Portugal has made significant progress in integrating sustainability into public policies, business strategies, and investment decisions. Advances are visible in safe water supply, which reached 98.86% in 2024, compared to 77.35% recorded in 2000, and in waste management, where selective collection in 2022 was six times higher than in 1999. Air quality has improved, with a decreasing trend in days classified as "Poor" and "Bad" between 2002 and 2024. In the energy sector, renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 66% of electricity production in 2024, and greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 38.1% compared to 2005, positioning Portugal as a European reference in the energy transition.
Climate change continues to pose growing challenges. In 2024, mainland Portugal experienced the fourth warmest year since 1931, with eight heatwaves. The South of the country faced meteorological drought during 10 months of the year, highlighting vulnerability to desertification. Efficient water management is considered decisive for territorial resilience and the sustainability of economic activities.
The transition to a circular economy remains an urgent challenge. Portugal's circular material use rate was only 3% in 2024, far below the EU-27 average of 12.2%, and landfilling still accounted for 54% of urban waste. The circular economic model implies rethinking production processes, promoting reuse and repair, changing consumption patterns, and creating new value chains.
The column, published as part of the 25th anniversary of BCSD Portugal, argues that climate and environmental transition depends on integrating sustainability into political decisions, strong institutions, and an informed and committed society. The 2050 horizon requires long-term vision, strengthening the resilience of natural systems and ensuring a fair, balanced, and inclusive transition.
