Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the necessity for Europe to enhance resources for effectively tackling climate change during his speech at COP29. He called for a balanced approach that addresses immediate climate impacts while working towards long-term sustainability goals. Greece’s commitment to increasing renewable energy output while grappling with the consequences of climate shocks illustrates the urgency of this need.
European leaders must prioritize the allocation of additional resources to effectively confront climate change, as expressed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his address at the United Nations COP29 climate summit in Baku. While he acknowledged that Europe is leading the global green transition, he emphasized the urgent need for preparations to mitigate immediate climate impacts and to support communities recovering from disasters caused by climate shocks. Mitsotakis lamented the risk of focusing on long-term goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, at the expense of addressing the pressing realities of climate change in the near term.
Greece has been a proactive player in the renewable energy sector, having significantly increased its renewable power generation over recent years. This commitment to clean energy is coupled with an urgency to address the ramifications of climate change that have impacted Greece and the wider European region. The country faces challenges reflected in extreme weather conditions, including record-high summer temperatures and severe flooding, which have been attributed to climate change. Furthermore, Europe’s ongoing journey toward a sustainable energy future must balance environmental objectives with economic competitiveness.
In summary, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s remarks at the COP29 summit underscore the need for Europe to secure greater resources for addressing climate change effectively. While the continent has made significant strides in renewable energy, the pressing challenges of climate-related disasters must be met with immediate and adequate preparation and support. Without a balanced approach that considers both rapid climate response and economic sustainability, Europe risks compromising its leadership in the green transition.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
