Italian Phrase
Dobbiamo ridurre le emissioni di CO2.
Meaning
The sentence means “We must reduce CO₂ emissions.” It conveys a collective responsibility, often used in discussions about climate change, corporate sustainability, or personal environmental actions.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about environmental policies, corporate green initiatives, school projects on climate, or any conversation that calls for collective action to cut down carbon emissions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DobbiamoridurreleemissionidiCO2
Modal verb + infinitive
"Dobbiamo" is the first‑person plural present of "dovere" and is followed by an infinitive to express obligation.
Infinitive verb
"Ridurre" is the infinitive form of the verb meaning “to reduce”.
Definite article + plural noun
"Le emissioni" uses the feminine plural article "le" with the noun "emissioni".
Prepositional phrase
"Di CO2" indicates the type of emissions; "di" works like “of” in English.
🗨In Conversation
Dobbiamo ridurre le emissioni di CO2 per proteggere il pianeta.
We must reduce CO₂ emissions to protect the planet.
Hai ragione, possiamo cominciare usando la bicicletta e limitando gli sprechi energetici.
You’re right, we can start by cycling and limiting energy waste.
✕Common Mistakes
Deve ridurre le emissioni di CO2.
"Deve" is singular (he/she/it must). For a group including the speaker, use "dobbiamo".
Dobbiamo ridurre la emissione di CO2.
The noun is plural; "emissioni" is required.
Dobbiamo ridurre le emissioni di C O due.
In spoken Italian the abbreviation is pronounced "ci o due", not spelled out letter by letter.
↔Alternatives
È necessario diminuire le emissioni di CO2.
It is necessary to decrease CO₂ emissions.
Dobbiamo abbattere le emissioni di CO2.
We must cut down CO₂ emissions.
Occorre ridurre le emissioni di CO2.
It is required to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, environmental topics have moved from niche activism to mainstream political debate. The phrase is common in speeches by politicians, NGOs, and in school curricula. It carries a formal tone, so use it in professional or serious discussions rather than casual chit‑chat.