efforts on the climate are insufficient, there is no sense of urgency – Corriere.it

“We must, however, ask ourselves: is all this enough? I think, in all honesty, it is difficult to answer this question positively. In segments of society and in some countries, the profound sense of urgency and the need for incisive interventions is not present”. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, speaking of climate change, is very firm in his speech at the University of Nairobi. According to the head of state, “one cannot escape from reality”. The reduction of emissions in the times and in the manner indicated by the scientific community constitutes “an unavoidable obligation, which concerns everyone. We cannot indulge in the illusion of first pursuing economic development objectives and then tackling environmental problems later. We will not have a “second half”».

Mattarella then quotes one of the last writings of the Archbishop and Nobel Prize winner Desmond Tutu: «Being the custodians of creation is not a vain title; requires us to act and with all the urgency that the situation requires”. Hence, for Mattarella, “the protection of the environment and the fight against climate change represent unavoidable responsibilities, which fall on all of humanity, without exception”.

The efforts of industrialized countries, “which must be significantly increased in proportion to their responsibilities, to be effective must be accompanied by a similar convinced commitment by countries – including emerging ones – whose demographic and economic weight has become prevalent – according to Mattarella -. We share the tension towards a new humanism, which places man and his aspiration to live with dignity in more equitable, inclusive and sustainable societies at the centre, nationally and internationally”.

Finally, the head of state says he is “firmly convinced” that on this issue, as on many others, Africa and Europe “can and must jointly assume a leading role. Cooperation between Europe and Africa – whose future is shared – is crucial for promoting ambitious goals. Africa holds essential keys to the success of strategies to de-carbonize the planet. The production of clean energy and its effective distribution are essential for Africa’s development, as outlined in the African Union climate strategy. The energy transition, with its emphasis on renewable energies and the circular economy, opens new and promising horizons of collaboration for our continents. In this regard, with the establishment of a specific Fund for the Climate, Italy intends to present itself as a leading subject for climate finance interventions. From large projects for the use of solar and wind energy, to agriculture 4.0, up to the production of green hydrogen, the potential for the partnership between Africa and Europe is numerous and all highly promising”.