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 role does technological neutrality play in shaping Italy’s future energy policies as discussed by Dr. Rossi in the interview?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Rossi, Climate Policy Expert, on Italy’s Approach to Climate Action at COP29**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently emphasized the need for a pragmatic rather than ideological approach to climate change during her speech at COP29. What do you think prompted this stance?
**Dr. Rossi:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Prime Minister Meloni’s emphasis on a pragmatic approach likely stems from the complex realities of climate change, where purely ideological solutions often fall short. There is a growing recognition that effective climate action must be grounded in what is feasible and functional rather than just what sounds good on paper.
**Interviewer:** She mentioned Italy’s significant financial commitment to climate initiatives, particularly in Africa. How important is this support in the context of global climate strategies?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s allocation of over four billion euros to the Climate Fund is crucial, especially for vulnerable regions like Africa, which are disproportionately affected by climate change. Supporting initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund not only helps these regions adapt but also fosters international cooperation, which is essential for a unified global response to climate challenges.
**Interviewer:** The Prime Minister also pointed out the importance of considering the sustainability of production and social systems in the decarbonization process. Can you elaborate on what this means for Italy and the wider EU context?
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely. Decarbonization efforts must balance environmental goals with economic realities. By ensuring that our production methods and social systems are sustainable, we can avoid economic disruption while still pursuing climate objectives. For Italy, this means investing in technologies that provide alternatives to fossil fuels without compromising economic viability or social equity.
**Interviewer:** Meloni stressed the concept of “technological neutrality.” What impact could this have on future energy policy in Italy?
**Dr. Rossi:** Technological neutrality suggests that we should not favor one technology over another but rather assess the best options available based on their efficacy and sustainability. This could lead to a more diversified energy portfolio in Italy, incorporating renewable sources, nuclear energy, and possibly even fossil fuels with carbon capture systems. The aim is to find genuinely sustainable solutions that can support Italy’s energy needs while reducing emissions effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that Italy is navigating complex waters in climate policy, striving for effective solutions in the face of global challenges.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep the dialogue going as we move forward in these critical discussions.
