financial commitments toward climate projects in Africa, and how will these projects be monitored for effectiveness?
**Interview with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Climate Adaptation and Pragmatism at COP29**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Prime Minister Meloni, and thank you for joining us today. You just delivered a significant speech at COP29 in Baku, emphasizing a “pragmatic approach” to environmental protection. Can you elaborate on what you mean by this?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Thank you for having me. When I refer to a pragmatic approach, I mean that we must prioritize practical solutions over ideological debates. It’s essential to focus on actions that can deliver real results for our planet and our people, rather than getting caught up in theoretical discussions. Our commitment at COP29 is to recognize the complexities of climate change while still pushing for meaningful progress.
**Editor:** You mentioned Italy’s substantial financial commitment to climate initiatives, particularly in Africa. What specific projects are underway, and how do you see these making an impact?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Italy is proud to allocate over four billion euros to our Climate Fund, with a significant portion directed toward projects in Africa. These projects are crucial for helping communities adapt to climate impacts, fostering sustainability, and enabling development. Initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund are instrumental in supporting these efforts. We aim to bring together resources from multilateral development banks as well, ensuring that the financial backing for these projects is both robust and sustainable.
**Editor:** In your speech, you also touched upon the importance of decarbonization while considering the sustainability of production systems. Can you explain how Italy plans to balance these priorities?
**Giorgia Meloni:** Yes, decarbonization is critical, but we must be cautious not to jeopardize our existing production and social systems. This requires a thoughtful approach that promotes technological neutrality—meaning we don’t rely on a single solution but instead embrace a variety of technologies to transition away from fossil fuels. By doing so, we can protect jobs and ensure a smooth transition toward sustainability.
**Editor:** what message do you want to convey to other nations regarding their responsibilities in combating climate change?
**Giorgia Meloni:** My message is clear: we are all in this together. Each country must take responsibility and contribute in a way that aligns with its unique capabilities and circumstances. By supporting both global and local initiatives and fostering collaboration, we can make significant strides in the fight against climate change. Together, we can create a healthier planet for future generations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Prime Minister Meloni, for your insights and commitment to environmental issues. We look forward to seeing Italy’s continued leadership on the global stage.