National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2021-2030

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. 

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.

This document promotes a production and consumption model "in which the value of products, materials and resources are maintained within the economy for as long as possible, with minimal waste and reusing as much as possible the waste that cannot be avoided". The strategy notably calls for decarbonisation and for at the release of dedicated triennial action plans. A Circular Economy Action Plan 2021-2023 is currently under preparation.

Spanish Strategy for Circular Economy (España Circular 2030)

The Just Transition Strategy (ETJ), as part of Spain's Strategic Energy and Climate Framework, ensures a fair and inclusive ecological transition by creating quality jobs, supporting vulnerable communities, and promoting social and territorial cohesion. It focuses on gender equality, rural revitalization, stakeholder engagement, and sectoral planning while enhancing RD and innovation. Through "Just Transition Agreements", it aims to mitigate negative impacts on workers and regions, particularly coal-dependent areas, ensuring that the shift to a low-carbon economy drives economic growth and environmental sustainability without leaving anyone behind.

Just transition strategy 2021

<p>The Strategic Action Plan of the Institute for Just Transition (ITJ), 2024-2026, outlines key objectives and initiatives to ensure a fair and inclusive ecological transition in Spain. In compliance with legal requirements, the plan builds on previous strategies (2021-2023) and aligns with the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law. It includes evaluating the first Just Transition Strategy (2019), preparing a new one for 2025, and advancing initiatives in areas impacted by coal, nuclear, and thermal power plant closures. Key areas of focus include gender equality, youth inclusion, managing European Just Transition Fund resources, fostering national and international dialogues, and enhancing communication tools. The ITJ aims to promote modernised, diversified economies and support vulnerable communities while driving internal transformation for greater efficiency and accountability.</p>

Strategic Action Plan of the Institute for Just Transition (ITJ), 2024-2026

The State Plan for Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Research 2024-2027 (PEICTI) is a strategic framework developed under Spain’s Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation (Law 14/2011). It serves as the multi-annual instrument for planning and coordinating state-led policies in research, development, and innovation (RDI) within the framework of the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2021-2027 (EECTI). The PEICTI outlines specific objectives derived from the EECTI and includes detailed programmes and actions to be implemented by various government departments and affiliated organisations, including public research institutions. The plan requires strong inter-ministerial collaboration and is classified as a strategic subsidies plan under Spain’s General Subsidies Law.Aligned with the European Green Transition policies, the PEICTI integrates eco-responsibility principles, such as the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) approach and carbon-neutral infrastructure development. It supports circularity in research projects and aims to enhance public engagement on ecological and climate issues. The plan considered and plays a role in advancing Spain’s National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2023-2030, contributing to research and innovation for sustainable development.

State Plan for Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Research 2024-2027 (PEICTI)

The Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2021-2027 (EECTI 2021-2027) serves as the foundational framework for strengthening and consolidating Spain's Science, Technology, and Innovation System (SECTI) over seven years. It aligns national RDI policies with the European Union's strategies, leveraging synergies to enhance scientific, technological, and industrial progress. Drafted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategy addresses pandemic-related challenges and underscores the critical role of science and innovation in socio-economic recovery and resilience. It adopts a phased approach: the first phase (2021–2023) focuses on reinforcing existing strengths, investing in healthcare RDI, ecological transition, and digitalisation, while the second phase (2024–2027) prioritises knowledge-driven economic growth and institutionalising RDI as a cornerstone of national development.The EECTI 2021-2027 identifies six thematic clusters essential for addressing Spain’s strategic priorities: health, inclusive society and creativity, societal security, digital and industrial advancements, climate and energy, and sustainable food systems. It integrates the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and EU programmes, particularly Horizon Europe. The strategy also emphasises enhancing investment in RDI, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing technologies to mitigate demographic challenges and promote regional equity. Ultimately, the EECTI aims to position Spain as a leader in innovation, fostering high-quality employment and long-term socio-economic sustainability.

Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2021-2027 (EECTI 2021-2027)

The Spanish government, recognising the urgency demanded by scientific consensus on climate action, has established a comprehensive legal framework to address climate change. Central to this effort is the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) 2021–2030, the primary tool for coordinating national adaptation strategies. This framework is implemented through five-year Work Programmes, with the first covering 2021–2025. The Work Programme outlines 257 measures and 11 sub-measures addressing 85 of the 88 action lines defined in the PNACC. These measures span diverse sectors, including health, water resources, biodiversity, urban planning, and energy, while incorporating cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, social vulnerability, and climate risk prevention. Responsibilities are distributed across national ministries, regional governments, and local authorities, ensuring a collaborative approach to adaptation. The programme’s design aims to mobilise public and private actors, ensuring alignment with broader societal and environmental goals, while advancing Spain’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.

