The transformation towards a low-carbon economy stands as an unavoidable priority for the European Union (EU) and its Member States, committed to the Paris Agreement to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This change requires a profound review of economic sectors, especially transport, which accounts for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe and has seen a constant increase since 1990, despite efforts in other areas to reduce these emissions. This trend is unsustainable and requires a determined and ambitious approach to reverse it.
The good news is that we have the tools and means to do it. The electrification of land transportation emerges as a key solution to mitigate emissions, taking advantage of the availability of technologies such as electric vehicles, which are already demonstrating their ability to improve air quality and reduce the negative externalities associated with fossil fuels. Spain, with its abundance of renewable resources, is strategically positioned to lead this transition and reduce its dependence on energy imports.
In fact, the shift towards greener and more efficient transportation not only has environmental benefits, but also economic and social ones. Considering that Spain has the greatest number of hours of sunlight compared to other EU Member States, is home to one of the largest lithium deposits on the continent and ranks third in renewable energy generation capacity in Europe, it emerges the question: Why continue importing fossil energies such as oil and natural gas at a time of climate crisis and growing geopolitical tension? Does it make sense, being rich in clean energy, to continue depending on imports of fossil fuels (oil and natural gas) from countries such as Nigeria, Iraq, Russia, Algeria and even the United States, Mexico and Brazil to transport goods and people from Huelva to Girona or from A Coruña to Murcia? Internalizing Europe’s battery supply chain would not only reduce carbon emissions, but also create jobs and stimulate innovation in key high-tech and sustainability sectors. Furthermore, by shortening supply chains and promoting local production of batteries and their components, Europe’s strategic autonomy would be strengthened and compliance with rigorous environmental and social standards ensured.
By choosing this route towards a more sustainable future, a debate arises about ethics and moral responsibility. Should we prioritize the long-term well-being of the planet and its inhabitants, or continue to cling to economic models that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation? This dilemma becomes relevant in the context of the European elections, where citizens of all Member States have the opportunity to influence the political and economic direction of the region.
As a passionate defender of European integration due to the immense benefits it brings us, it is clear to me that accelerating the ecological transition is synonymous with well-being while delaying this transformation does nothing more than reduce our resilience in the face of global warming, the acceleration of climate events. extremes and variations in the supply of energy and raw materials. Obstructing and slowing down the ecological transition, as sought by certain companies and populist governments in some Member States, constitutes a serious threat to economic and social well-being in Europe. On the contrary, promoting this transition has benefits for both public health and the economy.
Ambitious goals
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Set ambitious electrification targets for companies that own or lease large fleets of vehicles through the leasing (either renting) is crucial to moving towards zero emissions. Furthermore, this will facilitate the democratization of the electric vehicle, since at the end of the rental period, these vehicles will feed an incipient second-hand vehicle market. The implementation of tax incentives aimed mainly at companies and the introduction of a leasing Social initiatives aimed at population groups with lower incomes are proposed as solutions to make the transition towards electric mobility more accessible and equitable for all sectors of society. This program could be part of the social climate plan, partially financed by European Union funds. The electrification of corporate fleets and the adoption of leasing social will help increase the currently low share of electric vehicle registrations in Spain (5%), stimulate manufacturers to produce more affordable vehicles and promote the generation of quality jobs with future projection.
In summary, the transition to a low-carbon economy is a challenge that must be urgently addressed, and transportation electrification and battery supply chain internalization emerge as two critical strategies to achieve this goal. It is crucial that both the European Union and its Member States take decisive measures in this regard, taking advantage of opportunities such as the draft Spanish industry and strategic autonomy law or the sustainable mobility law, to set the course towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. After the next elections, MEPs will carry out the policies chosen by their voters. All these aspects must be considered when depositing our ballot in the ballot box.
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