The reconstruction of the economy and ecology must go hand in hand in the Canary Islands after Covid-19. This is beyond discussion, especially in Lanzarote, despite the fact that the pandemic has momentarily relegated global warming and climate change to the background. But this very serious problem threatens all life on the planet and, as we return to our activities, an economic and energy model that is profoundly unsustainable and whose transformation is urgent will resurface.
Everything indicates that we will face the reconstruction of the economy in Spain under a new legal framework, after the Government sent the draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition to the Cortes. So it will be up to us to rebuild economic activity while addressing the ecological transition. For two reasons. The first is that our lives depend on it, it's that simple. And the second is that it has a great capacity for investment and employment, so opportunities are opening up for lasting and supportive progress, making the most of business potential, but also scientific and technological potential.
As the Government presided over by Pedro Sánchez has made clear, the energy transition is becoming a decisive driving force for generating economic activity and employment in the short term in the current recovery process from the coronavirus. But, at the same time, it will do so in a way that is consistent with what the country needs in the medium and long term, as it opens up opportunities in terms of modernization of the economy, industry, job creation and attracting investment, without losing sight of the objective of achieving emission neutrality no later than 2050.
In Lanzarote, La Graciosa and the Canary Islands we have everything we need to successfully face this new time that lies ahead. With the climate we have, certifying ourselves as a safe and Covid-19-free tourist destination will reaffirm us as an ideal place to spend a vacation. Tourism will return very soon and alleviate much of the anguish that grips the most vulnerable sectors, but even so there will be much work to be done. Before the middle of the century, the electricity system has to be 100% renewable, so we have to hurry up and take advantage of the energy of the sun, wind and sea.
The draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition proposes to reach 2050 with the private and commercial vehicle fleet decarbonized, freeing the atmosphere from polluting gases, especially in cities, a commitment that especially concerns all municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Therefore, Arrecife must also implement its own low-emission zones, no later than 2023, with measures that encourage the use of public transport, bicycles and active transport on foot. Arrecife must thus give meaning to its status as the capital of a Biosphere Reserve.
Sustainable tourism, totally clean energy, absence of pollution, a rich biodiversity, seas free of plastics or pristine landscapes are some of the attributes that should distinguish us in the near future. But we will also have to improve a lot in the existence of opportunities to start a business, have a solid and diversified business fabric, as well as quality and well-paid jobs to achieve rates of economic activity and employment comparable to the average of the regions of Europe.
The great transformations required by the fight against global warming and climate change are beginning to align with the measures necessary to reactivate the economy. We have everything to be at the forefront, including a committed, sensitive regional government that is up to these formidable challenges.
Fco. Manuel Fajardo Palarea, PSOE senator for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
