Amidst a heatwave, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) has introduced a new digital tool to help citizens find the coolest and flattest walking routes across the metropolitan area. This application complements standard advice such as avoiding peak sun hours or staying hydrated, and also indicates the locations of nearby climate shelters.
The new app uses GPS and incorporates parameters like temperature, shade, pavement heat generation, and slope to design more pleasant itineraries. For instance, to travel from Plaça Catalunya to Jardinets de Gràcia, it suggests routes via Rambla Catalunya for its shade. It also considers traffic and sidewalk width.
A scoring system evaluates the "coolness" and "walkability" of each route, resulting in an overall score out of 100. The search engine, accessible via the web, allows users to select origin and destination, and choose between the coolest path, climate shelters (including options for the elderly or children), or routes with less incline. The search covers the entire metropolitan area.
Currently, the tool is in a testing phase and accepts suggestions for improvement. It is expected to be available as a mobile app from 2028.
In addition to civic centers, libraries, parks, and sports or commercial facilities, eight churches in Barcelona have opened as climate shelters. These parishes, located in Eixample (3), Sants, Sagrera, Sarrià (2), and Barceloneta, offer a space of peace and tranquility against the high temperatures. According to Joan Costa, head of these 'ecoparishes', the initiative is a service to society. Although not air-conditioned, the interior temperature is more pleasant due to the thick walls.
The Barcelona City Council states that 99% of residents have a climate shelter within a ten-minute walk from their homes, and 76.8% will have one within five minutes.
