Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis calls for enhanced resources to combat climate change during the COP29 summit. Emphasizing the balance between rapid energy transition and economic competitiveness, he highlighted Greece’s renewable energy achievements and ongoing challenges from climate-related disasters. Mitsotakis urges a cooperative European response to address market inefficiencies that contribute to rising electricity prices.
In a recent address at the United Nations COP29 climate summit held in Baku, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the necessity for Europe to enhance its resources dedicated to addressing climate change effects. As Europe is regarded as a frontrunner in the global green transition, Mitsotakis asserted that it is vital not to lose sight of immediate concerns while preparing for a more sustainable future. He highlighted the pressing need for timely responses to climate disasters in order to safeguard lives and facilitate recovery efforts for affected communities. Mitsotakis pointed out that Greece has made significant strides in renewable energy, doubling its output since 2014, and aims to eliminate coal-fired power generation by 2028. However, the country continues to face challenges aggravated by climate-related events, such as severe floods and wildfires, which have been exacerbated by global warming phenomena. Furthermore, the summer of 2023 proved exceptionally hot for Greece, following a dry winter. The Prime Minister also remarked on Europe’s declining share of global emissions and urged careful consideration of the speed of energy transition. He raised concerns regarding how rapid changes could impact economic competitiveness, stressing the importance of balancing pace with industrial adaptability. Despite Greece’s progress in renewable energy generation, the nation has experienced high wholesale electricity prices attributed to inefficiencies in Europe’s power market. Mitsotakis has consequently called on the European Union for urgent action to address these discrepancies.
The emphasis on climate change resources comes amid global commitments to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The urgency is heightened due to increasing climate disasters that have affected many regions, including Greece, which has been particularly vulnerable to extreme weather patterns. The discussion at COP29 highlighted necessary strategic evaluations about the pace of transitioning to renewable energy and the balance required to protect economic interests while pursuing environmental goals. Greece’s advancements in renewable energy production position it as a model for progress, albeit amidst ongoing challenges related to climate impacts and market conditions.
In summary, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece has articulated the critical need for increased resources in tackling climate change, particularly as Europe finds itself at the forefront of the green energy transition while facing the backlash of climate-related disasters. His call for a balanced approach that considers both environmental responsibility and economic competitiveness reflects a growing recognition of the complexities involved in achieving sustainability. Moreover, the need for systemic reforms in energy markets to mitigate price volatility further underscores the urgency of cooperative action among European nations.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
