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Cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the climate emergency. As temperatures rise, especially during the summer months, urban areas suffer more from the effects of heatwaves. In this context, climate shelters emerge as an innovative and necessary solution to protect citizens’ health.

What is a Climate Shelter?

A climate shelter is a public space that can serve as a refuge during extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves. These spaces can be outdoors, like a grove or a park with many trees, or indoors, like a library. The purpose of these shelters is to provide thermal comfort and a safe environment during episodes of extreme temperatures. For an indoor space, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 27°C during the summer and 19°C during the winter. It is also advised that the space be as accessible as possible, with seating such as benches or chairs, free drinking water, and a secure environment for users. Libraries, swimming pools, or civic centers often serve as climate shelters while maintaining their usual functions, so they are not considered care facilities.

Characteristics of Climate Shelters:

• Strategic Location: Climate shelters are distributed to be easily accessible to all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, children, and people with health problems.
• Adequate Equipment: These spaces are equipped to ensure a pleasant temperature, with air conditioning, natural or artificial shade, drinking water fountains, and seating.
• Urban Greenery: Many outdoor climate shelters are located in green areas, with trees and vegetation that help reduce ambient temperature and improve air quality.
• Activities and Services: In addition to providing a cool space, many climate shelters offer community activities and services, such as workshops, cultural events, and support services.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Shelters are designed to be accessible to everyone, including people with reduced mobility. Clear information and proper signage guide users.

Where Can Climate Shelters Be Found in Catalonia?

The Generalitat of Catalonia, along with local councils, has created various tools to help locate climate shelters. One of the most useful is the interactive map available on the website of the Department of Territory and Sustainability. This map allows citizens to find the nearest shelters based on their location. The available shelters are grouped on an interactive map with a search function. Users can search by type (swimming pools, libraries, sports centers…), by municipality, or by region. There is also information on operating hours and additional services. Moreover, many Catalan cities, such as Barcelona, have developed mobile apps and specific web portals where the characteristics and exact locations of climate shelters can be consulted. For example, the Barcelona City Council offers a detailed map through its “Climate Shelters Barcelona” platform, accessible from its official website. Climate shelters are not only crucial for protecting health during heatwaves but also raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and urban resilience in the face of climate change. These spaces also foster social cohesion and provide a gathering place for the community, enriching urban life.

Vegetation is Key to Climate Shelters

Vegetation plays a fundamental role in climate shelters. Trees and green areas help mitigate high temperatures, provide shade, and cool the air through plant transpiration. It is essential to maintain and expand these urban green spaces, as they not only contribute to the creation of effective climate shelters but also improve air quality, increase biodiversity, and provide well-being spaces for citizens.

In Conclusion

Climate shelters are a necessary and effective response to the rising temperatures and heatwaves affecting our cities. With proper planning and use, these spaces can make a significant difference in the quality of life for citizens, providing not only relief from the heat but also a community gathering point. The preservation and expansion of urban vegetation are key to ensuring the effectiveness of these shelters and building more sustainable cities.