Environmental Sustainability
#15Key Findings
Italy falls into the sample’s middle ranks (rank 15) with regard to environmental sustainability.
While the country has a complex set of climate-change policies, its current plans have been criticized by the EU Commission and environmental groups. The Meloni government has reduced emissions-reduction targets to below EU-legislated levels.
Emissions reductions in key sectors had fallen by 25% in 2022 as compared 1990, well below the EU average of 32%. The current budget law continues to offer significant subsidies and incentives for fossil fuels.
The current biodiversity protection strategy builds on a partially successful predecessor, but lacks clear accountability and strong policy coordination. Italy has played a supportive role in international climate change forums. The Meloni government has delayed the use of financial resources for global environmental protection.
While the country has a complex set of climate-change policies, its current plans have been criticized by the EU Commission and environmental groups. The Meloni government has reduced emissions-reduction targets to below EU-legislated levels.
Emissions reductions in key sectors had fallen by 25% in 2022 as compared 1990, well below the EU average of 32%. The current budget law continues to offer significant subsidies and incentives for fossil fuels.
The current biodiversity protection strategy builds on a partially successful predecessor, but lacks clear accountability and strong policy coordination. Italy has played a supportive role in international climate change forums. The Meloni government has delayed the use of financial resources for global environmental protection.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Italy has a complex and detailed strategy for addressing climate change, outlined in the National Plan for Ecological Transition, the National Adaptation Strategy (SNAC), the National Adaptation Plan (PNACC), and the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).
It should be noted that the Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), an autonomous public research institute attached to the Ministry of the Environment, constantly monitors the development of this complex strategy. ISPRA has established a platform to facilitate access to and the sharing of data and information on observed and future climate changes, impacts, institutional agencies working on the issue, adaptation strategies and plans at different administrative levels, possible adaptation actions, and good practices. Furthermore, the procedure for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions is clear and effectively in place.
Italy is legally required to implement green public procurement, and while data shows adequate implementation, significant differences exist across local and regional administrations.
With regard to Italy’s ability to reach the zero emissions target by 2050, it is important to recall that in December 2023, the EU Commission noted problems with the Italian NECP. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan presented to Brussels by the Meloni government, after having been rejected by major Italian environmental associations in the summer of 2023, was also criticized by the EU Commission. The commission highlighted that the Italian NECP does not meet the continent-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of -55% by 2030 compared to 1990. Specifically, greenhouse gas emissions in the ETS sectors would be reduced by 35 – 37% compared to 2005 levels, falling short of the -43.7% target set by EU legislation. The plan also falls short in reducing emissions in the ETS sectors and the target for greenhouse gas absorption related to land use and forests (LULUCF). Thus, the Italian NECP would not be able to reverse the already poor trend in emission reductions: by the end of 2022, Italy will have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% compared to 1990, while the EU average is already at -32%.
The NECP anticipates an energy efficiency target aligning with European regulations and a goal for renewable energy sources to account for 40.5% of total energy consumption by 2030, slightly above the 39% minimum requirement. However, the RED III directive stipulates a minimum EU average of 42.5% renewables by 2030, with a target of 45%. Achieving this will require doubling the current share of renewables in the European energy mix.
Several European countries, such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia, are already significantly ahead in renewable energy use (85.8%, 74.1%, 62.6%, 43.1%42.1%, respectively). The Meloni government is concerned about the socioeconomic impact of the climate change strategy, particularly the 2050 target. Prime Minister Meloni emphasized at COP28 that Italy supports an “ecological and not ideological transition.” The 2024 budget law includes many subsidies or incentives for fossil fuels, despite allocating about 40% of NRPP resources to environmental transition.
The Italian NRPP allocates about 40% of its financial resources to the environmental transition. This is a significant investment, but its environmental effectiveness may be limited because, as in many other EU countries, the socioeconomic impact of the transition could be very costly from a political perspective.
