"Cooperation is what is Now called For"
At a conference at the UN Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn, Federal President Steinmeier paid tribute to the close cooperation between Germany and Italy in the fight against climate change
October 01st, 2024
At a conference at the UN Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn, Federal President Steinmeier paid tribute to the close cooperation between Germany and Italy in the fight against climate change. "Our countries are important partners," said the Federal President. The German-Italian action plan is a good basis for the establishment of a climate-neutral European energy system.
A green hammer with legendary significance – it’s stored in a glass cabinet not far from here, as part of the UN Climate Change Secretariat’s exhibition. Nine years have now passed since a tap with this hammer symbolically sealed the Paris Climate Agreement, marking a huge step forward for global climate protection under the auspices of the United Nations – and the beginning of a long journey. Now we are in the middle of this process. Our times are characterised by transformation and change moving towards climate neutrality. The UN Climate Change Secretariat plays a crucial role in this context. It supports the governments in implementing the climate goals, it promotes partnerships and brings together the many different stakeholders.
Mr President, dear Sergio, I am particularly delighted that today we can visit the UN Climate Change Secretariat and attend this conference together. We both share the conviction that the climate crisis can only be overcome by joining forces. Cooperation is what is now called for: international, European and bilateral cooperation combined with close interaction between science, technology, business and politics.
Ladies and gentlemen, this goal is what brings us all together today, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks for your engagement. Thank you for your knowledge, your drive and your innovative ideas in the fight against climate change. Your experience and your connections are vital if we are to drive forward climate action and the energy transition. The most recent floods in Poland, Romania, Austria and Czechia, like the fires in Portugal and Greece, show just how urgent this task is. In the past year you, President Mattarella, have launched an “appeal for the Mediterranean” – a sea whose temperature is currently nine degrees above the normal level. And in your home of Sicily, we have together witnessed the devastating consequences of climate change. Lakes and rivers are drying up, fields are parched, water is being rationed – southern Italy is suffering from extreme drought.
Italy and Germany are working together to tackle the problems. I am very happy about that. Our countries are important partners, and we are cooperating closely to establish a climate-neutral European energy system. The German-Italian action plan is a good basis for this, featuring important projects in the area of climate change mitigation. These include cooperation in the field of meteorology to improve forecasts for extreme weather events, for example. They also include the construction of a hydrogen pipeline across the Alps: the SoutH2Corridor. We are very grateful for the good cooperation on these projects.
Green electricity will be essential for the successful transformation of our economy. The 3Sun Gigafactory, which produces solar modules in Catania, Sicily and which President Mattarella and I visited a year ago, is a beacon project in Europe. As members of the Friends of Renewables alliance, Italy and Germany are driving forward the expansion of renewable energies in Europe. We want to be able to transport solar power from Sicily and wind power from the North Sea wherever it is required, whenever it is required.
Italy and Germany face similar challenges along the path towards climate neutrality. Our economies are both dominated by industry to a large extent and are dependent on a stable, reliable and affordable supply of energy. At the same time, we as industrialised countries also have a special responsibility.
Amid all our efforts, our goal should always be threefold: to decarbonise our economy rapidly and effectively, and at the same time to maintain our industrial base. And in all this we must not forget one thing: social justice. It is important that we take everyone with us along the path towards this transformation, especially those whose lives are not so easy. The goal must be to combine climate action with quality of life and social security. We are both convinced that we will indeed succeed in this aim. Moreover, the report that Mario Draghi drafted for the EU Commission emphasises that well-implemented decarbonisation could also be an opportunity for growth in Europe.
And now I’m looking forward to the speech by my friend Sergio. European cooperation on crucial questions defining the future is an issue close to both of our hearts. We are tackling the major challenges together, and for this, Sergio, I would like to thank you most sincerely. And I would also like to thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your important contribution. You show us that a bright future is possible.
Let us continue to work together to achieve this.
