The statements of Donald Trump, who recently defined the energy transition as an economic threat, and Ursula von der Leyen, who instead considers it the pillar of sustainable European growth, outline two opposing visions of a central theme for the future of the planet. In this polarized context, a great opportunity presents itself for Italy: to demonstrate that a third way is possible, based on healthy pragmatism, capable of integrating economic growth and environmental sustainability. In his speech at COP28 in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed precisely this vision.