National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Working program 2021-2025

The "Strategic Guidelines on Water and Climate Change" outline Spain's approach to integrating water management with climate change adaptation. Article 19 of the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law emphasises the need for water planning and management to ensure water security for people, biodiversity, and socioeconomic activities while reducing vulnerability to climate change. This is achieved by prioritising ecological flow regimes as a precondition rather than a competing use of water, aligning with hydrological plans, and adhering to the forthcoming "Water Strategy for Ecological Transition”.
Spain faces significant challenges due to its diverse hydrological systems, exacerbated by irregular rainfall, droughts, and flooding. Key priorities include enhancing wastewater treatment infrastructure to meet EU standards, addressing overexploitation and contamination of groundwater, and adapting water resources to climate risks such as altered flow regimes, rising temperatures, and sea-level rise. Strategic actions of this policy include advancing hydrological planning for 2022-2027, fostering sustainable water use, promoting renewable energy in water systems, restoring aquatic ecosystems, and modernizing monitoring technologies. Spain also aims to strengthen its international role in water governance through partnerships and alignment with global and EU environmental objectives.

Strategic guidelines on water and climate change

The Spanish Strategy for International Climate Finance outlines Spain’s commitment to supporting global climate action through a coordinated framework aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mandated by the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law (Law 7/2021), the strategy focuses on enhancing climate-resilient, low-carbon development by aligning funding with their national climate priorities. It excludes support for unabated fossil fuel projects except in limited, clearly defined cases consistent with the 1.5°C target. Principles guiding the strategy include coherence with EU taxonomy, gender equality, human rights, and fostering public-private collaboration.
Key objectives include fulfilling Spain’s international commitments by scaling up climate finance to €1.35 billion by 2025, integrating climate goals into development cooperation, and leveraging investment to advance ecological transitions. The strategy prioritises renewable energy, green transitions, and sustainable development projects while enhancing accountability and alignment with recipient countries’ climate plans.

Spanish strategy for International Climate Finance

The Spanish Strategy for International Climate Finance outlines Spain’s commitment to supporting global climate action through a coordinated framework aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mandated by the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law (Law 7/2021), the strategy focuses on enhancing climate-resilient, low-carbon development by aligning funding with their national climate priorities. It excludes support for unabated fossil fuel projects except in limited, clearly defined cases consistent with the 1.5°C target. Principles guiding the strategy include coherence with EU taxonomy, gender equality, human rights, and fostering public-private collaboration.Key objectives include fulfilling Spain’s international commitments by scaling up climate finance to €1.35 billion by 2025, integrating climate goals into development cooperation, and leveraging investment to advance ecological transitions. The strategy prioritises renewable energy, green transitions, and sustainable development projects while enhancing accountability and alignment with recipient countries’ climate plans.

The Strategy for the Adaptation of the Spanish Coastline to Climate Change outlines Spain’s commitment to enhancing coastal resilience to climate change impacts through a structured, evidence-based approach. Developed by the Spanish Climate Change Office (OECC) in collaboration with the University of Cantabria, the strategy progresses in three phases. The first phase evaluates changes in coastal dynamics and projects future trends under various climate scenarios. The second phase assesses potential impacts on natural spaces and human uses of the coastline. Finally, the third phase establishes actionable policies supported by objective indicators to mitigate and prevent climate-related effects. Central to this initiative is the Law 2/2013, which incorporates climate adaptation into Spain's Coastal Law, mandating prospective climate impact assessments for public projects and outlining strategies to safeguard coastal areas.
The strategy is guided by principles of sustainability, including rational use of resources, energy efficiency, and the preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. It highlights the interplay of anthropogenic activities, such as emissions and land use changes, with climate risks, advocating for coordinated measures to minimise their combined effects. Strategic Environmental Assessments and inter-administrative collaboration are integral to its implementation, ensuring robust diagnostics and adaptive interventions to protect Spain’s coastal integrity against the dual pressures of climate change and human activities.

Strategy for the Adaptation of the Spanish Coastline to Climate Change

The Strategy for the Adaptation of the Spanish Coastline to Climate Change outlines Spain’s commitment to enhancing coastal resilience to climate change impacts through a structured, evidence-based approach. Developed by the Spanish Climate Change Office (OECC) in collaboration with the University of Cantabria, the strategy progresses in three phases. The first phase evaluates changes in coastal dynamics and projects future trends under various climate scenarios. The second phase assesses potential impacts on natural spaces and human uses of the coastline. Finally, the third phase establishes actionable policies supported by objective indicators to mitigate and prevent climate-related effects. Central to this initiative is the Law 2/2013, which incorporates climate adaptation into Spain's Coastal Law, mandating prospective climate impact assessments for public projects and outlining strategies to safeguard coastal areas.The strategy is guided by principles of sustainability, including rational use of resources, energy efficiency, and the preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. It highlights the interplay of anthropogenic activities, such as emissions and land use changes, with climate risks, advocating for coordinated measures to minimise their combined effects. Strategic Environmental Assessments and inter-administrative collaboration are integral to its implementation, ensuring robust diagnostics and adaptive interventions to protect Spain’s coastal integrity against the dual pressures of climate change and human activities.