The Paris Agreement It is an unprecedented milestone in the history of climate change, a global agreement signed by more than 195 countries in 2015 during COP21 in Paris. This agreement seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gases, with the goal of keeping the global temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels, and striving to limit it to 1.5 degrees to mitigate the most devastating effects of climate change. The Paris Agreement has been recognized as a crucial step towards a ecological and just transition, offering an opportunity for countries to commit to more ambitious policies that ensure a sustainable future for future generations.
Despite this motivating context and the urgency with which the climate crisis is being addressed, the action of Spain In this area, it has been moderate and, at times, disappointing. This is especially worrying given that Spain is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. However, to date, the country has not effectively ratified the Paris Agreement, raising questions about its real commitment with the global fight against climate change.
Spanish environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Ecologists in Action, WWF and SEO/BirdLife, have expressed their discontent with the Spanish government's inaction during the climate summit held in Marrakech (COP22). In particular, the government headed by Mariano Rajoy He has been criticized for his lack of leadership, which is reflected in his decision not to ratify the Paris Agreement and in the absence of the president at this summit, which many interpreted as a clear sign of how other issues are prioritized in his political agenda.
The situation has worsened in the recent context, where Spain has regressed in its commitment to climate change compared to other European countries. According to recent data, nations such as German, France, Portugal, Sweden and even United Kingdom Post-Brexit, they have taken the lead in implementing climate policies. This shows that the Spanish government has lagged behind in adopting effective policies to address the climate crisis, at a time when swift and decisive action is essential.
At the end of the climate summit in Marrakech, environmental organizations urged all political parties with parliamentary representation in Spain to make the fight against climate change a central axis of current legislation, emphasizing that it would be a considerable failure not to do so. It is essential that all political actors in the country recognize the seriousness of the situation and act accordingly to implement measures that reduce Emissions of greenhouse gases and promote the transition to a low-carbon economy. In addition, lessons learned internationally on the compliance with the Paris Agreement are essential to inform and improve local strategies.
A key element in the criticism of the government of Spain is the lack of a National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) that meets the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. According to various reports, the 2021-2030 PNIEC sets an emissions reduction target of 21% compared to 1990 levels, but does not consider that since 1990, emissions have increased by 18%. Therefore, in the best case scenario, Spain would remain at the same emission levels in 2030 than in 1990, which is unacceptable given that the Paris Agreement stipulates a reduction of at least 40% of emissions.
La climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have posed unique challenges for governments around the world, but have also presented an opportunity to redesign economies toward more sustainableIn this sense, the post-COVID economic recovery must incorporate measures that not only promote economic health but are also environmentally responsible and sustainable. Governments must be bold and propose policies that not only meet the goals of the Paris Agreement but also exceed those commitments by effectively addressing the climate crisis. Europe's support, as demonstrated by China and Europe's participation in the Paris Agreement, can be crucial to achieving these goals.
In order to strengthen its international commitments, Spain must work to achieve a reduction target of at least the 55% of its emissions by 2030. Failure to do so risks perpetuating climate inaction and increasing the country's vulnerability to an increasingly uncertain future due to the effects of climate change. climate change. The voices of civil society, especially those of YOUNG, have made themselves heard, demanding immediate and decisive action in the fight for a sustainable future.
To achieve this, it is essential that organizations such as Greenpeace and other environmental groups continue to pressure governments to meet climate goals and commit to concrete actions. social mobilization is a key element in the fight against climate change, and public pressure can influence political decisions, encouraging governments to act in accordance with what science demands. For example, the current situation in German shows the urgency of these measures.
Climate goals must be ambitious and in line with the recommendations of experts and scientists, arguing that any action not aligned with science will only prolong the devastating effects of climate change. Active participation in climate summits, such as the COP and the implementation of policies that truly reduce emissions are fundamental steps that the Spanish government must take. Future generations will depend on the decisions made today, so it is essential to act now to avoid a catastrophic future.
The impacts of climate change are not distant dystopian scenarios; we are already creating a crisis-filled present, droughts, floods and extreme weather events that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, both in Spain and around the world. Therefore, it is vital that climate policies be inclusive and equitable, seeking to ensure the social justice in the transition to a sustainable future.
The Paris Agreement represents a unique opportunity that Spain must seize, acting swiftly and decisively to fulfill its commitment to combat climate change. The time to act is now, and the responsibility falls on each of us, both individually and collectively, to ensure a viable and healthy future for all. It is time to transform words into effective actions that protect our planet and all its inhabitants.
