Strategy for the Adaptation of the Spanish Coastline to 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 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.