Sánchez links climate change to the tragedy in Valencia at COP29.

During Tuesday's session at the COP29 Climate Summit, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, delivered a powerful and heart-wrenching message by connecting climate change to the recent disaster that has devastated the province of Valencia. In his speech, Sánchez did not hesitate to describe the situation as "the greatest natural disaster in our history," emphasizing that extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by global warming, have contributed to the tragic deaths of over 220 compatriots in Spain.

Sánchez addressed an audience made up of world leaders, from presidents to monarchs, to underscore the direct relationship between climate change and human suffering. "I have come here to speak about a terrible truth that science has long pointed out: climate change kills," he stated, emphasizing that last year, 300,000 people lost their lives due to this global phenomenon. His intervention came at a critical moment, where the need for action becomes imperative in light of the evidence presented by science.

The Spanish president focused on the DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression) that struck Valencia, noting that, according to preliminary investigations, such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, partly due to climate changes caused by human activity. This connection between climate and tragedy serves as a call to action that resonates in a global context, where many governments seem hesitant in the face of the urgency to act.

"At this moment, there is only one thing as important as helping the victims of the tragedy in Valencia: preventing it from happening again," the president emphasized, reminding everyone of the need to implement effective measures to prevent future natural disasters. With his speech, Sánchez aims not only to comfort those affected but also to mobilize the international community to make bold and necessary decisions.

Sánchez also criticized those who argue that fighting climate change could harm the economy. "Fighting climate change does not mean giving up abundance or going back to the Stone Age," he highlighted, appealing to innovation and the transformation towards a more sustainable model that allows for inclusive and ecological economic growth. The message is clear: the transition to a greener future is not a sacrifice, but an opportunity.

The president insisted that Spain is committed to its climate goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050 and compliance with the Paris Agreement. Despite Spain's reduction in emissions and notable economic growth, Sánchez stressed that the fight against climate change cannot be an isolated effort. "It is of little use if only some of us do it and others do not," he asserted, calling for global cooperation to address this crisis.

The issue of climate financing was also addressed, a crucial aspect for the most vulnerable countries. Sánchez revealed that Spain has contributed 1.4 billion euros to the climate support fund in 2023, exceeding previous expectations and commitments. However, he warned that this figure is only a first step, and that global climate financing needs are much greater, speaking of trillions instead of billions.

Sánchez's speech at COP29 was not only an opportunity to advocate for the victims of the DANA in Valencia, but also reflected the desperation and urgency felt by many around the world in the face of the growing threat of climate change. "It's not about degrowth, but about growing differently, more sustainably," he reiterated, emphasizing that the future of the working class is at stake if decisive action is not taken.

Sánchez's intervention in Baku is a reminder that the fight against climate change is a matter of life and death. Natural disasters, such as those that have recently affected Spain, serve as a warning about the consequences of inaction. The international community must heed this call and act accordingly, before more lives are lost and more communities are devastated.

Against the backdrop of an imminent change in the U.S. administration, which could affect global efforts against climate change, Sánchez's words resonate even more strongly. The need to establish firm and affordable commitments for climate financing is more urgent than ever. In this context, COP29 becomes a crucial stage not only for discussing goals but also for forging a more resilient future for all.