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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**Interview with Dr. Sofia Rossi, Environmental Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Rossi. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently spoke at Cop29, emphasizing the need for a “pragmatic approach” to environmental protection. What are your thoughts on this stance?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. I believe Prime Minister Meloni’s call for a pragmatic approach is crucial in today’s climate dialogue. Many environmental initiatives can falter when they are heavily ideologically driven. A practical response can often lead to more effective solutions that can be implemented swiftly.
**Editor:** She mentioned that Italy has been allocating over four billion euros from its Climate Fund to Africa. How significant is this support in the context of global climate action?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s contribution is significant, especially for vulnerable nations that face acute climate threats. By investing in initiatives like the Green Climate Fund, Italy not only helps these countries build resilience but also strengthens international cooperation on climate issues. This kind of support can foster sustainable development, which is essential for a global approach to climate change.
**Editor:** The Prime Minister advocated for ”technological neutrality” as part of the decarbonization strategy. Can you explain what that means?
**Dr. Rossi:** Technological neutrality refers to the idea that policy should not favor any specific technology or solution over another. Instead, it allows for a variety of technologies to contribute to decarbonization, whether they be renewable energy sources, carbon capture, or even transitional technologies like natural gas. This flexibility can encourage innovation and ensure that we utilize the best solutions tailored to specific circumstances.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you think are the risks of not considering the sustainability of production and social systems in decarbonization efforts, as the Prime Minister warned?
**Dr. Rossi:** If we neglect the sustainability of production and social systems, we risk creating solutions that are not only ineffective but also harmful to communities and economies. For example, an aggressive shift away from fossil fuels without adequate support for workers in those industries can lead to unemployment and social unrest. It’s vital that we integrate social equity into our climate strategies, promoting just transitions that ensure both environmental and social sustainability.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rossi. It’s clear that balancing pragmatism with strong environmental policies will be crucial moving forward.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you! It’s a critical conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
