Sustainability Efforts
Country: Italy
Explore sustainability efforts in Italy. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) said it well when they state:
“Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”
About Italy
Italy, a country in Southern Europe, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine. It offers attractions like the iconic Colosseum in Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the cultural treasures of Florence. Italy’s natural beauty includes breathtaking coastlines, picturesque lakes, and rolling vineyards, providing opportunities for beach vacations, scenic drives, and wine tasting. The country’s culture is deeply rooted in art, fashion, and music, with renowned works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide, featuring dishes like pizza, pasta, and gelato. With its charming cities, ancient ruins, and world-class cuisine, Italy offers an enchanting destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and culinary delights. Sustainability efforts in Italy will enhance the country’s future.
Sustainability Efforts
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Poverty: Italy is addressing poverty through a social card system that provides income support to families and individuals in severe economic hardship. In 2018, the country introduced the 'Reddito di Cittadinanza' (Citizenship Income) initiative, which offers financial aid to households below a certain income level. As of 2022, the scheme is helping approximately 1.3 million families, which demonstrates a strong commitment towards poverty reduction.
Hunger: Italy has made substantial strides in reducing hunger, thanks to comprehensive social welfare programs. For instance, Italy introduced a law in 2016 to combat food waste, where supermarkets donate unsold food to charities that distribute it to those in need. The Food Sustainability Index 2018 ranked Italy first out of 67 countries for reducing food waste.
Healthcare: Italy's National Health Service provides universal healthcare coverage to all residents. It is ranked second in the World Health Organization’s ranking of healthcare systems. Moreover, the country spends approximately 9% of its GDP on health, with the focus on continually improving healthcare infrastructure and services.
Education: Italy invests significantly in education, and the Ministry of Education, University, and Research ensures comprehensive educational programs. Over the past decade, there's been a substantial increase in the graduation rate, with 82% of students now completing their upper secondary education.
Gender Equality: Italy is actively striving for gender equality. The country introduced a law in 2011 that mandates a one-third female presence in the boardrooms of listed and state-owned companies. As a result, the percentage of women on corporate boards has doubled since then.
Clean Water Sanitation: Italy has a well-developed water and sanitation system, with approximately 99% of the population having access to clean water. The Italian government continues to invest in water infrastructure to ensure efficient water services and improve wastewater treatment facilities.
Affordable Clean Energy: Italy is making significant efforts to transition towards renewable energy. As of 2022, about 35% of Italy's total energy comes from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 55% renewable energy by 2030.
Economic Growth: Italy's 'Plan for Growth 4.0' aims to stimulate economic growth through investments in digital innovation and sustainability. The plan includes tax incentives for companies that invest in technologies like the Internet of Things, big data, and green technologies.
Industry Innovation: Italy is promoting industry innovation through a series of initiatives, such as the 'Innovation Deals for a Circular Economy' aimed at supporting innovation in waste management, recycling, and other circular economy sectors.
Reduced Inequalities: To reduce regional disparities, Italy established the 'National Strategy for Inner Areas' in 2012, focusing on rural development, education, healthcare, and transportation services in these areas. This strategy aims to combat inequalities by promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in less developed regions.
Sustainable Cities: Italy is actively working on urban sustainability initiatives. Several cities, including Turin and Milan, have implemented 'Smart City' projects focusing on sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, digitalization, and waste management.
Responsible Consumption and Production: Italy is promoting sustainable consumption and production through initiatives like the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2017–2030. The strategy aims to promote sustainable industrial production and foster environmentally friendly behaviors among citizens.
Climate Action: Italy has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The country is also part of the EU's initiative to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Aquatic Environment: Italy is working to protect its aquatic environment through the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, aiming to achieve 'Good Environmental Status' of the EU's marine waters by 2020 and maintain it by 2030.
Natural Environment: Italy's National Biodiversity Strategy focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. There are numerous national parks and protected areas across Italy, covering approximately 10% of the country's total land area.
Peace and Justice Institutions: Italy upholds robust democratic institutions that prioritize peace and justice. The Italian Constitution guarantees the rule of law, human rights, and civil liberties. The country also plays a significant role in international peacekeeping missions and is home to key international institutions such as the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law.
Partnerships for the Goals: Italy is actively engaged in international cooperation, including development aid and humanitarian efforts. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation coordinates and implements Italy's development cooperation policy, focusing on poverty eradication, inequality reduction, and peacebuilding.