“Mayors change, but Climate Neutrality Roadmaps will last for years”

Some communities lack strong leadership that could help them respond robustly. Tell us what the REMARKABLE Climate Leaders can bring to local leaders and communities in Spain.

Local leaders have been engaged since the proposal stage of the REMARKABLE Climate Leaders project, understanding that the final goal is not just to achieve energy efficiency and renewable energy sources targets for 2020 or 2030, but to achieve net zero emissions before 2050. The REMARKABLE Climate Leaders project was designed with their needs in mind.

REMARKABLE provides what society demands: more and better measures to reduce energy demand, promotion of renewable energy sources, placing citizens at the centre of the energy system, and, in general, a change in the energy model. This change in mindset is reaching local leaders, such as mayors and others, as residents and companies are urging them to introduce new initiatives.

The project provides actions that enable networking with other climate leaders to exchange experiences and learn from them. REMARKABLE is not based on political interests, but on climate neutrality for all, thus there are many possible synergies and cooperation that can speed up the process.

REMARKABLE offers a practical Climate Leadership Programme and tools, such as Climate Neutrality Roadmaps, which do not currently exist in Spain. The project also provides advice on how to turn plans into real actions.

The REMARKABLE Climate Leaders build a new leadership capacity across Europe. Why do regions in Spain need climate leaders?

The municipalities & the regions need climate leaders because they can support the plans and guide actions to mitigate climate change to achieve climate neutrality before 2050.

It’s important to remember that mayors may change, but Climate Neutrality Roadmaps can last for 20-30 years.

Francisco Puente

Climate leaders create the right environment within the local public bodies and with the other stakeholders (companies, neighbours,…) to persecute the municipal targets. They have a vision of how to reach the targets, can share it with others, and reach a common understanding on the way to get there.

How would you describe a climate leader?

Firstly, a true leader collaborates with other leaders and people in their municipality while leading technical and policy matters. They empathise with helping others reach their aims and serve as an exemplary figure for other municipalities.

Secondly, a Climate Leader is committed to combating climate change by having a thorough understanding of the primary targets, policies, and key measures on European, national, and local levels. They believe that it’s possible to mitigate the impact of climate change and are willing to promote and implement appropriate measures.

Lastly, a Climate Leader actively seeks out efficient ways to achieve objectives and is directly involved in organizing staff, coordinating plans, and implementing measures to achieve the desired outcomes.

ESCAN has 35 years of experience in the energy sector, with many national and international references and cooperates in European projects. How does ESCAN help climate leader achieve their goals?

At ESCAN, our goal is to support municipalities in achieving climate neutrality through the Climate Leadership Programme. We provide guidance, information, and tools to help design and implement Climate Neutrality Roadmaps.

It is the case that in some municipalities there are real climate leaders but they don’t know they are so.

Francisco Puente

We also facilitate networking between municipalities, both within the region and with other leading municipalities that have developed best practices. This helps create knowledge that can be used over the years by current mayors and their successors.

The article was originally published on climateleaders.eu. For further reference, visit the website.