In an effort to bring scientific evidence closer to political decision-making and combat climate misinformation, the Congress of Deputies will host important climate training sessions on September 16 and 23 in the Cánovas Hall. The initiative, led by “Mandate for the Climate,” will involve the participation of top-level scientists and representatives of the main political parties of the country.
The objective of this series of training sessions is clear: to promote political decision-making based on science and foster constructive dialogue between political actors and climate change experts. The intention is to implement the best public policies to address the climate crisis. During these sessions, the parliamentarians of the XV Legislature, both from the Congress and the Senate, will receive key information and tools provided by internationally renowned specialists, many of whom collaborate with organizations such as the IPCC and IPBES.
“Mandate for the Climate” promotes the signing of a political Declaration of the General Courts in the fight against the Climate Crisis, with the aim of reaching a political consensus based on scientific evidence. This initiative began on May 21, but at that time only three out of the 350 invited deputies attended. Now, faced with the growing need for a firmer political commitment, efforts have been redoubled and all spokespersons and members of the Congress and the Senate have been invited to participate and sign the Declaration.
Fernando Prieto, CEO of the Sustainability Observatory, which leads the initiative, has expressed the increasing willingness of the main parties to recognize the importance of the climate crisis in their policies. “The litmus test of political commitment against the climate crisis begins by embracing that Declaration, attending and effectively participating in the training sessions, and finally, in decision-making,” Prieto pointed out.
The sessions will include lectures and interactive sessions on various issues related to the ecological crisis, the economic impact of climate change, energy policy, and environmental justice. Among the scientists who will conduct the training sessions are Francisco Doblas-Reyes, Unai Pascual, Mar Reguant, Xavier Rodo, Isabelle Anguelovski, Alejandro Caparrós, and Isabel Moreno.
In addition to the parliamentarians, the President of the Congress of Deputies, Francina Armengol, and representatives of the promoting organizations, the Sustainability Observatory and Oxfam Intermón, will attend. This effort is part of a global campaign that has already been implemented in countries such as France and Canada, with the aim of strengthening dialogue between political actors and the scientific community.
The sessions will take place as follows: on September 16, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with three training sessions, and on September 23, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, with four training sessions. These meetings aim not only to inform but also to equip legislators with the necessary knowledge to effectively and knowledgeably address the climate crisis.
The “Mandate for the Climate” initiative trusts that the General Courts will take on this global challenge and commit to legislating based on science for the well-being of society and the sustainability of the planet.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
