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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How do you believe a pragmatic approach to climate policy, as advocated by Prime Minister Meloni, can impact international collaboration on climate initiatives?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Rossi, Climate Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s remarks at COP29 regarding Italy’s climate initiatives. She emphasized a “pragmatic approach” to environmental protection. What are your thoughts on this perspective?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. I believe that Prime Minister Meloni’s call for a pragmatic rather than an ideological approach is crucial, especially in the context of global climate negotiations. A pragmatic approach allows us to focus on actionable solutions that can be implemented effectively rather than getting bogged down in debates over conflicting ideologies.
**Interviewer:** She mentioned Italy’s allocation of significant funds to the African continent through the Climate Fund. How important is international cooperation in climate change efforts?
**Dr. Rossi:** International cooperation is vital in tackling climate change. The impacts are global and often hit the most vulnerable populations hardest. By investing in initiatives like the Green Climate Fund, Italy is not only supporting global efforts but also promoting resilience in regions that are experiencing the most severe effects of climate change. This type of support is aligned with the principles of Ecosystem-based Adaptation, which emphasize the need to protect and manage our natural ecosystems [[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343512001881)].
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Meloni also mentioned the need for “technological neutrality” in the decarbonization process. Can you explain this concept further?
**Dr. Rossi:** Technological neutrality refers to the idea that governments should not favor one technology over another when it comes to decarbonization. This approach allows for a diverse range of solutions to emerge, catering to local contexts and resources. It acknowledges that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to energy supply, especially when transitioning away from fossil fuels. This strategy can encourage innovation and investment across various sectors, which is essential for meeting our climate goals.
**Interviewer:** as we move towards these goals, what do you see as the most pressing challenges ahead?
**Dr. Rossi:** One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that sustainability is integrated into all aspects of production and social systems, as highlighted by Prime Minister Meloni. There is a risk that focusing solely on emissions reductions without considering social equity and economic stability might lead us off track. It’s essential that we address how we can achieve decarbonization without sacrificing the livelihoods and well-being of people, particularly in developing regions [[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343512001881)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi. Your insights shed light on the complexities of navigating climate policy at both national and global levels.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.
