Environmentalist Francisco Ferreira is one of the most influential voices in the fight against climate change in Portugal. Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT-NOVA) and researcher at CENSE (Environment and Sustainability Research Centre), the current chairman of the non-governmental organisation, ZERO – Association for the Sustainability of the Earth System, is unequivocal: the only way to save the planet is through concerted action, based on international commitments and coherent policies. He states that in the private sector, the cork industry plays a crucial role in transforming the forest landscape and implementing the circular economy.
What is your first memory of cork?
It’s a mixed memory. On the one hand, looking at cork oak trees and being curious about the numbers inscribed on their trunks and being told that it is a characteristic tree of Portugal and the origin of cork. On the other hand, wine corks and the art of removing them from every bottle of wine opened at home.
For you, what are cork’s main features?
I would like to highlight three characteristics that I consider absolutely crucial: as a material whose origin supports one of the most integrated ecosystems, combining human activity and the surrounding natural wealth (the cork forest); a material that permits a tremendous and easily attained circularity, provided that there are conditions for collecting used cork, that also requires action from each of us, which is also a positive aspect in terms of awareness-raising and participation; and finally cork’s role as a material that is capable of effective and permanent carbon retention, which is a fundamental requirement in order to mitigate climate change.
ZERO was set up in 2015 with the aim of defending and promoting sustainable development in Portugal. What have been your main achievements to date?
There are many worth noting. The most relevant is that ZERO, within this short space of time, is already one of the main credible and influential voices in the field of sustainability for politicians, companies and the general public. ZERO was a pioneer in demanding a roadmap to attain carbon neutrality, including the closure of coal-fired power stations and the promotion of renewable energy sources, and also in providing a critical and consistent vision of the genuine need to promote a circular economy. The promotion of an economy based on people’s well-being and quality of life and sufficient and efficient use of resources have been at the forefront of our actions and communication. At the same time, we have had an influence on the promotion of natural capital and the preservation of several important areas in terms of nature conservation.
We are in the midst of a climate emergency. What are the main short-term challenges facing Portugal?
In terms of climate change, both in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation, Portugal’s main challenges are simultaneously political and technical. We need much more renewable energies, particularly solar energy, while respecting balances in terms of territorial occupation, landscape, nature conservation, public participation, among other aspects. Cork is a material that permits a tremendous and easily attained circularity, provided that there are conditions for collecting used cork, that also requires action from each of us, which is also a positive aspect in terms of awareness-raising and participation. At the same time, we have to make a major investment in terms of energy efficiency, especially in buildings. There has to be an articulation between the different levels of action, from the European scale to the action of individual citizens, with a special emphasis on the municipal scale, where, in addition to buildings, another key priority should be mobility. But, above all, we have to develop coherent policies that move in the same direction and aren’t counter-productive.
In terms of action lines to reverse the climate crisis, what do you think should be the priorities?
Looking at this issue, and believing the biggest and most detailed scientific analysis presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in early August, regarding the origin and consequences of climate change, we must recognise that maintaining the progressive accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will have catastrophic and devastating results, especially for those with the fewest resources to adapt. Over recent months, flooding in Germany, drought in Madagascar or heat waves in Canada are clear signs that must be viewed in the context of climate change. It was by no means frivolous when the UN Secretary General told us that the document is a “red card” for the planet. The key thing are international commitments, in particular the new emissions reduction targets that will be discussed and approved at the upcoming conference in Glasgow, in November this year. On a European scale, another key element is the ‘Fit for 55’ package, following approval of the European Climate Law, which sets the target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. This is nonetheless below the level demanded by various European environmental associations, who advocate a 65% reduction, in order to bring forward achieving climate neutrality from 2050 to 2040. It is also essential to implement legislation on a national scale with some vital axes: in terms of emissions, a focus on renewable energies and sustainable mobility, energy efficiency in buildings and much greater circularity of the economy with a commitment to prevention. In terms of carbon sinks, we need more forestry zones, that are more resilient and resistant to rural fires, and an integrated perspective, wherein key common goals to be pursued include nature conservation and carbon retention.
Specifically in the forestry sector, what is being achieved in Portugal and what still needs to be done?
The Landscape Transformation Programme contains the necessary ingredients for creation of a good public policy for the forestry sector. However, all this depends on correct operation of the Integrated Landscape Management areas, mainly in terms of the way in which funds of Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Programme (PRR) will be spent, and on whether the adopted management models will generate income for the landowners who adhere to the scheme. Up until now, developments seem to be moving in the opposite direction: we don’t yet have the Landscape Reorganisation and Management Plans that should plan and programme transformation of the landscape in vulnerable forest territories, defining an overall transition to the medium-long term, supported by a financing model that ensures its implementation. Applications have already been submitted for setting up Integrated Landscape Management areas.
How can the cork oak forest and the cork sector be examples/drivers in the defence of sustainable development?
The cork sector must be included within the transformation of the landscape in vulnerable forest territories. The cork oak tree has tremendous potential for expansion, extending its presence in regions that are more favourable in terms of the local climate. As an autochthonous species, with a high potential economic interest for rural landowners, it makes perfect sense for the cork sector to commit itself as soon as possible to a policy aimed at smallholdings. Starting by the creation of incentives for the production of plants in nurseries, and studying aggregate management investment models, which can make the cork oak tree part of the solution when trying to value territories that are more vulnerable to fire.
The principle of circularity is an essential part of sustainable development. What is the role of companies in activating this principle and how can it be articulated with society in general?
Businesses can play an absolutely fundamental role in implementing and attaining the goals of the circular economy. But they have often failed to adopt the correct priorities. The main and most important aspect of circularity is design of the material for its various uses, which must ensure sufficient quantity, durability and capability for reusability and recycling. There is no doubt that further down this path, we must guarantee the ability to reintroduce the materials back into the value chain, with the least possible energy requirements and degradation. But if the priority is placed on recycling rather than prevention, this is a lost opportunity. It has been very difficult to achieve ambitious goals, and even attain those goals specified in the legislation, in particular because there are no incentives and/or economic costs for citizens to recycle materials (from plastics to cork, also including paper, cardboard, glass and many others). Raising awareness is not sufficient to achieve more ambitious goals for management of materials and energy. In this field, the performance of companies has a truly crucial role, from product design to operation of the entire product cycle.
