At COP29 in Baku, both Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of nuclear power in combating climate change.
European leaders are increasingly advocating for nuclear energy as a vital part of clean energy strategies, moving beyond the focus on renewables.
Fiala urged a realistic approach, highlighting the need for balanced climate targets. “We’ll phase out coal, promote renewables, and push for nuclear power, which is essential for meeting our climate goals,” he said, noting the Czech Republic’s 50 years of nuclear expertise and its readiness to help other nations.
Meloni also backed nuclear energy, calling her stance “realistic” and stressing technological neutrality. “Nature must be defended with man at the centre,” she stated, warning against ideological approaches. She also highlighted Italy’s leadership in nuclear fusion, which could offer clean, limitless energy in the future.
Both leaders stressed global cooperation in addressing climate change, with Fiala emphasizing that Europe cannot solve this alone and must avoid undermining economic growth. Meloni echoed the need for shared responsibility, noting that meeting global climate goals requires contributions from all nations. Fiala also pointed out that climate change could worsen issues like hunger and poverty, underscoring the need for collective action.
The tone of COP29 has diverged from previous summits. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev defended oil and gas alongside renewables, criticizing the EU and US for their “double standard.” Meanwhile, Argentina, Bangladesh, and Pakistan expressed dissatisfaction with what they saw as harmful global climate agendas, with leaders calling for more support for developing nations.
As the conference unfolds, nuclear energy continues to emerge as a key topic in the push for sustainable and economically viable solutions to climate change.
