SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 24 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, Wednesday, the Parliament of the Canary Islands approved the modification of the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition of the Canary Islands, with the support of governing parties (CC, PP, AHI and ASG) and opposition from PSOE, NC-BC, and Vox.
Mariano H. Zapata, the Councillor responsible for the initiative, hailed the approval of the amendment as “a crucial milestone in the Canary Islands’ efforts to combat climate change.” He described the challenge as “complex but now backed by strong legislative support.”
Hernández Zapata emphasised the collaborative efforts and extensive consultations held in shaping this amendment. He noted the formation of the Canary Islands Climate Action Network through negotiations, a governing body involving councils and town councils which was absent in the previous legislation.
It was announced that a negotiation platform will be established with parliamentary groups to collectively discuss and develop the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan of the Canary Islands (PIECan) and the Canary Islands Climate Adaptation Plan (PCAC). This process will be participatory, ensuring coordination and commitment from all parties involved.
Furthermore, agreements have been reached with island councils to set up Renewable Energy Acceleration Zones to facilitate their development in consultation with local institutions.
The minister highlighted the amendments as a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for the Canary Islands. These changes aim to prepare the region to tackle the challenges posed by climate change more effectively, with streamlined processes and a focus on green job creation.
IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE AMENDMENTS
The amendment introduces Climate Action Projects, a simplified mechanism to swiftly address issues such as sea-level rise and heatwaves through declarations of general interest.
New regional initiatives will be established to promote collaborative governance, including the Canary Islands Climate Action Network, Island Climate Action Plans (PIAC), and Climate and Sustainable Energy Action Plans (PACES).
Additionally, two plans – the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan of the Canary Islands (PIECan) and the Canary Islands Climate Adaptation Plan (PCAC) – will be subject to participatory discussions. These plans outline long-term mitigation and adaptation measures concerning energy efficiency, renewable energies, sustainable mobility, climate scenarios, risks, vulnerabilities, and governance mechanisms.
In line with the spirit of shared governance, the Canary Islands Commission for Climate Action and Energy was established to coordinate with different government ministries and the Canary Islands Office for Climate Action. This aims to drive cooperation and implementation of climate-related actions.
Other key aspects of the new legislation include the establishment of Renewable Acceleration Zones, provisions for shareholding in renewable energy projects, and the creation of the Canary Islands Energy Agency to promote self-consumption in the public sector.
