During COP29, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the necessity for Europe to secure more resources to effectively combat climate change. He highlighted Greece’s renewable energy advancements and the pressing need for preparedness against climate shocks. Mitsotakis also addressed the balance between rapid transition and economic competitiveness, calling for urgent EU action on rising energy costs.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized Europe’s need for additional resources to address the challenges posed by climate change during remarks made at the United Nations COP29 climate summit in Baku. Although Europe is recognized as a leader in the green transition, Mitsotakis called for immediate action to prepare for unforeseen climate events, stating, “We cannot focus so much on 2050 that we forget 2024.” He highlighted the importance of timely responses to save lives and support communities in recovering from disasters. Greece has made significant strides in renewable energy, managing to double its output since 2014, which now constitutes approximately half of its total energy generation. The Greek government has committed to closing all coal-fired power plants by 2028. Nevertheless, the nation has been at the frontline of climate impacts, grappling with severe floods and wildfires linked to climate change. This year, Greece experienced its hottest summer on record following a very dry winter. Mitsotakis pointed out that despite Europe’s diminishing share of global emissions, it remains committed to free trade principles. He urged careful consideration regarding the pace of the energy transition, highlighting the need to balance swift action with the economic competitiveness of the region. “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,” he remarked. Moreover, Greece has faced challenges with rising electricity prices despite its renewable energy gains, attributing these fluctuations to distortions within Europe’s power market and a lack of adequate connections with central Europe. Consequently, Mitsotakis has called for an urgent response from the European Union to address these issues.
Climate change has emerged as a significant global challenge, necessitating collective action to mitigate its impacts. The event focused on the urgency of enhancing resources and support mechanisms to confront climate-related challenges effectively. Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s statements underscore Greece’s proactive stance towards renewable energy and highlight the country’s vulnerability to climate extremes, showcasing the broader issues faced by European nations in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ address at the COP29 summit demonstrates the pressing need for Europe to allocate more resources to combat the effects of climate change. His emphasis on balancing rapid energy transitions with economic considerations reflects a critical dialogue on sustainability and resilience. As Greece continues to pioneer renewable energy solutions, tackling the ramifications of climate impacts remains a top priority, necessitating collaborative efforts within the European community.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
