What is Spain building to combat extreme heat?

Spain is constructing new air-conditioned climate shelters across the country to provide public spaces for cooling down during heatwaves.

When will Spain's new climate shelters be ready?

The Spanish government aims to have many of these climate shelters open before the summer of 2026.

Why is Spain building climate shelters?

Spain is building climate shelters in response to increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, with summer temperatures above 40C now considered the norm.

Home / Environment / Spain Builds Cool Sanctuaries Against Climate Crisis

Spain Builds Cool Sanctuaries Against Climate Crisis

22 Dec

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Summary

Spain is building air-conditioned climate shelters with free water.
New shelters will protect citizens during extreme heatwaves.
The government aims to open shelters before summer 2026.

Spain Builds Cool Sanctuaries Against Climate Crisis

Spain is proactively addressing the intensifying impacts of climate change by planning the construction of new public climate shelters across the nation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced these air-conditioned facilities, equipped with free drinking water and rest areas, designed to offer refuge during devastating heatwaves and droughts.

This initiative follows a summer where parts of Spain recorded extreme temperatures reaching 46C, particularly in southern regions, while central areas near Madrid battled wildfires. Sánchez acknowledged that summer temperatures exceeding 40C are the "new normal" and pledged ongoing government support for adaptation strategies, aiming for many shelters to be operational by summer 2026.

Beyond heat protection, the Spanish government is also enhancing flood prevention measures and allocating an additional €20 million to combat wildfires, underscoring a comprehensive approach to climate resilience. Sánchez urged political unity, framing these measures as essential "a shield for Spain" against a more unpredictable climate future.