Air Pollution and Environmental Challenges in Spain

Air Pollution in Spain

Atmospheric Emissions

Air pollution in Spain is largely due to the emission of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, chlorine, and particles of dust and smoke. These pollutants primarily originate from the burning of fossil fuels in power stations. The problems caused by these pollutants are diverse and far-reaching.

Acid Rain

Acid rain, precipitation with higher than normal acidity, occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming acidic solutions that fall to the earth's surface as rainwater. This phenomenon negatively impacts water bodies, vegetation, soil, and buildings. The areas most affected by acid rain in Spain are those close to thermal power plants in A Coruña, Leon, and Teruel. To address this issue, Spain signed the Geneva Convention in 2010, committing to reducing sulfur emissions by 65% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 41%.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The ozone layer, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, plays a crucial role in filtering harmful ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. The reduction of the stratospheric ozone layer, located between 15 and 55 km altitude, is primarily due to the chlorine contained in CFCs used in aerosols, foams, and refrigerants. Chlorine reacts with ozone, converting it into normal oxygen. This depletion affects plant, animal, and human life, increasing the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts. In response, Spain has established ozone layer monitoring stations and, under the Montreal Protocol, banned the production, marketing, and use of CFCs.

Tropospheric Ozone Increase

In contrast to stratospheric ozone depletion, there is an increase in tropospheric ozone, which is generated near the ground from the reaction of intense sunlight with nitrogen oxides and products from the combustion of hydrocarbons in automobiles and coal-fired boilers. This type of ozone pollution is more prevalent in summer, causing eye irritation and respiratory problems. Spain has implemented monitoring stations to warn the population when tropospheric ozone levels exceed safe limits.

Urban Pollution

Urban pollution manifests as a fog of dust and smoke particles suspended in the air due to traffic and urban heating systems. This phenomenon is common in large cities, especially during winter and under anticyclonic conditions. It can cause damage to plants and buildings, as well as respiratory and cardiac problems in humans. To combat urban pollution, Spain promotes the use of public transport and energy-saving measures.

The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

The greenhouse effect is a natural atmospheric function carried out by water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). These gases act like the glass of a greenhouse: they allow solar radiation to enter but retain some of the heat radiated by the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping into space. Without this effect, the average temperature on Earth would be -18°C instead of 15°C. However, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, automobiles, fires, and deforestation has amplified the amount of heat retained, leading to a global temperature increase of approximately 1.1 to 6.4°C. This temperature rise contributes to extreme weather events like droughts and floods, a rise in sea levels due to melting polar ice (estimated between 18 and 60 cm), and a reduction in biodiversity due to the extinction of plant and animal species. Spain has experienced a notable increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to the growing number of cars and energy demand, primarily met by burning fossil fuels. Despite ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, Spain has not achieved the targeted 15% reduction in emissions. To address this challenge, measures such as assigning emission quotas for greenhouse gases, reducing taxes on low-emission vehicles, and promoting renewable energies are being implemented.

Protected Natural Areas in Spain

Conservation Efforts

Measures to combat environmental problems in Spain are complemented by the creation of protected natural areas. The protection of natural areas began with the National Parks Act, initially focusing on the scenic beauty of these locations. Over time, other criteria such as biological and geological significance were incorporated. In 1975, the first law for the conservation of natural areas was enacted, remaining in effect until 1989. The current Law on the Conservation of Natural Areas and of Wild Flora and Fauna was approved in 1989 and modified in 1997. Its objectives are the conservation and restoration of natural areas and the prevention of environmental damage. The law establishes various types of protected areas, in addition to those created by the autonomous communities.

Types of Protected Areas

National Parks

National parks are natural areas with minimal human impact, characterized by their scenic beauty, representative ecosystems, or unique flora, fauna, or geomorphological formations. Their preservation is considered to be of national interest and takes precedence over other land uses.

Nature Parks

Nature parks allow for the continuation of traditional land use and visitor access while ensuring the conservation of the natural environment.

Nature Reserves

Nature reserves are designated to protect ecosystems, communities, or biological elements of particular rarity or fragility.

Natural Monuments

Natural monuments are remarkable natural formations distinguished by their uniqueness, rarity, or beauty.

Protected Landscapes

Protected landscapes are areas preserved for their aesthetic and cultural values.

Other Environmental Protection Measures

In addition to protected areas, Spain employs other environmental protection measures, including:

• Environmental impact assessments for certain activities before their implementation.
• Voluntary involvement of businesses in environmental protection through eco-labeling, encouraging the consumption of environmentally friendly products.
• The work of environmental organizations advocating for sustainable development, including their involvement in alternative politics at both national and local levels.