Citations:
Ministero per l’ambiente e la sicurezza energetica. 2023. “Strategia Nazionale per il cambiamento climatico.” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/clima/documento_SNAC.pdf
- Ministero per l’ambiente e la sicurezza energetica. 2023. “Piano Naztionale per l’Adattamento al cambiamento climatico.” https://climadat.isprambiente.it/pnacc/
Ministero per l’ambiente e la sicurezza energetica. 2023. “National Energy and Climate Plan (2023).” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/PNIEC_2023.pdf
ISPRA. “Platform on climate change.” https://climadat.isprambiente.it
European Commission. 2023. “Assessment of EU Member States’ draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and issued recommendations.” https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A796%3AFIN&pk_campaign=preparatory&pk_source=EURLEX&pk_medium=TW&pk_keyword=EUGreenDeal&pk_content=Communication&pk_cid=EURLEX_todaysOJ
It should be noted that the Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), an autonomous public research institute attached to the Ministry of the Environment, constantly monitors the development of this complex strategy. ISPRA has established a platform to facilitate access to and the sharing of data and information on observed and future climate changes, impacts, institutional agencies working on the issue, adaptation strategies and plans at different administrative levels, possible adaptation actions, and good practices. Furthermore, the procedure for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions is clear and effectively in place.
Italy is legally required to implement green public procurement, and while data shows adequate implementation, significant differences exist across local and regional administrations.
With regard to Italy’s ability to reach the zero emissions target by 2050, it is important to recall that in December 2023, the EU Commission noted problems with the Italian NECP. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan presented to Brussels by the Meloni government, after having been rejected by major Italian environmental associations in the summer of 2023, was also criticized by the EU Commission. The commission highlighted that the Italian NECP does not meet the continent-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of -55% by 2030 compared to 1990. Specifically, greenhouse gas emissions in the ETS sectors would be reduced by 35 – 37% compared to 2005 levels, falling short of the -43.7% target set by EU legislation. The plan also falls short in reducing emissions in the ETS sectors and the target for greenhouse gas absorption related to land use and forests (LULUCF). Thus, the Italian NECP would not be able to reverse the already poor trend in emission reductions: by the end of 2022, Italy will have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% compared to 1990, while the EU average is already at -32%.
The NECP anticipates an energy efficiency target aligning with European regulations and a goal for renewable energy sources to account for 40.5% of total energy consumption by 2030, slightly above the 39% minimum requirement. However, the RED III directive stipulates a minimum EU average of 42.5% renewables by 2030, with a target of 45%. Achieving this will require doubling the current share of renewables in the European energy mix.
Several European countries, such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia, are already significantly ahead in renewable energy use (85.8%, 74.1%, 62.6%, 43.1%42.1%, respectively). The Meloni government is concerned about the socioeconomic impact of the climate change strategy, particularly the 2050 target. Prime Minister Meloni emphasized at COP28 that Italy supports an “ecological and not ideological transition.” The 2024 budget law includes many subsidies or incentives for fossil fuels, despite allocating about 40% of NRPP resources to environmental transition.
The Italian NRPP allocates about 40% of its financial resources to the environmental transition. This is a significant investment, but its environmental effectiveness may be limited because, as in many other EU countries, the socioeconomic impact of the transition could be very costly from a political perspective.
Citations:
Ministero per l’ambiente e la sicurezza energetica. 2023. “Strategia Nazionale per il cambiamento climatico.” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/clima/documento_SNAC.pdf
- Ministero per l’ambiente e la sicurezza energetica. 2023. “Piano Naztionale per l’Adattamento al cambiamento climatico.” https://climadat.isprambiente.it/pnacc/
Ministero per l’ambiente e la sicurezza energetica. 2023. “National Energy and Climate Plan (2023).” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/PNIEC_2023.pdf
ISPRA. “Platform on climate change.” https://climadat.isprambiente.it
European Commission. 2023. “Assessment of EU Member States’ draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and issued recommendations.” https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A796%3AFIN&pk_campaign=preparatory&pk_source=EURLEX&pk_medium=TW&pk_keyword=EUGreenDeal&pk_content=Communication&pk_cid=EURLEX_todaysOJ
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Protecting the population from environmental health risks is a complex objective included in various programs of the National Plan for Ecological Transition, approved in 2022. The primary programs pursuing this goal are the National Sustainable Mobility Plan, the National Atmospheric Pollution Plan, and the National Health Prevention Plan, which is based on the One Health approach.
