A debate over the future of the country’s climate policy is heating up in the Spanish parliament. Left-wing political groups, including Sumar, Esquerra Republicana (ERC), and EH Bildu, have proposed an initiative that could transform the approach to adapting homes and public buildings to new climate realities. Their proposal includes state support covering up to 100% of the costs for installing modern cooling systems and energy-efficient upgrades.
Lawmakers insist that every home should be equipped with an efficient air conditioning or ventilation system. The document, submitted to the relevant committee for review, emphasizes a comprehensive approach: from passive solutions like shading and insulation to the introduction of heat pumps, aerothermal, and geothermal technologies. According to the authors of the initiative, these measures will not only help lower electricity bills but also prepare infrastructure for extreme weather conditions.
Environmental taxes
At the same time, the parties are proposing new fiscal tools aimed at reallocating funds toward environmental projects. In particular, they are suggesting a wealth tax—2% annually on those whose assets exceed 100 million euros. This measure, inspired by the so-called ‘Zucman rate,’ is intended to increase funding for climate initiatives.
In addition, the proposal suggests reforming the temporary tax on energy companies by turning it into a permanent environmental levy. According to its proponents, this measure would direct revenues from fossil fuel extraction and processing companies toward projects that reduce emissions and restore the environment.
Urban environment
A key part of the initiative is the idea of creating so-called ‘green-blue’ infrastructure in cities. This includes not only new parks and alleys, but also greened façades and rooftops, the restoration of urban rivers, installing fountains, and creating beaches along water bodies. According to the authors, such projects can improve the urban microclimate and enhance residents’ quality of life.
The document also calls on the government to speed up the development and implementation of administrative tools to support climate initiatives. These include establishing a unified open-access climate data base, creating a pool of qualified climate specialists, and introducing mandatory certification for government employees working in this field.
Marine ecosystems
Special attention is given to the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. Among the proposals are the launch of a national program to preserve Posidonia seagrass meadows and cetaceans, as well as stricter oversight of tourism companies and fishing enterprises. Lawmakers insist on the need to establish new marine reserves with the participation of local communities in their management.
As part of the biodiversity conservation strategy, the authors propose increasing the share of protected marine areas to 30%, of which at least 10% should be under strict protection. They believe this approach will allow Spain to meet European standards and the requirements of environmental organizations.
Social changes
Other initiatives include support for the professional growth of young specialists in climatology and the creation of interagency teams to implement climate projects. It is also proposed to allocate funds from the Social Climate Fund exclusively for structural investments in climate adaptation, which should increase the transparency and efficiency of budget spending.
In case you didn’t know, Sumar is a relatively young political movement that has brought together several left-wing forces in Spain. Its ranks include representatives of various regional parties, such as Esquerra Republicana (ERC) from Catalonia and EH Bildu from the Basque Country. These political groups have traditionally advocated for social justice, environmental protection, and greater regional autonomy. In recent years, they have actively promoted a sustainable development agenda and have called on the government to take stronger measures in combating the climate crisis.
