Public and private sector coordination is essential to achieve the set sustainability targets

In this new quarter century that has just begun, and with only five years left until the 2030 milestone, public and private sector coordination is essential to achieve the set sustainability targets. Companies must stay aware of the new initiatives propelled by the public authorities and the targets sought to be achieved.

Within Garrigues Sustainable Dialogs, Juan Manuel Cabeza, partner in the Administrative and Constitutional Law Department, and Luisa Montesinos, labor and employment of counsel, had the chance to talk with Carlos Novillo, Minister for the Environment, Agriculture and the Interior in the Madrid regional government, on the current state of affairs and present and future challenges in the region.

They touched on issues such as the availability and planning of natural resources (water and energy) as well as measures to reduce the impact of human activity (circular economy and air quality, among others) in a region with a constantly growing population: “we are facing a real revolution, in terms of how to deal with the use of natural resources, of how to curb the impact of human activity on the region in a new way of looking at waste when things are changing at lightening speeds”.

They also mentioned the new legislation introduced by the recently adopted Law 7/2024 that seeks to speed up administrative processes and reduce red tape for the development of water and energy infrastructure. This legislation amends 10 laws and 130 articles first and foremost to reduce red tape and shorten time periods so that infrastructure can be brought into operation to take energy and water where it is needed. According to the regional government minister, “this law is the prelude to a new land law that will respond sensibly to social demand”.   

They also discussed the role of the circular economy and the new climate, energy and air strategy, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of urban growth and make it more sustainable. Lastly, the minister highlighted growing concern over climate risks, such as fires and floods, and the need to involve citizens and businesses in emergency prevention and management.