Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the fight against climate change at the COP27 Climate Summit in an attempt to calm critical voices against her government.
The far-right leader spoke at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) being held these days in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, affirming that this «is a decisive moment» in the fight against environmental degradation and rising temperatures.
«In recent months we have experienced its dramatic effects across Europe, in Pakistan, in the Horn of Africa and in many other regions of the planet. We are all called to make deeper and faster efforts to protect our planet, our common home,» Meloni said, according to a statement from Palazzo Chigi.
In this regard, the Italian premier said that it is important to «keep people at the center» by combining environmental, economic and social sustainability.
«Despite a very complex international scenario, already affected by the pandemic and further disrupted by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Italy remains firmly committed to continuing its path of decarbonization, in full compliance with the objectives of the Paris Agreement,» he added.
Meloni has outlined his government’s plans to alleviate the climate crisis, such as the creation of an energy diversification strategy «in close collaboration» with several African countries, with whom in recent months Italy has enhanced its cooperation.
At the European level, the Italian Executive plans to propose a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, as well as achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
«We intend to seek a just transition to support the affected communities and leave no one behind,» stressed the leader of Brothers of Italy.
All in all, Meloni has praised the management of former Prime Minister Mario Draghi stating that last year the Italian Presidency of the G20 «achieved concrete results that paved the way for the Glasgow agreements».
«As the UK’s partner for COP26, we promoted the ‘Youth4Climate’ event, with the aim of involving the younger generations in the decision-making processes on climate change,» he said.
In addition, he has maintained that his Executive remains committed to fulfilling the pledge of $100 billion to support developing countries until 2025, as well as defining «an ambitious and sustainable goal» thereafter.
«Italy is proud to be part of the Partnerships for Just Energy Transition, an ambitious G7 initiative that will provide significant financial resources and technical assistance to partner countries,» the Italian Prime Minister added.
«The fight against climate change is a common effort, which requires the full commitment of all countries and pragmatic cooperation among all major global players. Unfortunately, we have to admit that this is not happening,» she added, assuring that Italy «will contribute its fair share.»
