Climate change, a reality
Climate change is a change in Earth’s temperature globally. Throughout history there have been natural changes and evolutions, but in the last few centuries data from around the world shows us that human activity has caused changes in the Earth’s climate as a consequence of emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This is a situation that poses a threat to the composition of natural ecosystems, their ability to recover and their productivity, economic and social development, and the health and well-being of citizens.
The cost of doing nothing is becoming ever greater, not just in terms of social and environmental costs, but also economic ones. Taking early action to confront the present and future impacts of climate change is an opportunity that can deliver benefits such as job creation, innovation, improved knowledge of the city itself and a reduction in the risks linked to the city’s vulnerabilities to climate change.
We are responsible for this
Human activity is the cause of this climate change and, therefore, we are responsible for it. We are part of the problem, but also part of the solution.
It affects people's health and daily life
What is more, these changes seriously damage our health and affect our quality of life.
We need to act now
It is a priority, we cannot afford to wait. We must act with urgency, not caution.
Climate change is a reality
Numerous studies show that it is real. There is no time for scepticism or denial.
It is happening now
We are already noticing the effects: rising temperatures, less water, more extreme climate phenomena, and so on.
Climate change is unfair
It does not affect everyone in the same way; some people and neighbourhoods are more vulnerable.
We still have time
We have the opportunity to act and the capacity to do.
We are also responsible
Barcelona is a city where many daily activities generate greenhouse gas emissions. These come mainly from energy use (both at the stage of generation and final consumption) and are fairly spread across different sectors, though largely linked to mobility, households and services.
Thanks to the mitigation measures the city has implemented in recent years, CO2 emissions have fallen, particularly since 2005. Even so, it remains essential to cut these emissions much further by encouraging energy savings, improving efficiency and boosting local renewable generation. At the same time, efforts are being made to raise awareness and empower citizens in relation to energy, which is regarded as a basic service.
For further information:
To learn more about greenhouse gas emissions in Barcelona, you can consult the monitoring reports published periodically at this link.
International context
Barcelona is a city where many daily activities generate greenhouse gas emissions. These come mainly from energy use (both at the stage of generation and final consumption) and are fairly spread across different sectors, though largely linked to mobility, households and services.
Thanks to the mitigation measures the city has implemented in recent years, CO2 emissions have fallen, particularly since 2005. Even so, it remains essential to cut these emissions much further by encouraging energy savings, improving efficiency and boosting local renewable generation. At the same time, efforts are being made to raise awareness and empower citizens in relation to energy, which is regarded as a basic service.
For further information:
To learn more about greenhouse gas emissions in Barcelona, you can consult the monitoring reports published periodically at this link.