Valencia Approves Internal Protocol for Climate Emergency Response
Valencia has taken a significant step towards climate preparedness. The Valencia Provincial Council approved a comprehensive internal protocol for responding to climate emergencies at its January plenary session. This protocol outlines specific actions to be followed when a climate alert is issued by the relevant authorities.
Key Features of the Climate Emergency Response Protocol
The protocol emphasizes the safety of employees during climate alerts. Reme Mazzolari, the second vice president and head of Personnel, explained that precautions will vary depending on the level of alert.
Alert Levels and Actions
- Yellow Alert: Employees must stay informed about the announcements from competent authorities.
- Naranja Alert: Work centers remain open, but attendance is recommended according to official guidance. Adjustments may allow for earlier departure times or potential temporary closures based on circumstances.
- Red Alert: Actions depend on whether the alert affects the entire province or only specific areas. If a province-wide alert is issued before work hours, all administrative centers will close, with exceptions for essential services. If the alert is localized, only impacted centers will close.
Employees living in red alert zones or traversing through them while commuting will be exempt from attendance requirements.
Response to Climate Emergencies
Mazzolari emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing the increasing frequency of climate emergencies. The protocol aims to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of responses while prioritizing employee safety.
Additional Council Decisions
During the plenary session, significant motions were also approved. A motion supporting the Valencian citrus sector was presented by Vox. This motion received backing from the PP and Ens Uneix, with PSPV and Compromís opting for abstention. It calls for the Consell and the Spanish government to advocate for stronger protective measures at the European level regarding citrus imports.
Another initiative supported by Vox focused on the preservation and enhancement of ceramic altars, which are crucial to Valencia’s cultural heritage. The council agreed to allocate sufficient funds for related activities.
Moment of Silence
The January plenary began with a moment of silence for Alex, a young boy from Sueca, who tragically lost his life the previous weekend. President Vicent Mompó expressed condolences to the victims’ families from the Adamuz incident, highlighting the institution’s commitment to human dignity and the protection of vulnerable members of society.
