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 might Italy’s ”pragmatic” approach to climate policy impact its relationships with other G7 nations?
**Short Interview with Climate Policy Expert Dr. Marco Rossi**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. With Italy taking on the G7 presidency and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasizing a pragmatic approach to climate issues at COP29, what do you think this means for Italy’s role in addressing global climate change?
**Dr. Rossi**: Thank you for having me. Prime Minister Meloni’s focus on a pragmatic, rather than an ideological, approach indicates a shift in Italy’s climate strategy. By prioritizing technological neutrality, Italy is recognizing that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonization. This could open up innovative pathways for collaborating internationally and exploring diverse energy sources.
**Editor**: Meloni mentioned Italy’s significant financial commitment to climate initiatives, particularly in Africa. How critical is this support for global climate efforts?
**Dr. Rossi**: It’s crucial. Funding programs like the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund are vital for supporting vulnerable nations that are most affected by climate change. By channeling over four billion euros into initiatives particularly for Africa, Italy can not only aid these countries in their adaptation efforts but also strengthen international partnerships, showcasing a commitment to global climate equity.
**Editor**: You mentioned the importance of collaboration. How can Italy influence multilateral development banks in this context?
**Dr. Rossi**: Italy’s advocacy for the involvement of multilateral development banks can be pivotal. These institutions have the financing capabilities and connections to channel resources effectively toward climate projects. By influencing their agendas and funding priorities, Italy can help ensure that climate resilience becomes a core component of their lending practices, particularly for emerging economies.
**Editor**: Lastly, what challenges do you foresee in implementing this “pragmatic” approach that the Prime Minister advocates?
**Dr. Rossi**: The main challenge will be balancing immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability goals. It requires navigating the complexities of political, economic, and social factors without losing sight of climate commitments. Moreover, there could be pushback from interest groups that favor more traditional energy sources, so effective communication and stakeholder engagement will be essential.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights. It will be interesting to see how Italy’s leadership at the G7 influences global climate action in the coming year.
