Italy is also very committed to foreign policy and has signed several international agreements. For example, by Law No 204 of 4 November 2016, Italy ratified the Paris Agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in Paris on 12 December 2015. The purpose of this Agreement is (1) to ensure that the increase in global average temperature remains well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to endeavour to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 °C above pre-industrial levels, while recognising that this would significantly reduce the risks and effects of climate change; (2) improving the capacity to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and to promote climate resilience and the development of low greenhouse gas emissions, in a way that does not jeopardise food production; (3) reconciling financial flows with a path towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient developments (Article 2 of the Paris Agreement). There has been an overwhelming consensus on whether humans are responsible for climate change. Here, too, there is general consensus on the idea. In the perspective of keeping the world well below 2 degrees Celsius, Italy is lagging behind. Much remains to be done between now and 2020, when the Italian government will have to present a second energy-climate package covering the period 2021-2050, with the aim of tackling climate change in depth. On 10 October 2019, the Council of Ministers unanimously adopted the “Climate Decree” which adopts urgent measures to comply with the European Directive 50/2008 on air quality. The decree creates both an inter-ministerial commission to combat climate change and promote air quality, as well as limited bonuses and incentives for those who behave in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. New features include measures to increase sustainable mobility, funds for the reforestation of metropolises and the creation of green corners in shops where products are not sold in plastic, as well as measures to improve the rehabilitation of illegal landfills and water purification. However, the most relevant measures, for example the reduction of environmentally harmful subsidies initially included in the decree, should instead be included in the 2020 finance law, which will soon be debated and approved.
