Strategic guidelines on water and climate change

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

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.