As I crossed the border into Spain from France I noticed it become warmer. Apparently Spain has already warmed by about 1.5C deg C (higher than the global average of 1.1) since the Industrial Revolution. According to a recent report from Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC), without urgent action, Spain and other Mediterranean countries are likely to see dramatic temperature increases in the decades to come. Researchers have found temperature increase will possibly be up by 3.8 deg C by 2100. In 2019 Spain battled its largest wildfire in 20 years. Reduced rainfall in coming decades is also forecast and the combination may result in desertification of vast swaths of Spain, devastating agriculture (including two of Spains most profitable exports – olives and wine). In January this year they announced a national climate emergency.
It’s not all doom and gloom as last year Spain announced a €47billion public investment plan to tackle climate change over 10 years. They have revealed an ambitious plan to become carbon neutral by 2050, with up to 95% of the country’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2040. Amazingly Spain has taken just one year to reach a goal that was expected to take a decade. The government had predicted that by 2030 coal would no longer be used in power plants to generate electricity, yet this objective was all but achieved in 2019. Barcelona has invested in 100+ electric buses to cut down on emissions.
During my time in Spain I came across some interesting projects and initiatives. Whilst relaxing with a San Miguel at a local hostelry, I was told that the brewers, Mahou-San Miguel, have started collecting, filtering and recycling the water that is used in rinsing empty beer bottles, so I was pleased to be helping out! I spent some time walking on the Vias Verdes (‘Green-ways’) which is a network of thousands of kilometres of disused train tracks that have been reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. Motor vehicles are forbidden on these routes and they are hugely popular with tourists to discover Spain in a more environmentally friendly fashion by bike or on foot.
Young people are also getting involved and I met some students who told me about two new youth movements so of course I joined them for a while to see what they are up to - Juventud por el Clima (JxC) (Youth for the Climate) and Fridays for Future Spain (FFF).
On one of my days out walking the Vias Verdes, I came across some volunteers from a non-profit organisation called Reforesta who were planting trees. They are raising awareness, educating and communicating on sustainable development and the conservation of nature. They are contributing to the fight against desertification and avoiding the degradation of land and forests. They even sell gift cards so that you can buy a tree, and plant it if you wish!
It was great to see so much happening to try and combat climate change in Spain. Onwards to Portugal now!