Barcelona’s climate shelters.
In Barcelona, Spain, there are special places called climate shelters. These shelters help people stay safe from the hot sun in summer and the cold weather in winter. And the best part? They are free for everyone!
The idea for these shelters started in 2020. At first, there were 70 shelters, but by the summer of 2024, there were 368! This happened because Barcelona had a very hot summer.
Climate shelters are part of public buildings in the city, like libraries, parks, museums, and municipal centres. They are easy to find on a city map.
These shelters are wheelchair-friendly, so everyone can use them. Inside, you can find comfortable chairs and free water.
In summer, the temperature inside stays at 26°C, and in winter, it’s warm at 21°C. Some shelters even have activities or places to read so people can relax.
Why were these shelters created?
Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older people, babies, and people who have health problems. Hot weather can make people sick, and because of climate change, heat waves are becoming more common.
That’s why Barcelona made these shelters—to keep people safe. They help everyone stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Cities trapping heat.
Cities like Barcelona can be hotter than the countryside. This happens because buildings and streets trap heat. This is called the urban heat island effect.
Climate shelters help keep people cool, but to solve the bigger problem, cities need more trees and parks. Trees and parks help cool the air naturally.
