At the COP29 UN Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024), Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a powerful message about the lethal consequences of climate change, using the recent DANA low-pressure storm that devastated southeastern Spain as an example. Sánchez emphasized the urgency of combating climate change, stating that “climate change kills”—a harsh reality that became all too clear with the catastrophic floods in Valencia, which claimed the lives of 222 people.
A Call for Action: Spain’s Climate Crisis
In his speech, Sánchez stressed that the DANA floods were not just a natural disaster, but a direct result of climate change. He remarked, “Just last year, climate change killed over 300,000 people and has just contributed to the deaths of 222 compatriots in my country.” This disaster, according to initial investigations, would likely have been less severe without the influence of climate change.
Sánchez made it clear that the time for denial and inaction has passed. He criticized governments worldwide for hesitating in their climate efforts. He stated, “It will be of little use if only some of us do it and not everyone.” He urged nations to act together, emphasizing that the climate crisis is a global challenge that requires universal cooperation.
Tax Fossil Fuels and Invest in Sustainable Transport
One of the main points of Sánchez’s speech was the need for more aggressive taxation of fossil fuels. He argued that low fossil fuel taxes indirectly subsidize their use, worsening the climate crisis. He called for taxes on maritime, air, and diesel transport to curb emissions and incentivize sustainable alternatives.
Sánchez also emphasized the importance of innovative climate financing to meet ambitious global goals. He called for increased investment from the private sector, arguing that countries need to “tax fossil fuels enough” to reflect their real environmental costs.
Spain’s Commitment to a
Carbon-Neutral Future
Despite the devastating floods, Sánchez reassured the international community that Spain remains committed to its goal of becoming a carbon-neutral society by 2050. He reminded global leaders that Spain has already reduced its emissions by 40% and its consumption of natural resources. However, he warned that individual actions won’t be enough if the rest of the world doesn’t follow suit.
Sánchez urged governments to act with ambition on climate change. He argued that the financial and political commitments made at COP29 will determine the future of humanity. His message was clear: climate change is no longer a distant possibility but a present-day crisis.
Global Responsibility: The Rich Must Lead the Way.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also echoed this call for a global response, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poorest communities. He pointed out that the wealthiest billionaires emit more carbon in just a few hours than the average person does in an entire lifetime.
Sánchez used this as an example to push for fiscal justice, urging wealthier countries to take greater responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. He reminded world leaders that “the planet has only one atmosphere, and all its climate patterns are interconnected.”
Conclusion: Time to Act
In conclusion, Sánchez’s speech at COP29 emphasized the need for a united global response to climate change. As one of the most vulnerable countries to its impacts, Spain is committed to leading the charge toward a more sustainable future, but it is clear that coordinated global efforts are necessary. “We have one atmosphere, and its climate patterns are interconnected,” Sánchez declared. “That is why I ask you to act.”
This message, especially in the wake of the devastating DANA storm, serves as a sobering reminder that climate change is already claiming lives and threatens the stability of future generations. Now, more than ever, it is critical that world leaders take bold, immediate action.
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