A conference titled “From Milan to Glasgow and beyond: a roadmap for climate action” was hosted by the Italian Embassy in Berlin, on 24 September. The event was held in hybrid format, in collaboration with the British Embassy, as part of the Italian Presidency of the G20 with the theme of climate action at the centre and according to the perspective of the COP26 Roadmap. Ambassador Armando Varricchio and Ambassador Jill Gallard introduced the proceedings.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who is currently committed to environmental protection projects, also delivered an opening address. Participants in the conference included institutional representatives, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and of the worlds of science, entertainment and media.
In his address, Ambassador Varricchio stressed that Italy had worked hard to ensure the success of the COP26 negotiating process, through constant diplomatic interaction with our European and transatlantic partners. “We are committed to supporting the EU on the path towards a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050,” he pointed out. We must work together,” he added, “to raise awareness among all countries to step up the transition, highlighting the great benefits of sustainable development models, in terms of economic growth, health and social improvement. We must stress that climate change is a common challenge that the entire international community is required to address. Our action must be timely and carried out on a large scale,” Ambassador Varricchio said, “to keep climate change below 1.5 degrees. “
For British Ambassador Jill Gallard, the conference “reflects the close partnership established between the UK and Italy in defining our shared objectives for COP26, the next global climate conference in Glasgow. And the timing could not be better: all over the world, people and political leaders alike are calling for action”.