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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**2. In what ways do Italy’s substantial financial commitments to climate initiatives in Africa reflect the nation’s responsibility towards global climate equity, according to Dr. Rossi?**
**Interview with Dr. Laura Rossi, Climate Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Today, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Rossi, a leading climate policy expert, to discuss recent comments made by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at COP29 in Baku. Dr. Rossi, welcome.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Prime Minister Meloni emphasized the need for a “pragmatic approach” to climate change over an ”ideological one.” What do you think she means by this?
**Dr. Rossi:** Meloni’s statement suggests that she believes pragmatic solutions, which are grounded in real-world applications and the current state of technology, are more effective than sticking strictly to ideological frameworks that can sometimes hinder progress. This aligns with the idea that we need effective, measurable actions to combat climate change rather than purely theoretical discussions.
**Editor:** She mentioned Italy’s allocation of over four billion euros to climate initiatives, particularly in Africa. How significant is this support in the global context?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s quite significant. Italy’s financial commitment reflects a broader responsibility from developed nations to support developing countries grappling with the impacts of climate change. This funding is crucial for initiatives aimed at building resilience and fostering sustainable development in more vulnerable regions.
**Editor:** What do you think about her emphasis on technological neutrality in decarbonization?
**Dr. Rossi:** Technological neutrality acknowledges that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to transitioning away from fossil fuels. It allows for a variety of strategies and technologies to be employed without bias towards specific solutions. This can be advantageous as it encourages innovation and flexibility in how countries approach their energy needs.
**Editor:** Prime Minister Meloni also stated that sustainability should be prioritized in the decarbonization process. Why is this so vital?
**Dr. Rossi:** Sustainability is crucial because any transition must not only reduce carbon emissions but also ensure that economic and social systems remain viable. If the shift to greener technologies leads to economic collapse or social unrest, it could undermine the very goals we aim to achieve in tackling climate change.
**Editor:** many experts advocate for immediate action against climate change. A recent article notes that there’s no strict deadline but argues for sustained efforts beyond just a few years. How does this perspective relate to Meloni’s comments?
**Dr. Rossi:** It supports the notion that addressing climate change is a long-term commitment rather than a short-term project. Meloni’s call for pragmatic approaches and sustained financial commitments emphasizes that tackling climate change requires ongoing efforts and resources—not just time-limited initiatives—which aligns well with the views in the article you mentioned[[1](https://www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/climate-emergency-pragmatism-and-fatalism-policy-a/)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on these important issues surrounding climate policy.
**Dr. Rossi:** My pleasure. Thank you for having me.