Spain is moving fast to protect people as extreme heat becomes a daily reality. After a summer marked by record temperatures, the government plans to open a national network of climate shelters in public buildings before next year. These spaces will give people access to air conditioning, seating, and free water when heat becomes dangerous.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the plan while presenting a broader climate strategy in Madrid. He warned that heatwaves are no longer short events. Instead, they now last for months and reshape everyday life. Treating heat as a public safety issue marks a major shift in how governments respond to Climate change.
According to BBC News reporter Amy Walker, Spain recorded more than 3,800 heat related deaths during the summer, an 88 percent rise compared to the year before. Many victims were older adults, infants, and people with chronic health conditions. Climate shelters aim to reduce these risks by offering safe places to cool down.
Some regions already provide a model. Barcelona has hundreds of shelters in libraries, museums, sports centers, and malls. These buildings help residents cope while strengthening community resilience. The new national plan will focus on areas where heat impacts are most severe.
The shelter program is part of a wider response. Spain also plans new funding for flood prevention and wildfire preparedness after a devastating fire season that burned vast areas of land. These disasters affect people, animals, and local food systems at the same time.
Scientists have long warned that human driven Climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and intense. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change has documented this trend in its latest assessment on climate impacts and adaptation. Protecting people now also protects the environment and the planet in the long run.
Climate shelters highlight the value of collective care. Simple choices like using shared spaces, staying hydrated, and choosing more plant based meals during heat can reduce strain on bodies and systems alike. A more vegan future goes hand in hand with climate resilience.
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