The 2015 Climate Conference in Paris has determined an acceleration of the emissions reduction policies, and the Paris Agreement has been adopted by all the world nations, with the exception of United States and Syria. We are facing a series of fast evolving novelties, even because the so called disruptive technologies, whose analysis lies at the core of Due Gradi, are actually fulfilling their promises. Record investments have been made on renewable resources. The sale of electric cars has increased dramatically, thanks to the policies adopted by China and by different northern European states. At the same time, partly thanks to the fast development of communication technology, sharing economy experiences are on the increase, as well as production and business ways based on the circularity of material flows, and consumers awareness is growing. The second edition of Due Gradi updates the 2015 edition, and explains with realistic clarity the undergoing changes, as well as the risks we have to deal with and the extraordinary opportunities we can seize.

Gianni Silvestrini has worked for CNR and Politecnico di Milano, where he is now in charge of the Ridef Master’s degree. He has been General Director of the Ministry of Environment. He is the founder of Exalto, a company working in energy transition. He is scientific director of the Kyoto Club and of the magazine/on line magazine QualEnergia. He is head of Green Building Council Italia and Coordinamento Free.