For the first time ever, humanity is confronting the monumental challenge of an energy transition with rigorous goals and timeframes. In order to be successful, these must involve the largest number of global actors possible: not only governments, but industry and private citizens as well. The European Union has assumed a clear global leadership role, making CO2 emissions reductions one of the pillars of its program. The pandemic and recovery resources earmarked are accelerating the implementation of this commitment.
Italy has various strongpoints in this regard, but various unresolved issues remain. Despite having reached the 2020 energy mix goals ahead of time, and despite being well placed for achieving the 2030 targets, the country still suffers from barriers at the levels of authorization and bureaucracy. These continue to slow industry’s adoption of emissions containment plans.
Such obstacles must be eliminated not only because of the urgency of the climate change threat, but also in light of the contribution that the new circular, green economy can make to the country’s overall economic fabric. The data show that industry has understood this challenge as well as the advantages of investing in sustainability. Consequently, what is needed is a vision that allows Italy and Europe not only to reduce CO2 levels but also to develop and export the technology which allows it to achieve that goal.
The advantage in that case would be two-fold: accelerated de-carbonization and the creation of a solid technological and industrial base. The energy sector is poised to open up enormous possibilities in the future, starting with agriculture, which plays a fundamental role in ensuring food sustainability and quality. The Italian agro-food sector makes a considerable contribution to the nation’s wealth, and has proven its resilience during the pandemic; this is thanks not least to the good reputation of “Made in Italy” products around the world. Agriculture’s primary challenge remains that of increasing sustainability and boosting industry competitiveness.
Obviously, resources cannot act solely as an incentive to businesses to behave virtuously, but they must also be earmarked in consideration of the technological upstream. Decarbonizing the economy is a complex process that does not consist simply of substituting fossil fuels; a multitude of solutions is needed to bolster efforts to create a shared future, in which technology is the principal qualifying factor. The role of the public administration remains crucial to guiding and implementing these changes; the National Recovery and Resilience Plan must be capable of providing clear governance to the energy transition by placing Italy in the forefront and involving the country’s entire portfolio of production excellence. Nevertheless, governing such a complex process also means nurturing a dialogue that includes all the actors concerned. Even at the local level, a public debate on the challenges of the coming years needs to begin. In the end, we must all contribute if administrations are to be adequately equipped to achieve national and European goals.