Summer in Catalonia intensifies high temperatures, making spaces like swimming pools, shaded parks, or air-conditioned interiors highly sought after. To address this situation, approximately 400 Catalan municipalities will provide citizens with nearly 2,000 climate shelters by 2026.
In Barcelona, the Catalan capital already has over 500 climate shelters, primarily facilities such as community centers, senior centers, and cultural spaces. This year, "climate micro-shelters" are being introduced – small establishments like shops and pharmacies offering short, free stays. It's important to note that libraries, although included, are currently on strike.
In the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), where population density and the scarcity of green spaces exacerbate heat vulnerability, the network of climate shelters extends across 36 municipalities. It is guaranteed that nearly 90% of residents have a shelter within a 10-minute walk. This season, 75 new shelters have been added, including over 50 micro-shelters.
The climate shelter initiative is expanding to numerous Catalan municipalities, although the list is not exhaustive and is constantly updated as new towns join.
