Urban Klima 2050 presents in Jaén its local climate actions to boost energy transition in the Basque Country
12/12/2023
Malake Muñoz Cachón, Ihobe’s Climate Action Project Officer, has participated in the “Decarbonisation Strategies in Municipal Management” course organised by Jaén Provincial Council.
The LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project presented the work being carried out to promote local climate action and energy transition in the Basque Country on the “Decarbonisation Strategies in Municipal Management” course organised by Jaén Provincial Council.
Malake Muñoz Cachón, Climate Action Project Officer at Ihobe, described the goals of this strategy that aims to promote climate action locally: specifically, to boost local climate and energy action and to increase the number of Basque towns adhering to the Mayors’ Agreement, taking into account different itineraries based on the starting point of each town.
Muñoz explained that the strategy was based on a diagnosis in which the current situation of Basque towns/counties in terms of climate change mitigation and adaptation was analysed. Barriers, needs and opportunities were identified.
The analysis shows 93 plans published or being developed in the areas of climate and energy, of which 50 (54%) plans are in force and aligned with the Global Mayors’ Agreement for climate and sustainable energy. In addition, 26 town councils are members of the Mayors’ Agreement. This analysis also shows that 78% of towns are promoting climate adaptation as a matter of urgency, and highlights the potential of county authorities to boost local climate and energy action.
Ihobe’s Climate Action Project Officer then explained the five goals of the strategy that will be implemented in 2024:
- Increase the number of Basque municipalities with a Climate and Energy Plan.
- Promote political commitment to ensure that Basque municipalities move towards climate neutrality and land resilience.
- Promote the implementation of local initiatives that contribute to mitigate and reduce risks deriving from climate change.
- Promote a climate governance model that ensures coherence with other local and supra-municipal policies
- Facilitating local and regional bodies to empower citizens as active agents in the energy and climate transition.
In addition to Ihobe’s intervention, Aitor Larrucea from Durango City Council explained the work that is being carried out to mitigate and adapt to climate change. He talked about when it started almost two decades ago up to the current results. Durango Town Council has a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (PACES), which will be carried out over the next few years.
