Topic: Encouraging Alternative Energy
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Emma Ristau
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Italy position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Italy is dedicated to working toward a sustainable energy future—both domestically and globally. Within its borders, Italy has implemented a myriad of comprehensive initiatives to help foster energy efficiency. Such initiatives as Italy’s National Energy Strategy and Renewable Energy Action Plan have set the stage for a gradual integration of alternative energy and an overall de-carbonization of Italy’s economy. As a world leader in terms of energy efficiency, Italy also feels an obligation to support the developing world in its effort to make clean energy accessible. Italy has been working with several developing nations already, having hosted a conference in 2014 with Sub-Saharan African nations aimed at improving electricity infrastructure and encouraging renewable energy technologies.
In acknowledging the severe implications of climate change at this stage, we must consider a concrete plan of action. As we have learned with the success—or lack thereof—of the Kyoto Protocol, merely setting targets is not enough to combat climate change. So, what does a more aggressive global initiative look like? At the forefront of Italian alternative energy policy are two key factors: competitiveness and sustainability. Like any emerging technology, alternative energy sources are not in large demand. In order to build a more competitive market, nations with the resources need to be willing to take the plunge and subsidize/incentivize clean energy projects, just as Italy has notably done with solar power. Not only does this yield economic rewards and job growth, but it is a good jumping-off point for further use of renewable energy. Alternative energy guidelines do need to be long-term and gradual, but we need to start somewhere.
Italy is supportive of a resolution that calls upon developed nations to help drive the widespread development of alternative energy. Italy has and will continue its part in leading in research and the implementation of new clean energy technology. Additionally, Italy would like to see an inclusive plan of action that brings developing nations into the fight against carbon emissions. Italy encourages the use of multiple forms of alternative energy, such as tidal and biomass, and believes that nations should use discretion based on what best fits their geography. Italy looks forward to further discussion on the topic of alternative energy and is open-minded to other creative ways to address the issue of climate change.
