Greek Prime Minister Calls for Resources to Address Climate Change Challenges

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the urgent need for increased resources to address climate change, emphasizing the importance of balancing energy transition efforts with economic competitiveness during his address at the COP29 climate summit. He pointed to Greece’s renewable energy progress while acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by climate-related disasters. Mitsotakis urged the European Union to respond promptly to market inefficiencies affecting electricity prices.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece, emphasized the necessity for increased resources to address the growing challenges posed by climate change during his speech at the United Nations COP29 climate summit in Baku. While acknowledging Europe’s leadership in advancing the green transition, he warned against neglecting immediate climate-related concerns. Mitsotakis advocated for a balanced approach to energy transition that safeguards the economy while striving for net-zero emissions by 2050. He highlighted Greece’s significant advances in renewable energy, with the country achieving over half of its power generation from renewables since 2014 and targeting the closure of all coal-fired plants by 2028. Nonetheless, Greece has faced challenges, including unprecedented floods and wildfires intensified by climate change, which necessitate efficient disaster response measures. This summer marked record heat for Greece, compounding the situation following a winter of limited rainfall. Mitsotakis pointed out the diminishing contribution of Europe to global emissions, underscoring the importance of maintaining free trade principles during the energy transition. He stated, “We need to ask hard questions about a path that goes very fast at the expense of our competitiveness, and a path that goes somewhat slower but allows our industry to adapt and to thrive. It is our responsibility to weigh these trade offs carefully.” The Prime Minister also reported that despite Greece’s substantial renewable energy generation, the country faced significant electricity price challenges, which he attributed to the internal distortions within the European power market. To address these issues, he urged the European Union to implement urgent measures that would alleviate these market inefficiencies, ensuring that the energy transition fulfills its promise without compromising economic stability.

The statement made by Prime Minister Mitsotakis comes at a critical juncture as nations worldwide grapple with the impacts of climate change. Europe has often been at the forefront of climate initiatives, pledging to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the immediate needs and adaptations required to manage climate emergencies, such as natural disasters, remain pressing. Greece’s experience with escalating climate events, including severe wildfires and floods, illustrates the severe repercussions of climate change that nations must prepare for in the near term.

In summary, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis calls for a reassessment of resource allocation to effectively combat climate change while ensuring economic viability. He stresses a careful balance between rapid transition initiatives and economic competitiveness. Greece’s advancements in renewable energy highlight the potential for progress, yet the challenges posed by climate-induced disasters demand urgent action and support from European institutions to mitigate effects on vulnerable communities.

Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch