The Sustainability and Environment Councilor of the Andalusian Government, Catalina García, has headlined the informative breakfast organized by Executive Forum España in Seville under the title ‘Transforming the Future: Circular Economy and Climate Action in Andalusia’. During her speech, the Andalusian official has outlined the main strategic lines of the regional government on sustainability, addressing both the fight against climate change and the promotion of the circular economy.
In this context, Catalina García has revealed for the first time an unprecedented data on the evolution of polluting emissions in the autonomous community, with a 9.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the period 2019-2022, a figure that exceeds both the national average (7.5%) and the European average (4.8%). «According to the National Emissions Inventory, the total per capita emission in Andalusia is 1.13 points below the national average,» she pointed out. In this regard, the councilor emphasized that Andalusia has reduced total emissions by 6.5% in just three years, dropping from 45.9 million tons in 2019 to 42.9 million in 2022, the latest published data.
During her speech, the councilor argued that «either the future is sustainable or there will be no future». This statement has guided the thread of her presentation, emphasizing the need to make decisions in the present that will lay the groundwork for a fairer and more balanced future, both for the natural environment and for the citizenry.
The event was attended by institutional representatives, such as the Tourism and Foreign Affairs Councilor, Arturo Bernal, among others; environmental sector companies, sponsors -Contenur and FCC Ámbito-, professional associations, experts, and members of civil society, as well as colleagues from the Council, whom the councilor explicitly thanked for their «tireless effort to position Andalusia at the forefront in sustainability and environmental management.» Among them were the vice councilor, Sergio Arjona; the Secretary General of Environment and Climate Change, María López; the managing director of AMAYA, Javier de Torre; the general directors, Enrique Borrallo, Carmen Jiménez, and Juan Ramón Pérez, and the technical general secretary, Guillermo Alameda.
Climate action with a roadmap
Catalina García explained that the work of the Andalusian Government against climate change revolves around the Andalusian Climate Action Plan 2030 (PAAC), «the first general planning instrument for all actions against climate change in Andalusia.» Since its approval, she noted, «231 measures have been implemented, with an investment of over 2.616 million euros.»
Among the objectives of this plan is a 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, exceeding the national target (39.5%). «66% of the electricity produced in Andalusia comes from renewable sources. The goal for 2030 is to reach 75%,» she emphasized. She also highlighted that «this Council has been the first to implement measures to reduce its own carbon footprint,» achieving an 86% decrease in emissions since 2019.
This is complemented by the launch of the Andalusian Emissions Compensation System, which allows companies and institutions to calculate and offset their footprint through CO₂ absorption projects, such as reforestation or ecosystem restoration. «From 2023 to 2024, recorded footprints have increased by 40% and organizations by 37%, reaching 272 organizations and 494 registered footprints,» she detailed.
She also highlighted the Andalusian Catalog of Absorption Projects, with 27 active initiatives covering 2,396 hectares, many of them linked to public forests. «Andalusia has led the implementation of blue carbon, through the restoration of marshes and underwater grasslands for CO₂ capture,» she said.
Andalusia, a reference in the circular economy
Catalina García recalled that «Andalusia was the first autonomous community to approve a true Circular Economy Law», in effect since 2023. A regulation that, as she stated, «places our land at the forefront, with a cross-cutting approach that transforms waste into resources, eliminates administrative barriers, and promotes green employment.»
The councilor also mentioned that the formulation of the Andalusian Circular Economy Strategy has already been taken to the Council of Government, which includes an industrial symbiosis platform to share knowledge and sustainable processes among companies.
In parallel, the government is implementing programs such as the Clean Points Plan – with an investment of seven million euros benefiting 12 municipalities, including Camas, Bormujos, and Mairena del Aljarafe – or the Bio-waste Transfer Stations Plan, endowed with four million. Additionally, nearly 102 million euros have been mobilized for waste treatment grants, of which 16 million are allocated to projects in the province of Seville.
Environmental legislation for the future
Catalina García pointed out that «the responsibility of this Government also lies in preparing the autonomous community and anticipating the changes that will shape its future.» In this regard, she announced that Andalusia is facing «the greatest environmental regulatory update in its history,» with three laws in progress: the Law on Environmental Agents, the new Law on Andalusian Forests, and the Law for Environmental Management of Andalusia. «We are convinced that these changes are preparing Andalusia for a future full of challenges, but also opportunities,» she stated.
Furthermore, Catalina García highlighted Andalusia’s alignment with the new strategic lines of the European Union, especially with the ‘Clean Industrial Deal’, the pact promoted by the European Commission to decarbonize industry and strengthen its competitiveness. This initiative, crucial for moving towards a low-emission economy, naturally fits with the Green Revolution led by the Andalusian Government, viewing sustainability as an opportunity to generate economic development, employment, and well-being.
The councilor emphasized that Andalusia not only shares the principles of this pact but has, in many cases, anticipated European guidelines. A clear example is the approval of the Andalusian Circular Economy Law. In the same vein, she appreciated Andalusia’s readiness for the future Omnibus decree being finalized by the European Commission to reduce bureaucracy and enhance competitiveness, inspired by the Draghi report.
Despite the impact it will have on the autonomous community, due to its close connection to European regulations, Catalina García underscored that the Andalusian Government «has been working in this direction for several years,» with four administrative simplification decrees already approved and three new environmental laws in progress.