Gran Canaria’s Climate Action Campaign

Gran Canaria’s energy agency – the Grand Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC), launched a campaign to raise public awareness about the urgent need to tackle climate change and its effects on the island.

A Call to Action Through Creative Storytelling

Central to the campaign is a video designed to highlight the realities of global warming. By bringing the effects of climate change into a familiar setting—our own homes—the video underscores that no place is immune from its consequences.

Raúl García Brink, Gran Canaria’s Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge and CIEGC Presidents, emphasised the campaign’s goal to both inform and inspire action.

“Gran Canaria is already experiencing the effects of climate change, but we are taking proactive steps to address it,” said García Brink. “We are spearheading sustainable, concrete projects to mitigate its consequences. Our message is clear: every resident of this island has a role to play. Together, we can make a difference, and there is still time to act.”

Our message is clear: every resident of this island has a role to play. Together, we can make a difference, and there is still time to act.

A Powerful Message of Urgency

The video portrays a home affected by extreme heatwaves and desertification, illustrating the unsettling reality of climate change. Through irony, it challenges viewers by depicting sand-covered furniture and oppressive heat as part of daily life, asking: How long can we ignore the signs?

Key Initiatives to Build Resilience

The campaign’s website, https://cambiaelclimagrancanaria.com/, highlights transformative projects led by the Island Council:

• Life Nieblas: Capturing fog water to reforest desertified areas and alleviate drought. This project involves the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC), which contributes by testing autonomous irrigation systems and collecting scientific data, including meteorological information and soil humidity.
• Horizon Natalie: Utilising nature-based solutions in Maspalomas to prevent flooding, manage rainwater, and protect ecosystems.
• Gran Canaria Mosaico: Restoring diverse landscapes that act as natural firebreaks to reduce forest fire risks and protect communities.
• Life Costa Adapta: Creating natural solutions to adapt coastal areas to climate change and mitigate storm impacts.
• Alertagran: Deploying advanced technology for early forest fire detection to enhance emergency response and protect the environment.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainability

This campaign is part of Gran Canaria’s Island Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation and Low-Carbon Economy Development, which includes a participatory process for the Energy Transition Agenda of Gran Canaria 2040. The strategy outlines a participatory roadmap to integrate sustainability into planning, reduce climate vulnerabilities, and advance the energy transition.

Through innovation and collective action, Gran Canaria aims to serve as a global example for island communities confronting climate change.