The Paris Agreement laid the foundations for an action plan that not only involves the International, European and national community but also the regions. In this sense, the Region of Galicia, which had already carried out some initiatives in this area, strengthens its commitment developing the Galician strategy on Climate Change and Energy until 2050.
Ms María Cruz Ferreira-Costa, director-general at the Galician Regional Ministry of Environment, will address this topic with a crystal-clear purpose: to show the need to move towards climate neutrality, making regions part of the solution to the problem of Climate Change.
- When
- Tue 8, October 2019
09:30 - 10:00 CET - Speakers
- Mª Cruz Ferreira-Costa, Director-General, Consellería de Medio Ambiente-Xunta de Galicia/Regional Ministry of Environment-Regional Government of Galicia.
Maria Luz Macho, Sub-director of Meteorology and Climate Change, Regional government of Xunta de Galicia. General Directorate of Environmental Quaity and Climate Change.
María Luz Macho, Sub director of Meteorology and Climate Change, Consellería de Medio Ambiente-Xunta de Galicia/Regional Ministry of Environment-Regional Government of Galicia. - Code
- 08TK570
- Format
- EURegions talk
- Theme
- A greener Europe
- Partner
- Consellería de Medio Ambiente, Territorio e Vivenda
- Language
- English (EN)
Session summary
The Galician strategy on climate change and energy until 2050 is the Government of Galicia’s roadmap to achieve climate neutrality before 2050, approved by consensus of the different Galician administrations, research centres, economic and social entities, companies, environmental organisations, and the three Galician universities, among others.
The strategy is also aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the future EU 2050 long-term strategy in order to boost circular economy, bioeconomy and green infrastructures in Galicia.
In order to face the climate change’s challenge, the strategy is structured around four axes: mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to the emissions’ impact, research and innovation, and social dimension (awareness and education) Likewise, a regional energy and climate plan - similar to the national one - will be developed for its implementation, which will have associated measures related to decarbonisation, energy transition or promotion of renewable energy.
In addition, the Government of Galicia considers that local authorities play a leading role in the fight against climate change. Therefore, Galicia joined the Covenant of Mayors in 2018 to support municipalities in adhering to the Covenant's 2030 targets. Furthermore, it must be also clearly understood that a dramatic change is needed in human behaviour concerning climate change and because of this the Government of Galicia has organised several activities such as conferences, workshops forums, and Q&A sessions to encourage people to improve their climate awareness.
Take away message
Galicia has become one of the first Spanish regions to assume an active role and thus approve its own guidelines on climate change. Even if the purpose is to achieve climate neutrality before 2050, the region aims to be a model on just transition. This implies that Galicia will gradually reach the climate objectives, considering not only the environmental consequences but also the social, economic, and labour ones.
Quotes
“The Galician strategy on climate change and energy is the Galician reaction to a global challenge. Its approval means that Galicia has already taken a crucial step in terms of climate change and energy transition”
"We're proud that, having been regional coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors for just one year, we have managed to engage more than 100 municipalities in this time"
