When tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Lanzarote a few years ago to shout NO to oil, we were opposing oil exploration off our coasts. But, as we do not want for ourselves what we do not wish for anyone, I think I am not mistaken if I say that at the same time we were demanding the end of the oil era and the beginning of an energy transition towards clean and renewable sources, of which we have plenty in the Canary Islands. The Draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition that is being processed in the Courts responds to both demands, and now it is time to decarbonize.
At this moment we feel deeply concerned about the economic and social crisis caused by the health emergency, but we must not lose sight of the fact that global warming and climate change threaten life itself on the planet. It is appropriate to remember that we are the people who are causing this situation and it is in our hands to correct it. But we have to do it now because the scientific data does not allow discussion: human activities are responsible for an increase in global temperatures of approximately 1 °C above the pre-industrial level and, at the current rate, the increase of 1.5 °C will be reached between 2030 and 2052.
The case of our country is even more serious, since this increase in temperature is higher than the average by almost 0.5 °C. The Draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition responds to this extraordinary challenge of stopping global warming and climate change, but we all know that a law or a government alone can do little to improve things unless the private sector and the rest of society are actively involved. And not only in our country, but throughout the planet, since the challenge concerns all humanity.
Luckily we are not alone. The European Green Pact establishes a new growth strategy that seeks to transform the European Union (EU) into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, and with the aim of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent in 2050. In this context, the Draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition specifies our commitment within the EU, opens the door to the modernization of our country and facilitates the equitable distribution of wealth in the decarbonization process.
The task is enormous, since the obligation to limit emissions implies changes in consumption patterns and requires a transition towards an economy based on renewable technologies. But this transformation offers opportunities for growth, business and employment as long as a medium and long-term perspective is incorporated that facilitates the orderly decarbonization of the economy. This structural change will mobilize tens of billions of euros of investment, but will also prevent the deterioration of essential resources for our well-being such as water, fertile soil or biodiversity, which threaten the quality of life and health of people.
So now it is our turn to decarbonize, that is, to move towards a more ecological and socially beneficial production model. These efforts will create opportunities for decent employment, increasing the efficiency of resources and building a sustainable society, with low carbon emissions, and more just and egalitarian. We are heading towards the welfare state of the 21st century, a decarbonized state.
Fco. Manuel Fajardo Palarea, PSOE senator for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.