Urban areas are increasingly concentrating populations, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events like intense heat and torrential rains. Despite occupying only 2% of the Earth's surface, urban areas are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Two decades ago, cities like Barcelona joined the C40 Cities network to share ideas and experiences in combating climate change. According to Júlia López Ventura, the network's Director for Europe, it is crucial to understand how heat operates within a city and to identify the most vulnerable populations to design effective interventions, both within homes and in public spaces.
A climate refuge is defined as a space, indoor or outdoor, that provides thermal comfort (between 25 ºC and 26 ºC) during extreme temperature episodes. The concept originated in the United States with cities like Duluth and Buffalo in 2019, and it quickly spread to other members of the C40 Cities network.
In Barcelona, the priority is to consider heat as a key criterion in defining public space. Irma Ventayol, Director of Barcelona's Office for Climate Change and Sustainability, explains that they were inspired by the North American model to adapt it to Barcelona's reality. The city utilizes its extensive network of public facilities, such as libraries and civic centers, to transform them into climate refuges, particularly those equipped with air conditioning systems.
This adaptation, which integrates air-conditioned facilities for leisure activities, has in turn inspired other cities, including those that initially provided the model, demonstrating the strength of networked collaboration.
