A worrying scenario: uncontrolled emissions
The Catalan Countries face an alarming reality in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These lands currently generate six times more CO2e than is considered safe to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C. The Balearic Islands exceed this figure with an increase of 8.5 times, while Catalonia is at more than 5.
The lack of transparency in climate data
One of the major shortcomings is the lack of accessible information on emissions. Currently, official data only goes back to 2022, leaving citizens unaware of their annual climate footprint. Furthermore, there is no information on external emissions associated with our consumption, such as those generated in the production of goods that we import.
The Climate Trace paper
But it’s not all bad news. Climate Trace, a project of Al Gore, offers an innovative platform for monitoring emissions at a global level. This tool combines satellites and artificial intelligence to provide accurate data on emissions, including those that states do not report.
The alarming increase in emissions in Catalonia
Catalonia has experienced a 25% increase in its emissions since 1990. This contrasts with the European Union’s goal of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030. The data reveals that Catalonia has gone from 34.2 to 42.78 million tons of CO2e between 1990 and 2024.
Transportation as the main source of emissions
The transport sector is responsible for more than a third of emissions in Catalonia. If we include oil refining, this figure exceeds 41%. Authorities often hide the real impact of this sector, which is essential for decarbonization.
Shocking data on energy production
Contrary to popular belief, energy production only represents a fraction of total emissions. Only 10% comes from electricity generation, while emissions from waste treatment and domestic energy consumption are significantly higher.
The Balearics, an extreme case of emissions per capita
The Balearic Islands lead the statistics in per capita emissions, with more than 54% of GHGs coming from transport. Dependence on tourism and massive imports of goods have contributed to this unsustainable situation.
A critical look at the climate footprint
At a global level, the Catalan Countries have an alarming climate footprint, with 13.36 tons of CO2e per inhabitant. This figure exceeds the European Union average and is close to countries with high emissions such as Germany and Denmark. It is clear that our way of living and consuming is six times more harmful to the climate than what would be sustainable.
Urgent action by the authorities
With the current climate situation marked by extreme events, it is crucial that authorities take immediate action. The growing pressure from tourism and transport cannot continue to be ignored if we are to avoid an irreversible climate disaster. It is time for our political and economic leaders to commit to real change to preserve our planet.