Spain will establish a nationwide network of climate shelters in public buildings ahead of the next summer season, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Wednesday. The initiative is a direct response to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves driven by climate change, which are now considered “the new normal” for the country.
Rising Temperatures and a Changing Climate
Spain endured its hottest summer on record in 2025, marked by three separate heatwaves. One prolonged period in August saw temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F) for sixteen consecutive days, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The government acknowledges that extreme heat is no longer an occasional event but a sustained threat.
“Devastating droughts and heatwaves are no longer rare. Some summers, it’s not separate waves we face, but one long heatwave stretching from June through August.” — Pedro Sánchez
The Shelter Network: Details and Funding
The national network will provide access to cool spaces for all citizens, with priority given to areas most affected by extreme heat. Funding will be allocated by the central government to ensure equitable distribution, building on existing regional initiatives already in place in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Murcia.
Barcelona, for example, already operates approximately 400 climate shelters in libraries, museums, sports facilities, and shopping malls. These air-conditioned spaces offer seating and free water, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, individuals with health conditions, and those with limited financial resources.
Broader Climate Resilience Measures
The shelter program is just one component of a wider state pact to address climate change. The government will also allocate €20 million ($24 million) to flood prevention in small towns and an additional €20 million to wildfire prevention, recognizing that extreme heat is only one facet of a broader climate crisis.
The proposals must still pass through the Congress of Deputies. Sánchez has called on other political parties to support the initiative, framing it as a non-partisan effort to protect the country from escalating climate risks.
The Human Cost of Extreme Heat
The urgency of this action is underscored by the rising death toll from heat-related causes. An estimated 3,800 deaths occurred during the summer of 2025, an 88% increase compared to 2024, according to the Ministry of Health. The devastating wildfire season, which burned over 400,000 hectares, further illustrates the severe consequences of unchecked climate change.
Spain’s move reflects a growing global trend of governments adapting to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The country is among the first in Europe to launch a national network of climate shelters, setting a potential precedent for other nations facing similar threats. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on sustained funding, equitable access, and continued awareness-raising among vulnerable populations.