Two institutional networks monitor and provide technical advice to the national government: the National Network System for Environmental Protection and Regulation of the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (established in 2016) and the National System for Health Prevention from Environmental and Climate Risks (established in 2022). These networks comprise institutional and scientific actors at all levels.
Additionally, significant funding has been allocated in the NRRP to strengthen environmental health protection. Italian policy in this area is characterized by a well-designed and inclusive approach that involves key stakeholders, supported by dense and binding legislation. However, implementing these policies relies heavily on the appropriate behavior of numerous public and private actors across various levels of government. Therefore, increased coordination is necessary to effectively manage this complex policy environment.
Citations:
-Ministero della Salute. Piano nazionale della Prevenzione 2020-2025. https://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_notizie_5029_0_file.pdf
- Ministero dell’ambiente. “Piano NAzionale contro l’inquinamento atmosferico.” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/PTE/PNCIA_20_12_21.pdf
- Ministero dell’ambiente. Piano nazionale per la Transizioen Ecologica. https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/piano-la-transizione-ecologica
Two institutional networks monitor and provide technical advice to the national government: the National Network System for Environmental Protection and Regulation of the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (established in 2016) and the National System for Health Prevention from Environmental and Climate Risks (established in 2022). These networks comprise institutional and scientific actors at all levels.
Additionally, significant funding has been allocated in the NRRP to strengthen environmental health protection. Italian policy in this area is characterized by a well-designed and inclusive approach that involves key stakeholders, supported by dense and binding legislation. However, implementing these policies relies heavily on the appropriate behavior of numerous public and private actors across various levels of government. Therefore, increased coordination is necessary to effectively manage this complex policy environment.
Citations:
-Ministero della Salute. Piano nazionale della Prevenzione 2020-2025. https://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_notizie_5029_0_file.pdf
- Ministero dell’ambiente. “Piano NAzionale contro l’inquinamento atmosferico.” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/PTE/PNCIA_20_12_21.pdf
- Ministero dell’ambiente. Piano nazionale per la Transizioen Ecologica. https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/piano-la-transizione-ecologica
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How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Italy is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Europe, but the situation is critical for many species and habitats. According to ISPRA, 54% of flora, 53% of terrestrial fauna, 22% of marine species, and 89% of terrestrial habitats are in an unfavorable conservation status. A third of marine habitats have an “unknown” conservation status. The management of invasive alien species is also a significant concern, with 35% of these species not yet subject to control measures.
Italy’s specific geomorphological characteristics make its territory inherently fragile. Without special attention to managing the territory, transportation infrastructure, and buildings, biodiversity can be directly harmed. Biodiversity issues are problematic in many EU member states as well.
The new National Biodiversity Strategy, adopted in 2023, builds on the experience of the previous strategy (2014-2020), which only partially achieved its objectives. The new strategy is detailed in its objectives and targets but depends on various policy actors and stakeholders. While the governance of the strategy is inclusive, it lacks a clear chain of accountability. Strong policy coordination is needed to avoid loose implementation, as recommended by the National Committee for the Natural Capital 2022 report.
Citations:
Ministero dell’Ambiente - Comitato per il Capitale Naturale. 2023. Quinto Rapporto sullo Stato del Capitale Naturale in Italia. https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/CapitaleNaturale/V_Rapporto_CN.pdf
Ministero dell’Ambiente. 2023. “Strategia Nazionale per la Biodiversità 20.” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/biodiversita/2_snb_2030_marzo_23.pdf
- ISPRA. 2021. “Rapporto sula direttiva biodiversità.” https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files2021/pubblicazioni/rapporti/rapporto-349_2021_direttive_natura_def.pdf
Italy’s specific geomorphological characteristics make its territory inherently fragile. Without special attention to managing the territory, transportation infrastructure, and buildings, biodiversity can be directly harmed. Biodiversity issues are problematic in many EU member states as well.
