Simon Stiell (ONU): "España ha recorrido un largo camino; ahora debemos acelerar"

Climate emergency looms large as Spain has come a long way; now we must speed up, according to Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Stiell, who addressed the issue via video, highlighted that last summer was one of the most challenging in Spain's history, with unprecedented wildfires, record temperatures, and numerous heatwaves, showing that the impacts are already here and getting worse.

However, the good news is that we know what needs to be done. Spain has traveled a long way, as has the world, and now it's time to accelerate. Stiell emphasized that Spain is demonstrating that change is possible, with 75% of electricity coming from low-carbon sources last year, with solar power providing 22% of the power alone.

Yet, Stiell warned that despite these achievements, and having a roadmap for change, the pace needs to be increased. This speed will determine Spain's competitiveness, he stressed. To achieve this, Stiell called for the release of more renewable energy capacity through increased battery storage and stronger grids to enhance energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and boosting Spain's exports of electricity.

Climate change is an economic, energy security, and health challenge, Stiell added, highlighting the sector's strategic role in electrification combined with the decarbonization of transport, buildings, and industry. Spain is also becoming a leader in adaptation through resilient infrastructure and smarter water management, while being an active advocate for resilience in Europe and internationally, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Stiell stressed that the challenge is not whether solutions exist, but whether we can implement them quickly enough at the required scale. For this, he said that the private sector is crucial, bringing expertise, innovation, and finance. However, he stressed that governments must provide the necessary policy signals and coordination to unlock investment.