Sara Aagesen Appointed as New Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge
Sara Aagesen, the current Secretary of State for Energy, is set to replace Teresa Ribera as the third vice president and minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. This significant transition in the Spanish government was confirmed by sources from the Executive to EFE, following Ribera's recent appointment as executive vice president of the newly formed European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen.
Born in Madrid in 1976, Aagesen is a chemical engineer who graduated from the Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in Environmental studies. She was appointed Secretary of State in Ribera's ministry in January 2020, marking the beginning of her prominent role in Spain's climate policy.
Aagesen has cultivated a robust career in climate action and energy transition since joining the Office of Climate Change in 2002. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on various responsibilities, including overseeing sectoral analyses of emissions, greenhouse gas projections, and energy planning across different economic sectors. Her expertise has been instrumental in designing and implementing innovative measures aimed at mitigating climate change in Spain.
Notably, Aagesen has represented Spain as a negotiator at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has been involved with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) since 2002. Her role in these international bodies has allowed her to influence global discussions on climate change and sustainability.
In addition, she has contributed to the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), an initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Aagesen has also served as a national expert in various working groups of the European Commission, involved in monitoring and evaluating the development of European regulatory frameworks.
Before her role as Secretary of State, she was appointed as an advisor to the cabinet of the Ministry of Ecological Transition in 2018, where she was in charge of directing, coordinating, and defining the draft of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2021-2030 and the Long-Term Strategy 2050. Her input has been crucial in shaping the new regulatory framework for energy within Spain.
Aagesen’s dedication to environmental management was recognized in 2013 when she was awarded the Cross of the Civil Order of Environmental Merit, a testament to her commitment to sustainable development and climate action.
As she steps into this new role, Aagesen's extensive background in environmental policy and her significant experience in climate negotiations will undoubtedly be an asset as Spain continues to navigate its ecological transition and face demographic challenges.
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