Vicente López-Ibor Mayor: Leading the Way Towards a Climate-Neutral Europe
It is hard to deny at this point that we are facing a dangerous climate change. We are on the brink of a point of no return. Although temperatures could decrease again, the opportunity to step back from the climate precipice is closing rapidly. Iberian Lawyer had the opportunity to chat with energy law expert Vicente López-Ibor Mayor and explore the legal perspective around the transition towards a climate-neutral Europe, allowing the specialized lawyer to provide valuable insights into the legal challenges and opportunities in this crucial context.
by Mercedes Galán
How would you explain climate change in Europe?
The pandemic was paradoxically a respite in terms of emissions due to the sudden decrease in industrial production, resulting in a reduction of negative impacts on the supply chain conflict, from agriculture to urban pollution, transportation, and power plants.
The decarbonization goals in the EU are ambitious, with a 50% reduction in emissions, accelerated penetration of renewables, doubled efforts and results in energy efficiency. However, the challenge is enormous, and time is scarce to address it.
What is our current context, and where do we start?
The starting point is a growing concern about climate issues, driven in recent years by urgency and technological advances. There is now widespread agreement that we cannot lower our guard against climate threats, which, to varying degrees, pose a risk to every society worldwide. There is only one planet, and we must protect, care for, and restore it.
Where are we heading or should be heading?
We should move towards a climate-neutral model without compromising supply security or energy affordability. In the EU, strict compliance with the 2030 decarbonization goals and achieving climate neutrality by 2050 are imperative.
What is the “Fit for 55” goal?
The “Fit for 55” is a community package of proposals and legislative acts aimed at ensuring EU decarbonization policies and incorporating the obligation to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030 into EU climate legislation.
