"The Climate Projects have demonstrated that they are a useful tool to combat climate change", says Isabel García Tejerina

Now in their fifth year, the Climate Projects focus on reducing emissions in diffuse sectors, fluorinated gases or industry that is not subject to the system of emission rights trading.

A total of 250 projects have been selected in the five Climate Projects editions so far, rising from 37 in 2012 to 63 this year. The promoting organisations are of all sizes and belong to both the public and private sector.

The minister highlighted that many of them also have significant additional environmental goals, such as those related to the circular economy, "a model of production to which we are going to give our firm support in the coming years," she noted.

Isabel García Tejerina highlighted the contribution made by the Climate Projects to reducing emissions: since their launch in 2012 they have been responsible for cutting CO2 equivalent emissions by more than 7.4 million tonnes.

Spain's commitments to the EU and the Paris Agreement

The minister recalled that Spain has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in these sectors by 10% on 2005 figures. To do so, her department is designing a national regulatory framework in line with its obligations as a member of the EU and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

She also announced that Spain is already working on the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030, as well as the future Climate Change and Energy Transition Law. Their preparation will take into account opinions and contributions from all sides, adding that "the fight against climate change must by definition be a concerted effort."

In conclusion, the minister announced that the new call for submissions for the 2017 Climate Projects will be issued on 15 March.