Mallorca climate row: GOB challenges Prohens' speech

Mallorca must ease the strain on its land and water, not make room for more growth: environmental group GOB says Balearic president Marga Prohens is missing the point. After her speech at Tuesday’s general policy debate in the Balearic Parliament, the group calls her environmental proposals “disappointing”. It says climate and nature took a back seat during the hour-and-a-half address.

Prohens mentioned the effects of climate change early on, referring to the recent weather system Adam. But GOB says environmental concerns then slipped out of view amid announcements, investments and measures for individual sectors. It argues that water supplies, biodiversity and the protection of land belong at the centre of decisions about the islands’ future.

The sharpest disagreement is over pressure on Mallorca. GOB rejects the idea that limiting growth and managing its effects will be enough. The island does not need more capacity for people, traffic or tourism, the group says. It needs to reduce demands on land, water and energy that already threaten natural resources and quality of life.

The dispute also reaches housing. GOB agrees that urgent action is needed but opposes building more properties as the answer. It wants action against property speculation, homes used for tourism or rental income returned to residential use, and more public housing.

Topics: Housing · Environment

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com