The member of Congress for Coalición Canaria, Cristina Valido, has warned that she will not support the proposed State Pact Against Climate Emergency in its current form. The nationalist party has highlighted that the Canary Islands are one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. They argue that the central government’s initiative, designed to address its effects, fails to include essential elements for the Archipelago, such as the role of the oceans. Valido finds it surprising that a climate pact makes no reference to oceans, despite their crucial role in climate regulation, coastal protection, biodiversity, and the economy. This omission is already odd for a country like Spain, which has a vast coastline, but it becomes even more alarming considering that the Canary Islands are entirely surrounded by the sea. Therefore, neglecting this aspect undermines the effectiveness of any climate-related planning.
Strategic Importance of Coastal Areas
In a territory like the Archipelago, where a significant portion of the population and infrastructure is concentrated in coastal areas, the lack of a strategic framework for marine and coastal issues represents a serious error. Rising sea levels, extreme weather phenomena, and flooding endanger the population, ecosystems, and natural heritage. Ignoring this reality could pose substantial risks.
Unique Challenges in the Islands
Coalición Canaria also points out that the islands have their own climate change laws, precisely because the unique vulnerabilities of island territories require a differentiated approach. Factors such as dependence on external sources, geographical isolation, sensitive ecosystems, high biodiversity, and fragility in the face of climate impacts should be reflected in any state legislation proposed by the central government.
The Role of Local Authorities
Coalición Canaria views municipalities as central to civil protection and risk reduction efforts. Their role in adapting to climate change is vital, particularly through land-use planning. Hence, it is crucial to equip them with more tools, resources, and training to implement measures that make cities more resilient and sustainable, in coordination with the councils and regional government. The current design of the State Climate Pact does not seem to address this aspect.
Existing Regulatory Framework
Furthermore, the party reminds us that there is already a national regulatory framework in place, such as the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law, which includes mitigation and adaptation instruments. Creating parallel structures could duplicate organisations and slow down governance. Additionally, laws such as those on Land Use and Territorial Planning still have untapped potential.
Need for Citizen Participation
Coalición Canaria also warns that the pact lacks clear mechanisms for public participation. In a region so distant from the rest of the national territory, local residents should not merely receive information about decisions made in Madrid; they must be involved from the outset. In this regard, integrating local technical and scientific expertise is essential.
Tourism and Blue Economy
The tourism sector, which accounts for over 30% of the Canary Islands’ GDP, is not prioritised within the pact. The reality is that this sector needs to adapt to climate change with resilient infrastructure, reduced water and energy footprints, green certifications, and climate refuges. Similarly, the primary sector is sidelined, while the blue economy, which is strategic for the islands, is not addressed in the current design.
Role of Universities and Research Centres
Additionally, universities and research centres are crucial in the search for climate solutions, but a lack of funding and structured policies limits their potential—an area the State Pact does not cover.
Need for a Tailored Approach
The Archipelago boasts one of the most advanced climate change and energy transition legislations in Europe, and its uniqueness makes it a natural laboratory for innovative solutions. The State Pact arises in response to recent disasters but lacks a long-term strategic vision and overlooks the Canary territory. Coalición Canaria will not support this pact unless its approach is revised, as the islands cannot remain invisible in national climate policies. The vulnerabilities and potential of the Canary Islands demand a differentiated treatment.
