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Environment and energy

Environment and energy

Climate influencers recognized in Madrid

25 Oct 2019 James Dacey
Climate Reality Project Spain

Having contributed to Physics World’s journalism from its Bristol headquarters for the past decade, I’ve recently relocated to sunnier climes – namely Spain’s lively capital, Madrid. By sheer coincidence, my Airbnb host upon arrival turned out to be a fellow science communicator, Manuel Montijano, who invited me along to an award ceremony last night to recognize Spanish climate influencers. The gala was organized by the Spanish wing of the Climate Reality Project, an NGO founded in 2011 from the consolidation of two of Al Gore’s environmental organizations.

Climate change is a global issue but it’s fair to say that the Iberian Peninsula is on the front line of the threats facing Europe. From the wildfires in 2017 to severe droughts in 2018 and flooding in 2019, Spain and Portugal are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. On the flip side, this location in south-western Europe is also well-placed to offer solutions to the problem. That was nicely illustrated in the month of March 2018, when Portugal provided 104% of its electricity consumption from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric and wind (the excess 4% was passed on to Spain).

Last night’s event took place at the Kinépolis de la Ciudad de la Imagen, a cinema complex to the west of Madrid’s urban area. Hosting a social event about the planet’s grave perils is a tricky gig. But the comedian Sara Escudero walked the line expertly between delivering jokes and a serious message about climate. As well as the gags, her dress made from recycled materials – including CDs and feathers – brought a touch of glam to the event.

Jon Kortajarena

Speaking of style, before the show began the Spanish press pack was huddled around the model and actor Jon Kortajarena, who was to be crowned the “public personality of the year” for his activities promoting climate issues. “My generation is pleading and demanding real, serious and immediate change from international companies and politicians. Don’t fail us because the world is watching,” said Kortajarena who has 2.3 million followers on Instagram.

Other winners on the night included the national newspaper El País for its climate coverage and the Basque regional government for its climate change strategy. Most recipients were Spanish, but there was also a special “under 18s” award for Greta Thunberg and all the students across the globe involved in the Fridays for Future movement. Although Thunberg could not attend, there was a slightly surreal stunt of a man dressed in Greta’s yellow raincoat taking to the stage with the “todos somos Greta” (we are all Greta).

Preceding the award presentations was a screening of the documentary Hacia un Planeta Verde (Towards a Green Planet), a whistle-stop tour of humanity’s relationship with fossil fuels, which you can watch below, in Spanish. Produced by journalist Manuel Campo Vidal with technical support from the Spanish utility company Iberdrola, the science covered familiar ground. For me, the interesting part was the strong call for the world’s wealthiest companies need to lead by example in the transition to lower carbon economies. It also recognized the moral obligation to invest European money in communities built around fossil fuel extraction and processing to help with the transition.

My one criticism of the film is that it could have taken a more nuanced view of the challenges of bringing about drastic cuts in carbon emissions. For instance, the UK was hailed as a European climate leader for reducing emissions. Yet there was no mention of the strong criticism from the government’s own climate-change advisers, who say the UK is not acting anywhere near the speed needed to achieve its climate targets.

But ultimately, this was an evening to celebrate achievements and inspire attendees about the possibilities of change. In that department the gala was a big success. In true local style, the evening was finished off with some vegetarian tapas and local wine. Look out for more coverage from Spain in the future.

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