United for climate action: Building resilience for a shared future
The reality of climate change is affecting ever more people worldwide, and its effects are no longer distant threats — they are felt across every continent and in nearly every community. The year 2023 was declared the hottest year on record by a clear margin, with extreme weather events, devastating droughts, and rising sea levels intensifying worldwide. From the melting of glaciers to unpredictable shifts in weather patterns, our shared planet is under threat, and no country can tackle these challenges alone. As the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, noted during his State Visit to Kenya in 2023, “only collective action can be capable of combining effectiveness and solidarity to avoid catastrophic scenarios. It is time for unity and cohesion, not divisions. The fight against climate change is a unifying objective which calls for multilateral dialogue and commitments.” Each country is called upon to find tailored solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. At the same time, these challenges require countries and international organizations to join forces, discuss common issues, and find potential solutions that transcend borders. Also in Kenya, climate change poses a direct threat to the economy, particularly sectors heavily reliant on natural resources such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. These vital industries depend on Kenya’s rich ecosystems and diverse wildlife, which are increasingly under threat. Climate variability has brought unprecedented droughts, affecting crop production and livestock, and has led to irregular rainfall patterns, causing both flooding and water shortages. The impact on agriculture alone is considerable, as it is key to its GDP. Tourism, too, has suffered, with fragile ecosystems at risk from higher temperatures, changing rainfall, and human activities exacerbated by climate change. Italy, likewise, grapples with climate vulnerabilities that echo Kenya’s experiences, albeit in different ways. Severe flooding, heatwaves, and droughts are becoming more frequent and extreme, disrupting agriculture and tourism, two of Italy’s foundational economic sectors. For instance, Italy’s iconic vineyards and olive groves are increasingly susceptible to shifts in rainfall and rising temperatures. Meanwhile, coastal towns have witnessed rising sea levels and stronger storm surges. Both Italy and Kenya thus face a shared reality, underscoring the urgent need for collective solutions to preserve the resources upon which our communities rely. As we approach the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP), the most critical global event dedicated to the fight against climate change, we are reminded that the path forward demands both national commitments and collective, cross-border action. Italy has long been at the forefront of joint climate initiatives, recognizing that the impacts of climate change know no boundaries. During its G7 Presidency, Italy underscored the importance of solidarity and emphasized that developing countries must receive the necessary support to effectively address the climate crisis. A testament to Italy’s commitment to international cooperation is the recently launched “Italian Climate Fund”, Italy’s most significant pledge toward addressing climate impacts beyond its borders. This fund targets large-scale programs focused on both mitigation and resilience-building in partner countries. With an overall investment of €4.2 billion (about 590.52 billion KES) the Fund prioritizes climate cooperation with Africa within the framework of the “Mattei Plan”, a strategy that promotes collaborative, sustainable development on the continent. In Kenya, the Fund is pivotal in supporting climate-resilient agriculture and advancing biofuel production, benefiting local communities and addressing the urgent need for sustainable practices. Beyond these initiatives, the Kenya-Italy Sustainable Development Partnership (KISDP) represents a cornerstone of Italy’s collaborative approach to addressing global challenges. This partnership was established in 2023 to support Kenya’s Vision 2030 and align with Italy’s overarching development strategy. KISDP sets a framework for a medium-term partnership from 2023 to 2027, with an indicative envelope of €100 million for the initial three years. Italy and Kenya are dedicated to reducing inequalities, addressing vulnerabilities, and promoting sustainable development across these areas, prioritizing marginalized urban and rural communities. On the multilateral side, as a founding member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Italy recognizes the significance of multilateral cooperation in addressing climate change and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Italian commitment to international collaboration stems from the understanding that environmental sustainability and social equity are interdependent.