Quote from Alex bobby on July 15, 2025, 6:23 AM

No, Italy Has Not Left the Paris Climate Agreement—Here’s the Truth Behind the Viral Claim

In recent days, a viral social media post has sparked confusion and concern, claiming that Italy has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, a landmark international accord aimed at limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C. The post, which features an image of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, suggests Italy is following the example of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew the United States from the agreement during his first term.

However, there is no factual basis to this claim. Italy remains a committed member of the Paris Agreement, and no official announcements or legal actions have been taken to indicate otherwise. Here's what we know—and why it's important to separate fact from fiction.

Italy's Commitment to the Paris Agreement Remains Intact

Italy was among the original signatories of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and it ratified the accord on November 11, 2016. The country’s participation is clearly listed on the United Nations Treaty Collection website, which provides up-to-date records of all international agreements and their signatories.

The agreement, which now includes nearly every nation in the world, is designed to combat climate change by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. As a member of the European Union, Italy’s environmental commitments are also covered under the EU’s collective framework, which reaffirms its binding responsibilities under the accord.

The Viral Claim: Unfounded and Unverified

The post causing confusion originated from an account posing as a legitimate news outlet. While the post includes an image of Giorgia Meloni and a provocative headline, it offers no supporting evidence, no credible sources, and no official statements to back up its assertion. Despite this, it has received thousands of views, likes, and shares—highlighting how misinformation can spread rapidly in the digital age.

To further investigate the claim, independent fact-checkers conducted Google searches in both English and Italian, reviewed Italian government statements, and consulted the UN Treaty Collection. No credible reporting or government communication has surfaced to validate the notion that Italy is withdrawing—or plans to withdraw—from the agreement.

Giorgia Meloni’s Position on Climate Policy

When Giorgia Meloni assumed office as Prime Minister in 2022, she reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. Speaking at the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, she emphasised the importance of pursuing decarbonisation through a "just transition" that supports affected communities.

"We intend to pursue a just transition to support the affected communities and leave no one behind," she said.

However, Meloni has also been critical of certain EU climate initiatives, particularly the European Green Deal. She has voiced concern that some environmental policies—especially those perceived as rigid or ideological—could harm European industry.

"I have often said that in a desert there is nothing green," she remarked in May 2024. “Before anything else, we must fight the desertification of European industry.”

Her critiques have primarily focused on the economic implications of policies like the forced transition to electric vehicles—a market currently dominated by non-European countries. She argues that an over-reliance on electric technology could expose Europe to foreign supply chains and damage domestic manufacturing sectors.

"I continue to believe it is counterproductive to focus solely on the electric transition, where the supply chains are not controlled by Europe, but by other actors," Meloni added.

The Broader Context: US vs. EU on Climate Commitments

The comparison drawn in the viral post between Italy and the United States under Donald Trump is misleading and inaccurate. While it’s true that Trump formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement in 2020, President Joe Biden rejoined the accord in 2021. Trump has since signed an executive order to withdraw again if he returns to office—set to take effect in January 2026—but as of now, the U.S. remains a member.

Italy, by contrast, has made no moves toward withdrawing, nor has it indicated any intention to do so. The Italian government may debate the methods and pace of climate action, but there is no indication of a departure from the global framework.

Why It Matters: Facts Over Fear

The spread of misinformation surrounding international agreements can undermine public trust, fuel political polarisation, and damage climate cooperation. In this case, the false narrative that Italy has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement threatens to distract from meaningful climate discussions and policy debates that are happening both domestically and at the EU level.

While it's important to critically examine how countries implement their climate commitments, it's equally vital to ensure those discussions are grounded in verified facts—not viral speculation.

Conclusion

Despite rumours circulating online, Italy remains fully committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. The viral post claiming otherwise lacks credibility and evidence and should be treated as misinformation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed concerns over certain EU green policies, but she has not wavered in her government’s formal commitment to global climate goals. As climate change continues to shape international policy, ensuring the accuracy of public discourse will be key in shaping effective and equitable solutions.

Meta Description:
A viral claim says Italy has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement—but it's false. Here's the truth about Italy’s climate commitments and why facts matter more than viral fear.