The initiative calls for progress toward Zaragoza’s climate neutrality by 2030 and focuses on some of the main measures needed to adapt to heat. These include more trees and shade, the preservation of mature trees, urban solutions to reduce heat accumulation and stronger climate shelters during periods of high temperatures.
Zaragoza’s bid has reached the final stage as one of five cities selected by the European Commission, alongside Aalborg, Bielsko-Biala, Košice and Porto. European experts assessed the five proposals across seven environmental areas and, in Zaragoza’s case, the Commission particularly highlighted its work on biodiversity, green areas and sustainable land use.
TREES AND HEAT ADAPTATION
During the debate, Socialist councillor Chema Giral argued that Zaragoza must move from strategies to the implementation of concrete measures, raising issues such as climate shelters, trees, the materials used in public spaces and the Low-Emission Zone. Unaffiliated councillor Marisa Gaspar also called for public, regular monitoring of ECAZ 3.0 indicators related to emissions, air quality, trees and mobility.
Zaragoza en Común agreed with part of the PSOE’s assessment of the need to improve climate adaptation, but criticized the motion for including support for the bid and called for a budget, timetable and public indicators to implement ECAZ 3.0. Vox, for its part, rejected the text and questioned the usefulness of the European recognition and certain climate policies, arguing that they could impose costs and restrictions on citizens.
Councillor for Environment and Mobility Tatiana Gaudes defended support for the bid and stressed that the progress made was the result of policies developed by different municipal governments. Approved in 2019, ECAZ 3.0 sets an action horizon through 2030 and serves as Zaragoza’s strategic framework for addressing climate change, improving air quality and protecting health.
