On 24 February, the Embassy of Italy in Australia, in partnership with the British High Commission, held the event “Towards COP-26: Building on ambition”, as part of the 2020-21 action plan developed by the two diplomatic missions to raise awareness on the need of taking action to combat climate change.
Global warming is a scientific fact that calls for coordinated and ambitious responses by public Authorities and the private sector.
The 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP-26), taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 1 to 12 November 2021, will address the challenges related to global warming, building on the achievements of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
Actively engaged in the organisation of COP-26 and fully convinced of the need to aim at ambitious goals, Italy and the UK have been working together for urgent and effective climate actions, including phasing out coal power by 2025, pledging to net zero emissions by 2050 and speeding up transition to low emission vehicles. Ahead of the COP-26, Italy will be hosting two pivotal preparatory events: the Youth4Climate forum and the Pre-COP26, two appointments of functional relevance for the success of the final negotiations in Glasgow underlined, as their outcome will be fundamental in determining Glasgow’s level of ambition.
Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Australia, and hosted at the Italian Ambassador’s Official Residence, “Towards COP-26: Building on ambition” was introduced by the Welcome to Country ceremony conducted by the Ngunnawal Elder Wally Bell.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Francesca Tardioli recalled the engagement, advocacy and determination of the Italian Authorities in fostering sustainable development worldwide both as co-organizer of COP-26 and President of the G-20. In doing so, Italy is adopting an integrating approach that sheds light on the intertwined relations between the fight of climate change and our wellbeing, our energy security as well as long-term economic and financial stability, among others.
In referring to the National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, the Federal Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Sussan Ley, outlined a number of ongoing and future initiatives, including investments in research to speed up the development of cleaner and more efficient technologies with a view to strengthen the resilience of Australia vis-à-vis climate change. Minister Ley reconfirmed that Australia’s commitment to the Paris agreement had not wavered and reiterated that it would preferably achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Member of the National Youth Science Forum, Naomi Leszczynska, shared the substantial expectations and the inclusive attitude of the younger generations in support of sustainable development by stating: “Progress will not come from the ideas of one people; it will come from varying ideas, countless perspectives and a global effort”.
The Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Michael Pulch, illustrated the main features of the “leading by example” approach adopted by its 27 Member States to foster a step change at global level as the EU lobbying and cooperation activities in the international arena build on the aims of the ambitious European Green Deal that is currently being implemented at national level.
The British High Commissioner, H.E. Vicki Treadell, emphasized the commitment of the UK to reach tangible and ambitious targets in the upcoming COP-26 in the interest of the future and present generations, by providing a number of practical examples that prove the overwhelming advantages stemming from a green global transition.
The Australian Ambassador for the Environment, Jamie Isbister, confirmed the importance attached by Canberra to dialogue and cooperation with international partners and shed light on the results already achieved at national level since the Paris Agreement, such as a significant reduction in emissions. He ensured Canberra’s commitment to achieving substantial progress in Glasgow, including on Paris Agreement’s art. 6 and other aspects where implementation is lacking.
Lastly, Werther Esposito, country manager of Enel Green Power, underscored the importance attached by the Italian enterprise to Australia and its efforts to increase the production and the use of energy from renewable sources and illustrated its inclusive approach with local communities.
Summary of the main meetings in Italy towards the COP26
“Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition” Milan (28-30 September 2021) – Italy will support the travel and accommodation expenses of 400 young people from the 197 member-countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that will meet in Milan to elaborate concrete proposals on topics that are part of the negotiation process of Pre-COP26 and COP26.
Applications are now open (deadline: 14 March 2021)
https://un.submittable.com/submit/162028/youth4climate-driving-ambition
PreCop26 Milan (30 September-2 October 2021) – This meeting will be attended by 35 to 40 countries representatives of the UNFCCC. They will discuss and exchange views on some key political aspects of the negotiations in order to give clear political guidance ahead of the COP-26.
