Energy transition is everyone’s business. With Spain’s three-tier public structure—national, regional, and local—progress toward a decarbonised, equitable, and sustainable economy requires coordinated action across all levels of government in the public sector.
An international assessment highlights the need for stronger climate action by autonomous communities, given the current separation of powers. The report stresses responsibility for reducing 65% of CO2 emissions through a mix of reduction, efficiency, savings, and adaptation measures.
The Life Unity project report by SEO/BirdLife analyzes the decarbonisation process across ten EU countries and concludes that Spain must improve the coherence of its multi-government response to climate change.
The study flags the role of autonomous communities, noting that existing regional decarbonisation plans are not fully aligned with national and European targets for 2030 and the broader goal horizon.
In a decentralised country, policy consistency between different levels of government is essential for credible climate action.
Autonomous communities possess significant powers to combat climate change and climate emergencies. Strengthened cooperation and a coordinated, joint response are key to meeting Paris Agreement goals and protecting public health, amid ongoing debates between state and regional authorities.
Regions such as the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Andalusia have already approved decarbonisation laws and are expanding them, while others like Asturias or Madrid are still developing regulatory plans.
Cities, leaders in action
Plans or strategies for climate action in Asturias, Catalonia, La Rioja, and Madrid are in early study or drafting stages, while some regions have active documents with a 2030 horizon, and areas such as Euskadi, Galicia, and Navarra target 2050.
The document also emphasizes the pivotal role cities will play in climate action and the promotion of local measures. It focuses on allocating funds and technical resources to smaller municipalities through new generation funds and decarbonisation plans.
It calls for the inclusion of key indicators and measures for municipalities to cut emissions as they exercise their mandate ahead of the next review of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) planned for 2023.
The report notes increases in installed photovoltaic energy in homes, the growth of low-emission and pedestrianized zones, more carbon sinks, expanded public transport, and better cycling infrastructure as part of climate action.
Municipalities play a central role in accelerating climate action and moving toward a resilient, decarbonised economy. Local leadership directly affects residents’ well-being and quality of life, with measures shaped largely by the political will of national legislators.
In particular, small municipalities require dedicated resources to accelerate decarbonisation. The Next Generation funds present an opportunity that should not be missed, ensuring broad participation and local implementation.
Raising the ambition
Beyond regional and local actions, the study argues for establishing several ambitious emission-reduction targets for 2030 and beyond.
Independent scientific opinion should outweigh commercial, financial, and political interests that slow climate action.
Public funds must be developed and deployed effectively.
Natural carbon sinks need protection and enhancement, with biodiversity, forestry, agriculture, water, and coastal use supporting emission cuts and energy savings.
Renewable energy should continue to grow while respecting biodiversity and local communities.
Decisive climate action must protect agriculture and natural carbon sinks, while offering viable alternatives to private car use.
The report notes a 14% drop in total emissions in 2020 versus 2019, putting levels below those of 1990 for the first time in several sectors. Industry and public transport remain major contributors, while energy, farming, and construction follow closely. Emissions did fall across most sectors from 2019 to 2020, with minor increases in agriculture and waste.
Emissions in the ETS sectors (power plants and large industrial facilities) fell by 19%, and in the ESR sectors (transport, small industry, buildings, agriculture, waste, and fluorinated gases) by 10%. Net CO2 absorption in natural carbon sinks declined for a third consecutive year, aligning with Spain’s long-term strategy. Total final energy consumption decreased by 13% in 2020, with renewables producing 21% of total electricity and 43% of consumed electricity.
Reference report: https://seo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/necp-report-taking-stock-planning-ahead.pdf [Citation: SEO/BirdLife, Life Unity project, 2022]