The new National Biodiversity Strategy, adopted in 2023, builds on the experience of the previous strategy (2014-2020), which only partially achieved its objectives. The new strategy is detailed in its objectives and targets but depends on various policy actors and stakeholders. While the governance of the strategy is inclusive, it lacks a clear chain of accountability. Strong policy coordination is needed to avoid loose implementation, as recommended by the National Committee for the Natural Capital 2022 report.
Citations:
Ministero dell’Ambiente - Comitato per il Capitale Naturale. 2023. Quinto Rapporto sullo Stato del Capitale Naturale in Italia. https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/CapitaleNaturale/V_Rapporto_CN.pdf
Ministero dell’Ambiente. 2023. “Strategia Nazionale per la Biodiversità 20.” https://www.mase.gov.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/biodiversita/2_snb_2030_marzo_23.pdf
- ISPRA. 2021. “Rapporto sula direttiva biodiversità.” https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files2021/pubblicazioni/rapporti/rapporto-349_2021_direttive_natura_def.pdf
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To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
10
9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
The Italian government’s contribution to international efforts in global environmental policy has generally been positive. Italy has supported coordinated international action, including COP27 (2022) and COP28 (2023), although it has not played a significant leadership role. The Ministry of the Environment has limited political weight and financial resources, while the government’s attention and priorities have primarily focused on domestic economic recovery under the Draghi government and domestic issues under the Meloni government.
In selected areas, however, Italian policy has been more innovative. For example, the National Consortium for Packaging Recycling (CONAI) has enabled Italy to exceed the European 2020 targets in this area. This covers a significant proportion of plastic production and provides an efficient model for other countries. Regarding the marine environment, in 2019, Italy joined France and Spain in proposing a Mediterranean Emission Control Area (ECA).
During the Meloni government, there has been less proactivity, with most signed agreements being with small states, such as the 2022 agreement with Caribbean states. There is a clear difference between the attitudes of the Draghi and Meloni governments. The Draghi administration played an active role in promoting ambitious environmental goals during the G20 meeting chaired by Italy in October 2021, including deadlines for reducing CO2 and preventing global warming.
Furthermore, the Italian Climate Fund, the main national public instrument for pursuing the country’s commitments under international climate and environmental agreements, was established by the budget law for 2022, enacted under the Draghi government. It is a revolving fund with an endowment of €840 million per year from 2022 to 2026 and €40 million per year from 2027 onwards.
In contrast, the Meloni government has not held a significant position in terms of global environmental protection. In the budget law for 2024, the Meloni administration postponed the use of these financial resources until 2027.
Citations:
LEGAMBIENTE. 2023. “Comunicato Stampa sulla Legge di Bilancio 2024.” https://www.legambiente.it/comunicati-stampa/approvata-in-via-definitiva-legge-bilancio-2024
In selected areas, however, Italian policy has been more innovative. For example, the National Consortium for Packaging Recycling (CONAI) has enabled Italy to exceed the European 2020 targets in this area. This covers a significant proportion of plastic production and provides an efficient model for other countries. Regarding the marine environment, in 2019, Italy joined France and Spain in proposing a Mediterranean Emission Control Area (ECA).
During the Meloni government, there has been less proactivity, with most signed agreements being with small states, such as the 2022 agreement with Caribbean states. There is a clear difference between the attitudes of the Draghi and Meloni governments. The Draghi administration played an active role in promoting ambitious environmental goals during the G20 meeting chaired by Italy in October 2021, including deadlines for reducing CO2 and preventing global warming.
Furthermore, the Italian Climate Fund, the main national public instrument for pursuing the country’s commitments under international climate and environmental agreements, was established by the budget law for 2022, enacted under the Draghi government. It is a revolving fund with an endowment of €840 million per year from 2022 to 2026 and €40 million per year from 2027 onwards.
In contrast, the Meloni government has not held a significant position in terms of global environmental protection. In the budget law for 2024, the Meloni administration postponed the use of these financial resources until 2027.
Citations:
LEGAMBIENTE. 2023. “Comunicato Stampa sulla Legge di Bilancio 2024.” https://www.legambiente.it/comunicati-stampa/approvata-in-via-definitiva-legge-bilancio-2024