Global warming: a reality that already affects us
The planet is changing at a rate not seen by scientists in thousands of years. Average temperatures across the Iberian peninsula have risen 1.4 °C since 1980, and heat waves are growing more frequent and longer. This is not a distant forecast: it already shapes water availability, agricultural output and public health. We are facing a collective challenge that demands the active protection of ecosystems and the sustainable development of our cities and rural areas.
Understanding the problem is the first step towards action. Public outreach, environmental education and the monitoring of climate indicators by Spanish and European institutions support informed decisions. Protecting the land, reducing emissions and ensuring an orderly transition towards a low-carbon future are goals shared by civil society, regional governments and national authorities.
Spain's role in renewable energy
Spain has emerged as one of Europe's leading countries in the development of renewable energy. More than 50% of the electricity generated in 2025 came from clean sources, mainly photovoltaic solar, wind and hydroelectric. The strong solar radiation of the central plateau and Andalusia, along with the Atlantic winds of Galicia, have turned the country into a natural laboratory for the development of sustainable technologies.
Spanish energy companies work alongside universities, research centres and public administrations to accelerate the transition. The 2021-2030 National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan sets a goal of 74% renewable electricity by 2030, contributing to a broad protection of the climate and natural heritage. This development goes beyond large infrastructure: local energy communities and citizen-owned rooftop solar systems are an essential part of the future.
Agriculture 5.0: the future of the Spanish countryside
Spain's primary sector is undergoing its greatest transformation in decades. The so-called Agriculture 5.0 combines moisture sensors, satellites, artificial intelligence and traditional know-how to produce more with less water, less soil erosion and a lower environmental impact. It is a quiet but profound development that helps protect biodiversity, improve food quality and ensure a new generation chooses life in rural areas.
The olive groves of Jaén, the vineyards of La Rioja and the greenhouses of Almería are already European benchmarks for water and energy efficiency. Cooperation between farming cooperatives, research centres such as CSIC and regional governments ensures that the future of the countryside remains rooted in the land, supported by knowledge, data and respect for the soil that feeds us.