I have been involved with the Future of Lanzarote discussion for over 3 years. My wife, kids and me just love it there (and we now have a place in Las Brenas / Yaiza, as well) –  and I want to contribute to its Good Future. In this process, I have learned a lot about the island and its people, and I have made some new friends, as well.

Here is some context (2 videos are below, as well)

I have been both delighted by the fact that some of Lanzarote’s leaders such as Armando Santana have actually reacted and done something with my input, and pretty disgruntled by the fact that not more serious action has been taken. Of course, being a Guiri (non-Spanish person, and not-from-the-island), with pretty lousy Spanish skills has been a challenge in this process (to say the least)… but I am not giving up:)

In any case, I have now assembled a review of my suggested action items and what has actually happened, on a new Gamma site  (COMING SOON) and it’s…. well, kinda dismal. Please have a look and let me know what you’re thinking:)

Here are my bottom lines as of August 18, 2026:

  1. To make The Good Future a reality in Lanzarote, i.e. to make sure that the Island will thrive in the future – culturally, socially, environmentally and economically – the leaders of Lanzarote (hopefully supported by non-islanders like me) need to direct their immediate attention towards solving the energy and water crisis. This requires going beyond political playbooks and existing party-lines (imho, the #1 reason for the habitual stagnation of good ideas and plans, here in Lanzarote), secure large and ongoing funding by making bold yet long overdue moves such as the implementation of a Future Tax (formerly called the Eco Tax). As many locals keep telling me: we don’t really need more ideas how to improve things in Lanzarote – we need real action on the many good ideas that have already been presented!
  2. The island’s government  should establish an independent and diversified “Lanzarote Future Coalition” to serve as a non-political steering committee for urgent strategic decisions.
  3. I fear that the while current progress in Lanzarote (see the microsite for details) is positive and notable it will prove to be ’too little too late’; again hampered by the lack of political courage and decisiveness in the face of mounting, multiple emergencies.  Too many opportunities are being neglected, delayed or disregarded altogether, and proven solutions such as Solar Energy and smart-water/energy/agriculture solutions are not being embraced nearly as fast as they could be.
  4. By making ENERGY and WATER a clear, indisputable and absolute priority now, I think that Lanzarote’s energy independence (right now the island is 91% fossil-fuel based, see below) could be largely achieved within 5 years, and that every other challenge such as food and agriculture, waste treatment, beach and ocean protection, and even housing and social justice could become solvable as a result.
  5. Lastly, I feel that it is urgent to welcome and integrate the contributions of international (not just Spanish:) experts and thought-leaders into the change process here in Lanzarote – there are so many brilliant people that work in these segments, but Lanzarote is not on their map. I have presented this idea for the past 18 months: Let’s establish a new event – The Good Future Congress – as a vehicle for achieving this.

I am ready to work with the Cabildos, the Mayors and the Government of Lanzarote on these issues, pro-bono. Contact me anytime.

Imagine abundant energy, water and agriculture. Abundant new jobs that come with this. Decoupling growth from Tourism. Lanzarote as the true Isla Diferente.

The striking numbers for Lanzarote ≈ 91% fossil/non-renewable electricity. ≈ 9% renewable electricity

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  • My presentation in Arrecife, Fora Sur 2025

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