The pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, the energy crisis, the climate emergency, the breakdown of value chains in supplies, among other issues, together with the feeling that we live in a process of transformation that has no end, were the axis of the II Conference on Sustainability organized by Redeia. Experts in different subjects contrasted ideas and analyzes about the present and the future over three afternoons, which could be followed by streaming through Lavanguardia.com.
This is the chronicle that summarizes some of the main ideas that passed through the event and that left a trace of hope about a fairer and more inclusive future and about the Spanish options to assume a leadership role in the process of energy autonomy that the European Union (EU) assumes as a priority.
On October 18, the weather in Madrid in the early afternoon wanted to reinforce the climate emergency message that we are experiencing and that triggers the need to work for a sustainable world. The thermometer showed 30ºC to show that “this is a new climate that has a lot to do with human activity and with the way we are behaving”, in the words of the meteorologist Mario Picazo, presenter of this first day.
The opening day of the Redeia Sustainability Conference was developed around nature and new economy. "This climate that we are seeing is a new climate that has a lot to do with human activity and how we are behaving," said Mario Picazo.
Beatriz Corredor, president of Redeia, opened this second edition of the conference emphasizing that "energy is the topic at the moment". Corredor stressed that "we have to take a step towards ethical capitalism" and that "Europe must be energetically sovereign" thanks to the transition to renewables. In this sense, the hostess assured that "the situation in Spain is enviable and unprecedented, which makes them look at us as a benchmark".
After Corredor's intervention, it was the turn of Manuel García Hernández, general director of Energy Policy and Mines, who referred to the need to "change towards a more independent and decarbonised model". In his opinion, "science must be at the center of policies and rely on data" to make decisions.
This energy crisis "cannot be an excuse to slow down the energy transition, quite the opposite," he announced. For the CEO, there is no doubt that this new revolution "is going to have costs and benefits and its distribution will not be balanced, so it is necessary to intervene from the public".
García Hernández demanded that "citizens be treated with the maturity they deserve and be made aware of the role they have as agents of change." To undertake this process, it is necessary to take advantage of “all the talent that exists in our society”. In this sense, he highlighted that the presence of female talent “is more relevant in renewable energy companies than in fossil energy companies”.
With the suggestive title of 'A second chance for global development', Antonella Battaglini, general director of the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI); David Howell, Head of Climate and Energy, Environmental Governance Area at SEO/ BirdLife; and Jara Atienza from 'El Español' focused on the need to group efforts and objectives to maximize results.
Battaglini, a member of the group of energy experts of the European Commission, assured that "the next five years are vital to achieve our climate and energy objectives". The RGI executive concluded by saying that "it is not a simple goal, so maintaining a leadership committed to this cause, collaboration between sectors and integrated planning are essential at this time."
And on the need to set goals to achieve effective environmental strategies, David Howell, from SEO/ BirdLife, stated that "more than ever it is essential to address the crisis of sustainability and biodiversity at the same time." Howell stated that synergies must be sought, in both directions, to stop the loss of biodiversity, which is advancing at the same rate as climate change. “If we address both crises at the same time, acting on climate, thinking about biodiversity; Acting on biodiversity with climate in mind, we also have the best chance of generating social benefits”.
After Battaglini and Howell's session, the stage was transformed with the presence of Sofía, Claudia, Antía and Olivia, four talented girls who, thanks to Woman Action Sustainability, have created initiatives against climate change or for the preservation of dolphins, among other. The most shocking moment came when Olivia, just 15 years old, assured that “my generation may be the last one that can make a real change before it is too late”.
Throughout the first day of the Sustainability Conference, two round tables were held. The first revolved around the relationship between climate change and biodiversity.
Given that, as indicated by Ricardo García, director of Redeia, "human beings have the capacity to react to climate change, but the rest of the species do not", the solution to the loss of biodiversity is to stop global warming. Miguel Delibes de Castro, a member of the Doñana Biological Station of the CSIC, agreed with this idea. The biologist stressed that if for this we have to give up well-being "it is a trick question" because what we really need to ask ourselves is what well-being is
María Begoña García, from the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology, highlighted “the role of mountains as perfect sentinels” of what is happening to the planet. The expert in these ecosystems recalled that "the production of the most basic does not take place in the cities, it takes place in the mountains", hence the importance of preserving them.
For Ricardo García, the transition has to “be fair”. It is necessary that before the need to build new infrastructures, the affected citizens are consulted. What is clear is that “if we want more clean energy we need more infrastructure”, he clarified. In line with this circumstance, Delibes claimed that "a greater effort must be made to locate these new facilities in industrial estates and in cities with already transformed areas".
