"The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) estimate for 2021, which I want to reveal at first hand, shows that we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 4.8% compared to the previous year. Gross Domestic Service grew by 4.9%, we reduced greenhouse gases in practically the same proportion", said Duarte Cordeiro, during the launch of the Porto Climate Pact.

The Minister of the Environment and Climate Action stressed that the reduction shows that "to grow economically it is not necessary to pollute", and that "it is enough to do it with a sense of belonging to the community, innovation and environmental responsibility".

To those present at the launch of the Porto Climate Pact initiative, Duarte Cordeiro assured that the environment is currently the "engine of development", as it plays a central role in governance and the creation of "more mature" policies.

Recalling that the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) allocates 39% to climate transition goals, the Minister of the Environment stressed that, in the face of the energy crisis, "the environment today means sovereignty and freedom".