Opportunità derivanti dalla lotta al cambiamento climatico ed il ruolo del governo

Climate change is already upon us, representing one of the biggest and most alarming threat our society has ever faced. Governments, companies and citizens all contributed, through their own actions, to the warming up of our Earth. We must all acknowledge the importance and urgency of tackling climate change now. Indeed, as time passes by, the repercussions will be more frequent and severe, becoming day after day more difficult to handle. It is commonly believed that climate change will bring human, environmental and economic losses, leading to inflation and to an inevitable degrowth. Yet, why don’t we try instead to consider climate change as an opportunity of growth towards the right path? There are so many aspects of our community that shall be ameliorated and revised: public health, education, public debt, unemployment, social injustice. Climate action could be a mean for starting things off on the right foot, improving our society and building an economic advantage for our country. Fighting climate change could be an opportunity for re-establishing the basics upon which our society and economy work, while respecting the environment and protecting the most vulnerable categories, still pursuing economic prosperity. Things need to change, our habits need to change, the way our economy and society work need to change. Certainly, for this to happen, enormous efforts are required from all of us. Yet, the right motivation and encouragement could be acquired by recognizing all the advantages and benefits that may arise from climate action: improved health, new workplaces, fostering innovation and technological progress, enhanced competitiveness, lower costs, secure supplies of energy and resources, redistribution of wealth and alleviation of poverty. Governments have the fundamental role of supporting business organizations and our society, by creating the right environment for a proper ecological transition. Both mitigation and adaptation plans will be needed, together with an appropriate control to prevent the distortive effects of policies aimed at supporting the ecological transition through contributions to businesses and citizens. Everyone has a responsibility within this challenge, because everyone’s engagement is fundamental: from the small but still significant actions of citizens to the policies and investment plans adopted by governments all over the world. Only by virtue of the commitment of the whole community climate change can be tackled and a fairer and prosperous future will be guaranteed.