Spain is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, and is also one of those doing the least to address it. For this reason, several Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Zaragoza, Badalona, Alcalá de Henares and Fuenlabrada have denounced the situation through a manifesto.
At, the central government is required to take urgent measures so that the country can be prepared for the changes to comeBecause if we continue doing nothing, it is most likely that tomorrow we will suffer the consequences of the passivity that those who lead the country are having at the moment.
Cities are the ones that pollute the most, producing 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, and in the case of Spain, they are the only ones that have so far taken measures to fight climate change. For this reason, the Barcelona City Council insists that they will have been of no use if they are not accompanied by a determined and urgent action on the part of the central government.
The »Manifesto for Climate Action», the title given to the document, demands that the Government develops a strategy against climate change with progressive commitments for 2020, 2030 and 2050 in order to reach a scenario where there is no longer any need to use fossil fuels. In this sense, we can see that measures such as those proposed in Spain's vulnerability to climate change are increasingly necessary.
In addition, they ask for a climate change law "that recognizes that there are physical, resource, and technical reasons that limit the mere substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy to achieve scenarios that allow for a reduction in the carbon footprint to the extent and time required," since the Spanish government currently hinders self-generation and the promotion of renewable energy. Urgent actions must include robust legislation that supports this change, such as those proposed in the adaptation of plants to climate change and in the differences between climate change and global warming.
Today, it is very urgent that drastic and effective measures be taken: 45% of the main ecosystems are in poor condition and 80% of the territory faces various levels of risk of desertification before the end of the century. In this context, climate data are becoming increasingly alarming, as noted in the effects of future climate change.
These warnings are supported by alarming data on the effects of climate change on Spanish society. For example, heat waves have become more frequent and severe, and it is estimated that by the summer of 2023 more than 2.000 people died in Spain due to high temperatures. The situation is becoming critical, especially in a context where, according to the latest IPCC report, warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius is expected to be reached in the coming years if hasty decisions are not made, as evidenced by the impending floods.
This rise in temperature not only impacts human health, but also agricultural production and biodiversity. Farmers are already reporting lower harvests, and the loss of species is a latent risk that threatens citizens' food security. The impact on ecosystems is devastating: From 40% to 70% of biodiversity may disappear if significant efforts are not made to mitigate climate change. It is vital to consider the role of ecosystems in climate resilience, as mentioned in natural laboratories in Spain and in investment in green infrastructure.
The situation is not unique to Spain. Worldwide, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has reached historic levels, exceeding the 424 ppm, which is causing direct consequences such as ocean warming, rising sea levels and extreme weather events. desertification, droughts, floods and hurricanes These are just some of the effects that are becoming more and more evident in different parts of the world and, especially, in the Mediterranean, as shown by studies on deserts threatened by global warming.
For this reason, the ODS 13 The UN's commitment to climate action becomes a fundamental objective. This objective focuses on integrating climate change as a primary issue into the policies, strategies, and plans of countries, businesses, and civil society, improving the response to this global crisis. The commitment of states to collaborate in reducing carbon emissions and promoting climate change education among the population is a task that falls to each nation.
The private sector also plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Companies must take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, driving the transition to renewable energy in their operations and fostering a more sustainable production model. This transformation is not only beneficial for the environment but can also result in a more efficient and profitable economic model. In this sense, the climate change and its relationship with human activity must be considered in business strategies, as well as plants and their vulnerability.
The importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change cannot be underestimated. The recent adoption of the Dubai Agreement in the COP 28, which seeks to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, and the commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 are examples of how countries must come together to tackle this global challenge together. Finding effective solutions is also a task that lies within the hands of the international community, as detailed in the new climate summit in Bonn.
The transition to a low-carbon economic model is not only a necessity, but an opportunity to create jobs and promote innovation. Investing in clean technologies and sustainable projects can open new frontiers for the economy, leading to a more resilient and equitable future. It is essential that both public administration and the business sector establish strategies that prioritize sustainability, as proposed in the study on cities at risk.
In fact, initiatives such as the Green New Deal Spanish, which seeks to transform the economy toward greater sustainability and efficiency, aligns with the current needs of the planet. This involves not only addressing greenhouse gas emissions, but also ensuring that the transition is carried out fairly, leaving no one behind. Agricultural transformation is also crucial.
These actions pave the way for the recovery of damaged natural ecosystems, promoting a circular economy that not only reduces environmental impact but also generates new economic opportunities. Habitat restoration projects and a sustainable supply chain are essential to achieving this goal.
The magnitude of the climate change problem demands an immediate and decisive response. Eradicating poverty and creating sustainable development are two sides of the same coin. Combating climate change also involves addressing issues of social justice, ensuring that the most vulnerable groups do not suffer the consequences of this crisis. Furthermore, it is necessary to adopt New tools to understand the signs of climate change.
Education and awareness are powerful tools in the fight against climate change. From awareness campaigns to the implementation of educational programs in schools, it is vital that all generations understand the urgency of action. Only in this way can we cultivate a culture of responsibility toward our environment and ensure that future generations inherit a habitable planet.
However, time is running out. The data is alarming, and the projections are not encouraging. If we want to avoid ecosystem collapse and mitigate the effects of climate change, it is essential that solutions be implemented quickly and effectively. Cities need to invest in resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation and urban mobility that prioritizes people over polluting vehicles.
Therefore, it is imperative that citizens actively engage in the search for solutions to climate change. This can include more sustainable daily practices, such as reduce energy and water consumption, to participating in local initiatives that promote an ecological lifestyle. Civic engagement is the engine that can drive change at the community and national levels. The situation of Germany also reflects these challenges.
It is essential that governments and the international community adopt effective and concrete measures to combat climate change. Implementing policies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy, and investing in clean technologies are crucial steps. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that these initiatives take into account equity and social justice.
Only with a comprehensive and collaborative approach can we effectively confront one of the greatest challenges of our time. History will judge us by our present actions and decisions. As we move into an uncertain future, we must be responsible and act for the benefit of the planet and our communities. The time to act is now.
