(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 11 - Climate change is the top priority for Italian people after the cost-of-living crisis, according to the European Investment Bank's (EIB) annual Climate Survey, released on Monday as the UN COP29 Conference kicks off in Baku.
    The study said that over two-thirds of Italian respondents (67%, 17 points above the EU average of 50%) consider climate adaptation a priority for their country in the coming years.
    It said 97% of Italian respondents say it is important for their country to adapt to climate change, while 91% agree that spending on adaptation is required urgently to avoid even higher costs in the future.
    Furthermore, 91% of Italian respondents say that investing in climate change adaptation can create jobs and boost the local economy.
    Scientists say the climate crisis caused by human greenhouse gas emissions is making extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, supercharged storms and flooding more frequent and more intense.
    Italy has experienced a long series of such events in recent years.
    This year intense heatwaves and extreme droughts have impacted southern regions, with Sicily and Sardinia hit especially severely, while heavy rainfall has led to flooding in Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna and Marche, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency.
    "The devastation caused by extreme weather events is now a concrete reality for Italy, and the majority of Italians recognise the urgency of investing in climate change adaptation measures. In Sicily, for example, an unprecedented drought has put millions of people in need of water,' said Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice-President.
    "The European Investment Bank strongly supports Italy, financing projects that not only protect communities but also create jobs and strengthen local economies.
    "By investing today in climate adaptation strategies and offering free advisory services to public administrations, we can build a more resilient and prosperous future for the country." First-hand experiences of extreme weather events seem to have added to the sense that urgent action is required among Italians.
    They survey said 89% of Italian people polled have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the last five years - nine points above the EU average.
    It said 61% have suffered from extreme heat and heatwaves (six points above the EU average), 38% have experienced droughts (three points above the EU average) and 37% have seen heavy storms or hail.
    Three-quarters of Italian respondents reported having suffered at least one direct consequence of an extreme weather event -seven points above the EU average of 68%.
    It said 23% had health issues like heat stroke or respiratory problems; 22% were impacted by transportation disruptions like closed roads, impassable bridges or delays in public transport; and 20% faced power cuts or energy supply issues, or suffered property damage from events like floods, landslides or soil erosion.
    Scientists say the Mediterranean is a climate hotspot, with temperatures rising even faster here than in other parts of the world.
    Although there are many sources of the greenhouse gases that are causing global heating, the main driver is the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal, sales of which generate huge profits for the world's energy giants. (ANSA).