Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Talks Climate Ambitions and Financing
Nov 13, 2024
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Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, dives into the nation’s ambitious climate strategies as it faces pressing challenges like wildfires and droughts. He discusses the importance of emission reduction and renewable energy, emphasizing Greece's role in Mediterranean climate initiatives. Mitsotakis also addresses the complexities of climate financing at COP29 amid shifting U.S. political landscapes and highlights Greece's positive economic trajectory, focusing on job creation and sustainable growth.
Greece is setting ambitious climate goals, aiming to boost renewable energy production from over 50% to 80% within the coming years.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need for robust financing strategies to support both adaptation efforts and civil protection against climate disasters.
Deep dives
Global Climate Change Challenges
The ongoing climate crisis remains a significant concern for world leaders, as evidenced by discussions at the COP29 climate conference. Many experts warn that the year could be the warmest on record, reflecting the dire impacts of climate change across Europe and beyond. The focus is shifting from long-term mitigation strategies to immediate adaptation efforts, emphasizing the need for countries to prepare for increasingly frequent climate disasters. This includes not only support for developing nations but also aiding more developed economies in grappling with current climate impacts.
Greece's Commitment to Renewable Energy
Greece is leading European efforts in reducing emissions, having cut them more rapidly than any other EU country since 2005. The nation aims to increase its renewable energy production from over 50% to 80% within the next few years. However, there is a clear understanding that adaptation strategies are critical in the face of extreme weather and droughts. The government is investing more than 2 billion euros in civil protection to safeguard human lives during catastrophic climate events while managing water supplies efficiently.
Transatlantic Relations and Economic Growth
The potential impact of Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency on international climate leadership is being closely monitored, with concerns about a decline in U.S. commitment to global climate agreements. Nevertheless, the Greek Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties and exploring win-win trade solutions, including increasing imports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. Greece's economy has been growing faster than other Eurozone countries, driven by stable finances and investments in key sectors. The Prime Minister expressed optimism about ongoing economic progress while addressing the need for improved wages and a focus on living costs.
Greece PM Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discusses the high ambitions set at conferences like COP29 and the challenge of financing the climate challenge with Bloomberg's Joumanna Bercetche in Azerbaijan.
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