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 specific actions is Italy taking to promote resilience and adaptation in African nations in response to climate change?
**Interview with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at COP29**
**Interviewer**: Prime Minister Meloni, thank you for joining us today. You emphasized the need for a “pragmatic approach” to environmental issues during your speech in Baku. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Prime Minister Meloni**: Certainly. When I speak of a pragmatic approach, I refer to the necessity of addressing climate change in a manner that is realistic and actionable, rather than driven solely by ideology. We must consider the economic realities and social dimensions of our decisions to ensure a sustainable future.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned Italy’s financial contributions to climate initiatives, particularly in Africa. Can you explain why Italy is focusing its efforts there?
**Prime Minister Meloni**: Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and as one of the world’s significant contributors to climate finance, Italy believes it is our duty to support initiatives that promote resilience and adaptation in those regions. By investing over four billion euros from our Climate Fund, we aim to empower African nations and support their sustainable development.
**Interviewer**: You also touched on the concept of “technological neutrality.” Why is this perspective important in the context of decarbonization?
**Prime Minister Meloni**: Technological neutrality is essential because it allows us to explore various energy sources without favoring one over another prematurely. Currently, fossil fuels still play a crucial role in our energy supply, and we cannot overlook this reality as we transition to more sustainable solutions. This balanced approach will enable us to protect our economies and societies while pursuing environmental goals.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what message do you want to convey to other leaders participating in COP29?
**Prime Minister Meloni**: I urge my fellow leaders to prioritize collaboration over division. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a united front. Let’s focus on practical solutions that support our social and economic frameworks, paving the way for a sustainable future without compromising our existing systems.