One of the most controversial sessions was the round table moderated by Cristina Monge with the participation of Fernando Valladares, research professor at the CSIC; the economist Diego Vizcaíno, managing partner of Analistas Financieros Internacionales, and Susana Peñarrubia-Fraguas, director of ESG Integration-Active at DWS Investment GmbH.
Valladares expressed his conviction that "society is already aware of the climate crisis and its relationship with the economic crisis." However, he lamented that "there are some issuers, politicians and members of the private sector, who are producers of miracles." On the other hand, “we are the scientists who say things as they are”. The distribution of roles is completed by "the receiver who is the citizen, who believes in miracles and thinks that we are going to be saved by technology", explained the member of the CSIC.
Susana Peñarrubia-Fraguas, an expert in raising capital, the main difficulty in promoting investments with ESG criteria has to do with "the way in which we can motivate a veteran analyst or portfolio manager to change the way of doing stuff".
For his part, Diego Vizcaíno faced the situation as an opportunity. The expert stated that “we have discovered the limits of globalization”. As a consequence, "we see that there are now options to generate a relocation process linked to technology."
“Why don't we meet the 2030 agenda? Why don't we comply with universal human rights?” asked Valladares. The scientist lamented that "at some point, the economy sneaked up on us." In his opinion, “the solution lies in consuming less”. Although he did not share the remedies proposed by Valladares, Vizcaíno agreed that "we are coming face to face with the need to change."
The second day of the Conference on Sustainability began with a suggestive and very lucid exchange of ideas between the creator Ángeles González Sinde, and the journalist from 'La Vanguardia' Joana Bonet. Under the title of 'Recovering confidence', González Sinde and Bonet advanced in their conversation to claim the value of culture as a bastion of identity, a true reference to navigate in times of transition.
For González Sinde, the arts and culture help us interpret reality and understand what happens to our fellow human beings. In the sustainability objectives, “culture must also be considered as the right to participation that citizens have”.
The one who was Minister of Culture in the Government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero stressed that "we are in the era of simplicity" and that it is the extreme right that "has known how to wage the cultural war that began in the US with the Tea Party and that then they have successfully exported to Europe”. In the opinion of González Sinde "this shows that we cannot leave culture parked while we attend to other emergencies because others are going to take advantage of it."
Finally, González Sinde highlighted the role of culture in the idea of Europe. “That is one of the main values that we can offer to the world. In his final speech, Bonet asked that "we use culture, we are cultural activists, being able to promote ideas and open our eyes."
The role of education in these times in which we live trapped in change was the axis of the dialogue between Pilar Alegría, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, and Beatriz Corredor. Alegría claimed the advances of the Spanish educational system during the last decade. In this sense, she emphasized the commitment to Vocational Training as a way to better adjust to the needs posed by companies.
On the role of women in technical careers, the president of Redeia lamented “the step backwards that the 2008 crisis meant for women and encouraged all girls to “get self-limitation out of their heads”. "The society of the future needs young women and sustainability is your thing," she said.
The awards ceremony for the RedeSTEAM contest, with which Redeia promotes scientific-technological vocations among girls, filled the Giner de los Ríos Foundation auditorium stage with youth. A total of 30 ESO students received recognition from those present and a few words of support from the minister who assured that “we need you” and added that we want “you to dedicate yourselves to what really makes you happy”.
The president of the CNMC, Cani Fernández, explained to the attendees how the new energy regulation is being organized, in which "the consumer is always at the center of our efforts". In the context of the strong increase in energy prices, she stated that "stopping the rise in prices in the short and medium term is a priority".
In the framework of renewables, Fernández assured that "we are working so that the potential advantages of renewables are distributed among all consumers." For the president of the CNMC, “the great challenge now is to make progress in the neighboring communities”.
Looking to the future, the head of the regulatory body remarked that "we are making a great effort to educate citizens so that they can understand their role in the future". In this sense, Fernández highlighted the importance of digitization that will provide consumers with tools to make decisions.
Pablo Blázquez, founder and editor of 'Ethic', moderated the debate 'Solutions for social transformation'. Socorro Fernández, director of Redeia; Montse Moliner, Director of Sustainability at Manpower Group and President of Forética, and Gonzalo Fanjul, Director of Policy Analysis at ISGlobal, presented their views on how the new social scenario is taking shape.
Socorro Fernández stressed that "a world where everything changes and does so in an accelerated manner offers companies an opportunity to generate certainty."
"Work for life is over and from companies we have to facilitate this talent transition cycle to prevent the person reaching an age from being obsolete", explained Montse Moliner. To face this and other challenges of talent management, the sustainability expert highlighted the need to "seek alliances with other companies and also the public-private one".
