This report has been drafted for the purpose of the International Research Network for Low Carbon Society (LCS-RNet) 2nd annual meeting held in Berlin on 20-21 September 2010.

It offers an outline of the main low carbon society (LCS) activities undertaken by the Italian government and of what is still missing in order to complete the transition. In detail, it provides an overview of how the debate is framed in Italy as well as the citizens’ perception and awareness about this issue.

A sectoral analysis of the main actions undertaken is introduced by the challenges given the country’s specific economic and social features. While analysing local actions, proactiveness emerges at the Municipal, Provincial and Regional levels.

This provides good practice examples, as much as in international cooperation programmes and projects, which are strong parts of Italy’s commitment to LCS. Finally, an overview of the main research centres and activities is given together with an analysis of their involvement in the policy- making process.

Here are the main conclusions of the report:

• European obligations are driving the Italian transition
• Successful initiatives have been undertaken to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Italian commitment to low carbon society is intertwined with international cooperation
• Local pro-activity suffers from a lack of national coordinated action
• Research institutions could play a decisive role
• Public awareness needs to be consolidated

Read more:

• If you wish to read more about
  low carbon society (LCS) activities undertaken by the Italian government, download the report [pdf-670kb].