"Spain’s PM unveils climate action plan, uniting against shared global threat"

Spain Unveils Strategy to Tackle Climate Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has outlined a 10-point initiative to address the growing climate emergency, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent severe environmental consequences. “If we want to leave our children a livable country rather than one scarred by fires and floods, we must take decisive action now,” he stated.

Recent wildfires, intensified by extreme heat in August, resulted in four deaths, destroyed an area six times the size of Ibiza, and required unprecedented efforts to control. Sánchez stressed that such events demonstrate the immediate need for climate action, as delays would only increase risks and costs. Over the past five years, climate-related disasters have caused over 20,000 deaths and €32 billion in damages.

“We must unite against climate change—an adversary that transcends politics,” he said. “It is deadly, and the refusal by some to acknowledge its dangers, fueled by misinformation, is deeply concerning.”

Key proposals include establishing a national agency for crisis coordination, creating climate-resilient shelters, and revising land and forest management strategies. Sánchez noted that timely measures can mitigate future disasters, quoting a former U.S. president: “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”

“Major fires are not just a summer problem—they require year-round prevention,” he added, referencing the 300,000 hectares burned in recent blazes.

Additional measures focus on disaster preparedness, enhancing firefighting resources, improving water infrastructure, and supporting rural communities to reduce flammable vegetation. Sustainable farming practices—such as controlled grazing and efficient irrigation—were also highlighted as crucial.

The plan, set for cabinet approval, includes fostering public awareness and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. A consultation period will follow before implementation.