ROMA. “Cingolani clearly demonstrates that the ecological transition is very difficult to make if there are no ecologists and he obviously does not know the environmentalists.” Monica Frassoni, former European parliamentarian and long-time environmentalist, just called by Enrico Letta in the group of six independent observers of the Agora, did not like the minister’s words about radical chic environmentalists “worse than the climate catastrophe”.
Are there ideological environmentalists and are they part of the problem or not?
“It is true that there are, but they are much less problematic than the representatives of the strong powers who are very strong and, as we can see, also have an influence on Cingolani. We actually have a hard time explaining locally the things that need to be done for example on renewables and waste. There are often resistance problems. Problems of resistance which, however, are not the reason why we are unable to carry out projects and structures. The real problem is bureaucratic and regulatory ».
In what sense?
“We are bumping into confused regions, municipalities, laws, norms and to this are added ideological resistances but certainly not from environmentalists. Cingolani has a very superficial approach that I strongly urge him to overcome because only with the environmentalists and with the part of the citizens, especially young people, who are more sensitive will he be able to make the ecological transition. Deal with this instead of throwing mass distraction issues like nuclear power. We only have ten years to avoid the environmental catastrophe and we do not have the time to open a debate on nuclear power which remains insecure and very expensive ».
What to do to avoid the environmental disaster suffered?
«Respecting the rules approved at European level, nothing revolutionary. We are making very few renewables and if we want to respect the deadlines set by Europe and that is 55 percent fewer emissions by 2030, today we are at 19.20%, and zero emissions in 2050 we must multiply the installation of renewables by six and we need to make sure that buildings that emit 40 emissions are ultra-efficient. We need to get construction back on track and discuss what kind of buildings are being built. I am sure that the minister knows that we have too few renewables but from what we see in the PNRR, well we are not there “.
What’s wrong?
“There are positive things but there is too much money given to hydrogen and the fundamental problem is that there is no sense of urgency for a radical change, even a positive one, for citizens. We are moving in directions that are not a priority. We have a few years and little money, we need to focus on what works because 2030 is nine years from now. To achieve the goal, only renewables, the transport system, building efficiency and citizens who are convinced with rules and incentives help us. It scares me to see a minister who does not seem convinced of the urgency ».
Will he enter the Democratic Party? What does your participation in the Agora dem mean?
«CI have known Letta for many years and I collaborate with the Delors Institute which he chaired. I will contribute to the debate on environmental issues. As for mand the reconstruction of the Democratic Party is a very important element but I want to work so that in Italy there is a strong and autonomous green party that perhaps is part of this altheanza»