The Government activates the proposed roadmap for a State Climate Pact

Madrid, Sep 2 (EFE).- The Council of Ministers today approved the government's proposal for a State Pact against climate change, along with "a roadmap" for its implementation. This initiative, the Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, said "I will give my all" to ensure its success.

"We want a broad participatory process" for the development of this proposal, the minister stated, recalling that the key points were outlined yesterday by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the document will be available on the Ministry for Ecological Transition website to be "infused" with proposals from all citizens.

Furthermore, Aagesen stated at the press conference following the Council of Ministers that he is "optimistic" and confident that "all political forces, including the People's Party (PP), will support" this proposal for a State Climate Pact in Spain, which requires "unity and maximum consensus."

Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría also addressed the approval of this proposed State Climate Pact, stating that it "arose as an open and participatory call" that seeks "significant consensus and a concerted effort."

Measures included in the Climate Pact

Specifically, the creation of a new State Agency for Civil Protection and Emergencies, the provision of more permanent resources by all administrations, the strengthening of rural areas, and the establishment of a civic culture of protection are some of the measures included in the proposed State Pact to address the climate emergency presented by the Government.

Aagesen also stated that "we have not stopped taking action against climate change and we will continue to make progress; now is the time to engage in dialogue and seek input from political forces and civil society," after reviewing the ten key elements of the future State Climate Pact presented yesterday.

Similarly, he warned that "in climate change, there are no borders that determine when and how our planet's temperature rises," and he expressed the need to ask Europe for "more ambition in terms of targets and funding to address this emergency."

A process of dialogue and consensus

Furthermore, the minister insisted that "it is time to listen and engage in dialogue," convinced that with society "we will build a climate pact in the coming weeks or months" to address the challenge of the climate emergency.

Likewise, the current proposal for a State Climate Pact "builds on so much of the government's previous work," ranging from the declaration of the emergency to the climate law with objectives of climate anticipation and protection, among others, as well as numerous documents, plans, and actions for climate defense and biodiversity protection.

In this regard, he noted that the government's proposal "arose from broad consultation and dialogue" with all sectors, including administrations, social organizations, professionals, scientists, academics, and the economic world, among others.

Political momentum and international cooperation

Furthermore, the minister reported that the PSOE and Sumar party's request to Congress to create a parliamentary subcommittee has been formalized "as an important step toward achieving political consensus" on this matter.

A series of meetings is planned, in which the relevant ministers will meet with experts "to further develop" the proposed State Climate Pact.

The minister also referred to a planned convention on this climate emergency between October and November, and to the upcoming meeting of regional presidents, which will include the topic on the agenda.

Spain, vulnerable to climate change

On the other hand, he indicated that the Government will discuss with France, Portugal, and the European Commission a State Climate Pact, "more necessary than ever to prepare in a united and coordinated manner" to combat climate change.

At the same time, Aagesen highlighted the need to "build a broad agreement based on unity, coordination, and consensus to effectively respond to the challenge," after emphasizing that the fight against climate change is not "starting from scratch," as the government has been "very active" in its efforts since 2018.

He also noted that Spain is "particularly vulnerable to climate change" due to its extensive coastline and a Mediterranean basin that is warming 20% ​​above average. Science, he noted, "has been warning us for a long time: climate change is accelerating."

Aagesen has insisted that extreme weather events are worsening, not only temperatures and fires, but also torrential rains and floods. EFE