How is climate change affecting Andalusia?
Climate change is causing a sustained rise in temperatures in Andalusia, along with increasingly severe droughts, biodiversity loss, and wildfires, all of which are having serious consequences on water resources and agricultural activity. These impacts are threatening the productivity of the Andalusian farmland, increasing the risk of desertification, and making water management more complex, both on human supply and for crop irrigation. On top of this, air, water, and soil pollution is worsening the effects on public health and ecosystems, increasing social, economic, and environmental vulnerability. This calls for a firm and coordinated response from all levels of government. Moreover, climate change has a significant indirect impact on Andalusia, as a border region with Africa and a gateway to Europe for thousands of people arriving on our coasts each day, many of which are fleeing, among other factors, the dreadful effects of climate change in their home countries.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
The Andalusian Climate Action Plan is our most comprehensive and ambitious planning instrument. Since its launch in 2021, the Regional Government of Andalusia has already implemented 231 actions under this Plan, and has invested over €2.6 billion (over $2.9 billion) on climate action across our region. Among the key measures and tools to respond to the impacts of climate change, we provide technical, administrative, and financial support to local governments, amounting to €1.72 million (over $1.9 million) for the elaboration of local climate plans. We also support municipalities in calculating their carbon footprints and compiling emissions inventories. We developed MAPA CLIMA, a public web-based geoportal offering local climate scenario projections for Andalusia and a dedicated guidance document to support access to climate finance.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
Our climate action plan aims to define the strategies and actions required to meet emission reduction targets and prepare Andalusian society to cope with the impacts of climate change. We fully recognise the crucial role of local and regional authorities in the implementation of climate policies and the European Green Deal, particularly in urban environmental management and climate adaptation. For this reason, we actively support the development of local climate plans through both technical and financial assistance, acknowledging the importance of their direct involvement and their capacity to mobilize citizens. Local-level impact is therefore a cornerstone of our climate strategy.
