Andalusia has achieved a 9,5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per capita between 2019 and 2022., placing it above the national average (7,5%) and the European average (4,8%). This was announced by the Minister of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy, Catalina García, during her speech at the information breakfast organized by Executive Forum Spain in Seville, under the title Transforming the future: circular economy and climate action in Andalusia.
The figure marks a milestone in Andalusian environmental policy, positioning the region as a national benchmark in the fight against climate change. According to the National Emissions Inventory, la Gas emissions per capita in Andalusia are at 1,13 points below the national average, a figure that reflects the positive impact of the sustainable policies developed by the Andalusian Government.
Andalusia reduces its total emissions by more than three million tons
During her speech, Catalina García explained that Total emissions in Andalusia have decreased by 6,5%., rising from 45,9 million tonnes in 2019 to 42,9 million in 2022, the latest year for which data is available. This positive development is part of the work carried out by Juanma Moreno's government through the Andalusian Climate Action Plan 2030 (PAAC), who contemplates 231 measures with an investment exceeding 2.616 billion euros.
The PAAC pursues an ambitious 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a target higher than the 39,5% target set at the national level. As of today, 66% of the electrical energy generated in Andalusia comes from renewable sources, with the goal of reaching 75% by 2030.
Pioneers in carbon footprint offsetting
One of the innovative elements that has contributed to reducing the gas emission in the community is the Andalusian Emissions Compensation System, which allows companies and organizations to neutralize their carbon footprint through CO₂ absorption projects, such as reforestation or ecological restoration. Between 2023 and 2024, the system saw a 40% increase in registered footprints and a 37% increase in the number of participating organizations, reaching 272 organizations and 494 registered footprints.
This system is complemented by the Andalusian Catalogue of Absorption Projects, which currently has 27 initiatives on 2.396 hectares, many of them developed in public forests. In addition, Andalusia leads the implementation of blue carbon, through the restoration of marshes and seagrass meadows that act as natural carbon sinks.
A pioneering law in the circular economy
Catalina García emphasized that Andalusia was the first region to approve a Circular Economy Law., in force since 2023. This standard introduces A cross-cutting approach that transforms waste into resources, eliminates administrative obstacles and generates green jobs, positioning the community as a national benchmark.
Likewise, the Ministry has brought to the Governing Council the formulation of the Andalusian Circular Economy Strategy, which includes an industrial symbiosis platform to promote the exchange of knowledge and sustainable processes between companies.
In parallel, programs such as the Clean Points Plan, endowed with seven million euros and aimed at 12 municipalities, including Camas, Bormujos and Mairena del Aljarafe. In addition, Biowaste Transfer Station Plan, with an investment of four million. In total, almost 102 million euros in aid for waste management, of which 16 million have been allocated to projects in the province of Seville.
Three new environmental laws to prepare for the future
During his speech, García announced that The Andalusian Government is preparing the largest environmental regulatory update in its history., with three new laws in progress: the Environmental Agents Law, Forestry Law and Law for Environmental Management of Andalusia.
"The future will be sustainable or it will not exist," the minister stated, highlighting that these laws prepare Andalusia for the challenges to come. and consolidate their leadership in climate action.
He also highlighted Andalusia's alignment with the strategies of the European Union, especially the Clean Industrial Deal, promoted by the European Commission to decarbonize the industry and strengthen its competitiveness.The Green Revolution promoted by the Andalusian Government is in perfect harmony with these European guidelines.", García declared.
In this framework, the counselor valued the legislative and administrative advances of the Andalusian Executive, with four simplification decrees approved and three new environmental laws in development, anticipating the future European Omnibus Decree which seeks to reduce bureaucracy.
A sustainability model that generates employment and well-being
Catalina García thanked the technical team of her Ministry for their work and recalled that “Sustainability is not a fad, but an urgent need to guarantee the present and future well-being of Andalusia."He stressed that Gas emissions have been reduced in a context of economic growth, demonstrating that “development can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.”
"We are demonstrating that fighting climate change is not a hindrance to growth, but rather an opportunity for innovation, employment, and social cohesion," the councilor concluded.