For his part, Gonzalo Fanjul stressed that what happened during the pandemic has made "society understand that investment in health is decisive for individual society and for states." In his opinion, it is essential to be able to “tie this framework of health as an investment”.
On the role of technology in the evolution of labor markets, Moliner assured that "it has not caused job loss". A clear example is the growth of Green Jobs that will go from 11 to 24 million jobs that "all of them will require the acquisition of new knowledge".
In the future, "people will not be worth any job," Fernandez clarified. The purpose and emotional variables can be decisive when it comes to companies being able to incorporate the most talented people”.
Finally, Fanjul recalled that Spain will need workers from immigration. The ISGlobal director lamented that "our immigration system is shot in the foot" and opted for "a less fearful and more innovative policy."
Innovation and inclusion were the axes of the round table moderated by Manel Pérez, deputy director of 'La Vanguardia', which included Antón Costas, president of the Economic and Social Council, and Cristina Garmendia, president of the Cotec Foundation.
Garmendia elaborated on this idea to confirm that innovation should be conceptualized in a broader way. The president of the Cotec Foundation provided a clarifying definition: "Innovation is all change, not only technological, that generates knowledge, not only scientific, and provides value that is not necessarily economic." At this point, the former Minister of Technology pointed out the importance of social value and the need to "advance all together or we will not do well."
Regarding the relationship between technology and the labor market, Costas defended that "technology can create net employment, but in a displaced period of time". For the economist, in that lapse of time many people can suffer.
With the echo of the still recent resignation of the British Prime Minister, Liz Truss, the third and last day of the Sustainability Conference began. On this occasion, the focus was on the importance of governance and the management of the multiple risks we face.
Adela Cortina, professor of ethics and philosophy, and Enric Juliana, deputy director of 'La Vanguardia', opened the last day with an exciting conversation on ethics and sustainability. The role of Europe, of science, of technology and, of course, the war in Ukraine made their way through this space.
Cortina highlighted the importance of science and technique, but assured that the worrying thing is knowing who manages them and "where they want to go." The professor herself defended that "ethics is essential" when handling these issues. Cortina referred to the fact that “we have to be aware that we are all in the same boat” and that cooperation “is what makes us more human”.
Juliana introduced the war in Ukraine and asked Cortina about "what is the ethical behavior" in this conflict. The expert assured that she shared the position of the EU and that “we must be on the side of the attacked”. As for how to get out of this situation, Cortina defended that the measures adopted and the support for the kyiv government must be maintained "until Putin has to surrender" and a just peace is achieved in which "the Ukrainians do not lose anything of what they they had before the invasion.
Elaborating on the idea and the role of Europe, Juliana was interested in Cortina's opinion about the idea that the EU is a benevolent empire, according to the definition of the North American political scientist Robert D. Kaplan. The professor of ethics and philosophy did not hesitate to consider that it is "a wonderful invention and one that must be supported". For Cortina, the EU "is worth both for itself and for what it represents in the world."
The space for reflection initiated by Cortina and Juliana culminated with the intervention of Heather Grabbe, director of the Open Society European Policy Institute in Brussels, who focused her presentation on the analysis 'Challenges and trends in a changing world'. Grabbe stressed that the goal of sustainability is the challenge of our time, which will take many years and great efforts.
For Grabbe "all of society must participate in this challenge." In the opinion of the head of the Open Society European Policy, we live in a situation in which changes are accumulating and we must go back to the Industrial Revolution “to witness a phenomenon with a similar capacity to alter our lives. Despite the difficulties, Grabbe expressed his confidence that "we will find a way to develop a sustainable economy." In the opinion of this expert, "technology will play a determining role in achieving this goal".
Innovative entrepreneurship was represented on this third day by the Nexmachina, Engidy and Zeleros projects, which have the support of Redeia. Three initiatives that pursue different objectives, but that provide security and well-being through the use of technology.
The Nexmachina initiative has been implemented in the Sierra de Aralar and provides satellite Wi-Fi service that offers various uses. On the one hand, the digitization of municipal services in localities in the area, allowing them to reduce the digital divide in the territory; on the other, to provide the shepherds of the territory with the possibility of geolocating their cattle.
Geolocation in high mountain areas is also one of the values of the Engidi project. This company has developed a system that allows permanent control of the position of all the people who are part of a rescue team, in addition to providing real-time information on various factors such as temperature that can affect the safety of the members of the expedition. The project has been implemented in the Red Cross teams that work in the Teide National Park.
