Q&A. Information on the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Enacted in 2021, this law establishes Spain's legal framework for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. It mandates a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), alongside ambitious renewable energy targets, including 42% of final energy consumption from renewables and 74% renewable electricity generation by 2030. Energy efficiency measures aim for a 39.5% reduction in primary energy consumption within the same timeframe. The law also prohibits new hydrocarbon and radioactive mineral exploitation, requires emission-free transport systems in cities with populations exceeding 50,000, and emphasises sustainable urban mobility.

The legislation includes a national Just Transition Strategy to ensure equitable economic opportunities, particularly for vulnerable regions, while fostering adaptation and resilience to climate risks across critical sectors such as water, biodiversity, and health. It creates governance mechanisms like the Expert Committee on Climate Change and Energy Transition to monitor progress and updates to Spain's Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). Projecting investments exceeding €200 billion by 2030, the law is expected to enhance Spain’s GDP by €16.5–25.7 billion annually and generate 250,000–350,000 new jobs. The focus on education, innovation, and public awareness underscores its commitment to a holistic and inclusive transition.

This collection represent a body of policies, strategies, and plans enacted under this law. 

Law 7/2021 on climate change and energy transition [Spain]

Laws and Policies

CCLW

CCLW national policies

National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2021-2030

Work Program 2021–2025. National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 

National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2021-2030. English version

Plan adopted

The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan is a reference framework for the co-ordination of the Public Administrations in the activities of impact assessment, vulnerability studies and adaptation to climate change in Spain. This document replaces an earlier version published in 2006 and spanning the period 2006-2020. The Plan considers a series of ecological systems and socio-economic sectors for impact assessment, vulnerability studies and adaptation to climate change: biodiversity, hydro resources, forests, agricultural sector, coastal areas, continental hunting and fishing, mountain areas, fishing and marine ecosystems, transport, human health, industry and energy, tourism, financial services, urban planning and construction. The Plan aims to facilitate and to provide continuous assistance to all the interested administrations and organisations - public and private, at all levels, to evaluate the impacts of climate change in Spain in the sector/system of their interest, and to provide all the information available on the subject, and the available elements, tools and assessment methods, for purposes of promoting the process of participation between the ones involved that can lead to the definition of the best adaptation options to climate change.