Accelerating the Green Economy in the Mediterranean

Blue skies, green trees and starry nights are another consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. The reduction in vehicle traffic and industrial activities has cleared the air in usually polluted cities, leaving their residents in awe. This does not necessarily mean that we are making progress in mitigating climate change, but it does show how much our actions are affecting nature.  

COVID-19 has disrupted supply and financing chains, and will also affect new solar and wind energy projects. However, renewable energies will be the only energy sector to show growth in demand this year. In fact, coal will see its largest demand decline since World War II. 

We are in a particular and complex context, marked by growing economic, political, security and geostrategic uncertainties. It is therefore imperative that we formulate urgent responses and effective solutions to meet the major common challenges together. It is time to rethink the Mediterranean in order to make it a positive and reactive player on the international scene. We must establish an appropriate Mediterranean reflection for the region as a whole because it is not just a question of clean energy, but of a different way of operating, a different normality.

The region lives immersed in multiple challenges: the pandemic, economic development, climate change, demography, youth, inclusion of women, unemployment, urbanization, education, democracy... And yet, we are doomed to succeed. The Mediterranean region has one of the youngest populations in the world. Almost 50% are under 30 years old. It is incredibly exciting and forces us to look to the future. We need new ideas to meet the needs of such a young population.  

There are many challenges at stake, particularly in the management of tourism and the fight against pollution. Climate change is a serious threat to development and sustainability. We need to manage resources, boost energy policies, and preserve our great common historical heritage. 

The roadmap to be followed can be based on the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The scope is ambitious: ending poverty, inclusive education, sustainable cities, access to clean water, gender equality and access to clean energy. The problem is that many governments have already failed to meet all the above commitments and, without business involvement, these goals will remain unattainable. The private sector must be involved, and let us not forget that it provides 60% of the world's GDP and 90% of jobs. 

Climate change and water scarcity in the Mediterranean will increase the impact of the various conflicts and challenges. Most countries have begun to suffer the consequences of pollution and its effects on the population and other aspects of life. There is a growing awareness that the situation affects everyone: they do not understand nationality, religion or political ideas. Therefore, the situation requires all of us to mobilize and build a sustainable environment together.  

In the Mediterranean, there is an urgent need to boost the creation of resource-efficient and climate-resilient economies. This is the first step towards a future that must increase cooperation between its two shores and this requires measures to manage uses, as well as to protect an ecosystem. 

The green economy provides a great opportunity to promote global development with sustainable growth and in line with Agenda 2030. It is present in clean technologies, renewable energies, water services, green transport, the circular economy, green building, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, among others. Green jobs are no longer a mirage but a reality whose time seems to have come. All this will offer nothing but business and employment opportunities. 

The potential of the region is considerable. Renewable energies can be the catalyst to stimulate this sustainable growth in the Mediterranean. In addition to hydropower and wind resources, it has the highest solar radiation in the world and large areas of desert. Technically, the region could meet its own needs and those of the rest of the world with solar energy alone. The total planned investment in the renewable energy sector until 2030 will be 250 billion euros. Wealth must be at the service of the Mediterranean, its economies and its people. 

Industry can take off from a massive recession, even if efforts to do so have not yet begun. It is essential to have ambition and to formulate a new global Mediterranean vision for the region to become a leader in the green economy. Large-scale solar farms and onshore wind farms offer the cheapest source of electricity for about two-thirds of the world's population. The future is optimistic.

The impact of COVID-19 should accelerate a global transition to 100% renewable energy with a regional strategy to achieve this. We must create sustainable energy systems and address CO2 emissions. 

We will come out of this pandemic stronger and we must also use it to be smarter. Sustainability has to be an important part of the post-COVID-19 era on the global agenda. From individual decisions to corporate and government actions, we must embrace a green, renewable and circular economy. 

To ensure sustainable development, Mediterranean countries must invest in human resources by providing financing for their development. Climate change affects all aspects of our lives: our environment, our economy and our health. The time for talking is over. It is time to take action. 

A new era is dawning for this sector, placing this region at the heart of global industry. Long-term planning and a shared vision are essential to mobilise the resources needed to develop energy cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean. We are all aware of the mutual dependence on energy between Europe and the Mediterranean. We have choices.