The third initiative has its origin in a university project of the polytechnic of Valencia and that over time gave way to the creation of the company Zeleros, in which more than 70 people already work. Its activity is focused on the Hyperloop project, a new collective transport model promoted by Elon Musk. Based on levitation, this kind of metro will circulate inside a tube linking cities and countries at a maximum speed that could reach 2,000 km/h. Zeleros is one of three European companies currently participating in this gigantic project that is attracting large investments.
The agreement between Spain, France and Portugal to create the Green Energy Corridor that will link Barcelona and Marseille, and which was announced a few hours before, motivated Javier Ruiz, presenter of this last day, to ask the opinion of the participants in the session 'The risks of non-sustainability'. Roberto García, CEO of Redeia, assured that "everything that involves improving the interconnection of Spain with Europe is magnificent news".
Continuing with the impact of the war and the possibility that it represents a step backwards in the decarbonization process, the CEO of Enagás, Arturo Gonzalo, was convinced that, although there may be small setbacks, "in the long term there is no other alternative ”. Along the same lines, Rosa García, president of Exolum, stated that "every time we are going to separate ourselves more from fossil fuels." All in all, she explained that consumption is going to grow by 30% between now and 2030 and "we are going to have to get used to doing more with less and investing in energy efficiency."
Rosa García warned that Spain has a magnificent opportunity in green hydrogen. The person in charge of Exolum argued that “we are the country of the sun and the main cost of hydrogen production is the generation of electricity”. According to Garcia, "we need public entities that are capable of ordering the different actors involved in this type of initiative." For his part, the CEO of Enagás pointed out that “the safest resource to guarantee supply is the indigenous resource”. In this sense, “Spain has a great opportunity here”, he concluded.
Asked by Ruiz about the true value of ESG, Arturo Gonzalo pointed out that "today if you don't take on the challenge of sustainability you are out of access to investment capital." Roberto García Merino was forceful in defending that “these are criteria that add value, that attract investors. In the case of Redeia, practically half of our international investors correspond to ESG criteria”, he said and added: “for us, the most important thing is that our employees, before making a decision, think about the impact”.
Pablo Hernández de Cos, Governor of the Bank of Spain, surprised with a presentation on social inequality. "Excessive inequality generates less economic growth," he assured, together with before commenting on the Decalogue prepared by Lucas Chacel in which he analyzes inequality.
Among other aspects, Hernández de Cos stressed that "we do not have enough data to analyze inequality." Regarding the evolution of this social phenomenon, he assured that "it has been reduced on a global scale, but it has increased concretely in many countries." Another element is "the fall in the net wealth of the public sector, while the opposite happens in the private sector." Regarding the gender gap, she assured that "the contribution of women in the collective line has grown a lot", but we are still very far from absolute equality.
Following the participation of the Governor of the Bank of Spain, Javier Ruiz interviewed Xiana Méndez, Secretary of State for Trade. The conversation focused on the breakdown of supply chains and the return of relocation after what was experienced during the pandemic. Méndez assured that the impact experienced by international trade as a result of the health crisis and the subsequent invasion of Ukraine. For the member of the Government, "all the affected companies that have been able to make decisions have done so by betting mostly on the diversification of suppliers". The smartest formula is to “shorten the chain, make it more flexible and have some control”.
Méndez defended the idea that in certain cases, such as the production of medicines or certain supplies, "safety is worth more than efficiency." The Secretary of State affirmed that “strategic autonomy costs, but sometimes it is worth it”. On the role that the Government should have in these cases, she defended that "the purpose is public and if the investment is not enough, the contribution of public resources is necessary."
The head of Trade stressed that "investing in sustainability does not reduce competitiveness" and highlighted that international agreements "include sustainable development clauses".
The last speaker at the 2nd Redeia Conference on Sustainability was Beatriz Yordi, Director of Carbon Markets and Mobility at the European Commission's Directorate General for Climate Action, who began her participation by referring to the upcoming Cop27, the major conference on climate change, which on this occasion comes in a context of extreme complexity at the gates of a winter that looks like it will be very hard for millions of Europeans due to the energy crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine.
Yordi assured that the war has shaken some of the many expectations generated by the Cop26 held in Glasgow, "but they keep going". In his opinion, the war has awakened in most governments the reaction of "defending the most vulnerable", on the one hand, while it has also meant a resounding slap in the face for "those who were against decarbonization" . As a consequence, "large investments are being made in renewables" and European energy independence is considered necessary.
The event was closed by Beatriz Corredor. The president of Redeia made a quick tour of some of the ideas expressed throughout these three days and announced that this forum will continue in 2023 with the celebration of the third edition. Corredor took advantage of the occasion to recall a phrase by the economist Emilio Ontiveros, who died a few months ago and is closely linked to the origin of this event: "Inequality is not profitable."
