Portrait of Giorgia Meloni
Politician · policy
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Giorgia Meloni on Climate Change Position

Commitment to decarbonisation (moderate)

Giorgia Meloni, as Prime Minister of Italy, has publicly affirmed her government's commitment to environmental goals, specifically stating that Italy remains strongly convinced of its commitment to decarbonisation in compliance with the Paris Agreement. This was stated during her international engagement on the topic.

However, alongside this commitment, Meloni has stressed the strategic necessity of diversifying energy suppliers, explicitly mentioning the importance of close collaboration with African countries to secure resources. This suggests a pragmatic approach where energy security and supply diversification are prioritized alongside the broader climate transition.

Furthermore, her administration has taken measures related to energy production, such as making new drilling decisions in Italian seas to increase national gas production, which indicates a focus on domestic energy security in the near term. The Meloni government hosted the G7 summit where Climate Change was a listed topic of discussion, demonstrating its place on the national agenda.

Actions Taken

  1. International Engagement
    Participated in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, making a statement on Italy's position.
  2. As host of the G7 summit, included Climate Change as one of the key topics for discussion among world leaders.
  3. Her government announced decisions regarding new drilling in Italian seas to increase national gas production as part of efforts to prevent energy price increases.

Key Quotes

Italy remains strongly convinced of its commitment to decarbonisation in compliance with the Paris Agreement. We must diversify energy suppliers, in close collaboration with African countries.

UN COP27 Speech November 7, 2022 — Meloni's statement on climate and energy strategy at the UN Climate Change Conference.

Related Positions

  • Energy Security Meloni links diversification of energy suppliers and increasing national gas production directly to energy security concerns.
  • European Union Policy Her 'Eurorealist' stance and focus on national interests can influence Italy's position within EU climate legislation.

Criticism

Critics

Some critics question the overall ambition and pace of her government's green transition given the continued support for domestic fossil fuel exploration.

Sources3

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.