Among European countries, Spain enjoys the privilege of touching the oceans and seas from three different angles, while benefiting from the diverse impacts of oceanic and Mediterranean climates. Possessing extensive coastal areas facing the Bay of Biscay, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain hosts various ecological sites, which are highly important concerning biodiversity. However, it requires a lot of struggle to conserve the country’s natural resources and biological richness. Spain has been launching more, and better structured, environmental policies since 1986, after joining the European Union (EU). The general target of these policies is to conserve the mesmerising natural beauty of Spain while stimulating the tourism and agriculture industries sustainably. The controversial topics of air pollution, urban heat islands, traffic, and municipal recycling, are on the most recent agenda to be resolved by the Spanish government.
Spain, Culture and Environment
Many people recognise Spain as a country of four seasons, the home of the traditional dance of flamenco, delicious wine, and olive oil, along with the beautiful climate and seacoasts. The diversity of natural colour has been reflected in Spanish fashion, decoration and even on ikea couch covers that are sold in Spain. The country’s economy is benefiting so much from the ecological tourism and marine transportation while encouraging healthy and sustainable methods for agricultural production as well. Here is a short list of most recent environmental issues to be resolved in Spain, to preserve the natural beauty of the country.
Conserve Spain Along With Its Nature: But How?
With the help of the European Union, Spain has gained an ecological perspective and a holistic approach in dealing with environmental issues. The EU’s energy transition policies have become influential in environmental policy-making for Spain. In the past ten years, the country has launched several regulations at a local level in cooperation with the public. Here is a list of critical issues on this topic:
- Launching Renewable Technologies: Due to the EU 2020 Strategy, all European countries are asked to prepare themselves for an energy transition era, which requires them to transform the structure of their energy and manufacturing industries. Spain is trying to lower the use of fossil fuels, and integrate renewable energy sources in its main sectors. The developments in offshore wind energy are increasing in Spanish waters
- Deforestation: Due to unplanned and uncontrolled farming practices, forest fires and illegal cuttings, the Spanish forest area in hectares is decreasing. The Spanish government is working hard to implement reforestation strategies all around the country
- Quality of Water: The industrial and agricultural waste in water, lowerS the quality and quantity of available water resources in Spain
- Desertification: The Canary Islands and the South East region of Spain are under the desertification threat. The impact of climate change, high levels of erosion and natural processes, contribute significantly to the loss of soil fertility. New strategies are applied to solve this problem.
The Spanish government, along with public support, is trying to do their best in resolving these issues, and protecting the mesmerising nature of Spain.