Keeping a cool head at a time of global warming

30th March 2009

Andrea Moltrasio

Vice-President for Europe, Confindustria

Biography

Date and place of birth: 1956, Bergamo, University Degree in Chemical Engineering, Master of Business Administration (MBA) – University of Santa Clara – California (USA)

Managing Director of Icro Coatings S.p.A.
Chairman and Managing Director of the Clinica Castelli S.p.A. Clinic
President of Bergamo Scienza
Member of the Board of RCS MediaGroup S.p.A.
Member of the Board of UBI BANCA


Previous appointments:
- Member of the Board of the Bank of Italy – Bergamo branch (2001-2003)
- Lecturer in Business Administration II at the Faculty of Engineering, Bergamo University (1995/1996 and 1996/1997 academic years)
- Chairman of the Bergamo Industrial Association Young Entrepreneurs' Group, from 1989 to 1991
- Head of the Federchimica Wood Varnishes Group from 1998 to 2002
- Member of the Executive Council of the Bergamo Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2002
- President of the Bergamo Province Industrial Association since April 2001 to May 2005
- Coordinator of the Confindustria "Club of 15" Working Group since 2004 to March 2007
- Member of the Board of Banca popolare Bergamo S.p.A. since 2003 to March 2007

Abstract

While the financial and economic crisis lies at the heart of international debate – and rightly so – as the most urgent question to be resolved by policy makers and representatives of the business world, one should not lose sight of the great challenges of the medium and long term: the battle against climate change, which remains a priority of Confindustria (the Italian Manufacturers’ Association).
The “post-crisis” will require all of us to tackle the theme of future development in a way that is very different from what we have been used to.
The next COP15 of Copenhagen represents a critical opportunity to reach an agreement on a truly global scale, which commits developed and developing countries alike to reducing emissions. It will also be a good opportunity to send a strong message against so-called “green protectionism” which represents a real danger for developed and developing economies, especially at this time when the spectre of protectionism is seriously threatening our economies. The precondition for the kick-off of this virtuous process is that the industrial sector must continue to be competitive. If this sector were to be penalised by unbalanced political measures, then resources would be lacking for adequate investment in research and innovation. The industrial world is part of the solution.
Still, this undertaking cannot rest on the shoulders of industry alone, which has made exceptional efforts in recent years in the reduction of emissions. All sectors must contribute in this battle against climate change. For the industrial sector, indeed, this battle might even be a win-win situation. Innovation and the spread of technologies will constitute an essential element of any strategy, however productive the economy is, because it would free up the potential of new innovative start-ups, whether for environmental protection or for developing countries through the transfer of these technologies.
There are great opportunities also for Italy and for our enterprises. The intelligent use of energy, the protection of the territory and of the environment can, at a time of crisis, also become the motors for new opportunities of development for when that crisis is over.