The survey was released as the UN COP29 Conference kicks off in Baku.

The study said that over two-thirds of Italian respondents (67 per cent) consider climate adaptation a priority for their country in the coming years.

This is 17 points above the EU average of 50 per cent.

It said 97 per cent of Italian respondents say it is important for their country to adapt to climate change.

Ninety-one per cent agree that spending on adaptation is required urgently to avoid even higher costs in the future.

Furthermore, 91 per cent 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.

Meanwhile, 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,” said Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB Vice-President.

“In Sicily, for example, an unprecedented drought has put millions of people in need of water.

“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.”

Scientists say the Mediterranean is a climate hotspot, with temperatures rising even faster there 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