The push for climate shelters comes amid growing concern over heat-related mortality across Europe. Photo credit: Mazur Travel/Shutterstock
Spain is emerging as one of Europe’s leading countries in the development of climate shelters, with researchers and urban planners increasingly viewing the network as a critical tool for reducing heat-related deaths during increasingly severe summers.Climate shelters are public spaces designed to provide refuge during periods of extreme heat. They typically include libraries, civic centres, schools, parks and community buildings equipped with shaded areas, water access or air conditioning.
Their purpose is to offer temporary relief to residents during dangerous temperature spikes, particularly elderly people, children and those with underlying health conditions. The growing importance of these spaces comes as heatwaves become more frequent and prolonged across southern Europe. Scientists warn that high temperatures are no longer isolated summer events but part of a broader long-term climate trend affecting urban populations across the continent.
Spain becomes a European leader in climate shelter networks
Researchers have highlighted Spain, particularly Barcelona, as one of the most advanced examples of climate shelter planning in Europe. Scientific studies published in 2026 describe the Spanish approach as pioneering due to its integration of public health measures, urban planning and emergency heat response systems. Barcelona has developed one of Europe’s largest climate shelter networks, with hundreds of designated locations available during heatwaves. These include public libraries, schools, parks and civic buildings adapted to provide cooler environments during periods of extreme heat.
The system was initially designed to protect vulnerable groups, but local authorities have expanded access as temperatures have continued to rise across the city and surrounding metropolitan area. Spain’s national and regional authorities are also expanding climate adaptation measures beyond Barcelona. Increasing numbers of municipalities are now mapping public cooling spaces and integrating them into local emergency planning.
Heat-related deaths remain a growing concern
The push for climate shelters comes amid growing concern over heat-related mortality across Europe. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to high temperatures places severe pressure on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, particularly among older adults. Southern European countries have experienced repeated periods of extreme heat in recent summers, with Spain among the countries most exposed. Researchers note that many heat-related deaths occur not only during exceptional temperature peaks, but also during sustained periods of moderate but persistent heat.
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable because dense construction and limited green space trap heat, creating what scientists refer to as the “urban heat island” effect. Night-time temperatures in cities often remain significantly higher than surrounding rural areas, reducing opportunities for recovery during heatwaves. Climate shelters are intended to reduce this exposure by ensuring residents have access to cooler environments during the hottest parts of the day.
Why much of Europe is falling behind
Researchers argue that many European cities remain underprepared for sustained extreme heat despite increasing climate warnings. While some municipalities have introduced local cooling initiatives, few countries have developed climate shelter systems on the same scale as Spain. Part of the difference lies in geography and experience. Southern European countries have historically faced higher summer temperatures and therefore began adapting earlier.
Spain’s repeated exposure to prolonged heatwaves accelerated investment in cooling infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. By contrast, many northern and central European cities were originally designed for colder climates, leaving them less equipped to manage prolonged high temperatures. Older buildings, limited shading and insufficient cooling infrastructure can increase health risks during heat events.
Researchers also note that climate shelters require coordination between local authorities, public health agencies and urban planners, something that has progressed unevenly across Europe.
More than air-conditioned buildings
Experts stress that climate shelters are not simply air-conditioned spaces. Effective systems depend on accessibility, public awareness and strategic placement within densely populated urban areas. Studies examining Spanish climate shelter networks have shown that location is critical. Residents must be able to reach cooling spaces quickly, particularly during peak afternoon temperatures when heat stress becomes most dangerous.
Many Spanish municipalities now publish digital maps showing the location of designated shelters during heatwaves. Some local authorities also extend opening hours during extreme weather alerts.
Pressure expected to increase across Europe
Climate researchers warn that demand for climate shelters is likely to grow as European summers become hotter and longer. Urban populations are expected to face increasing exposure to dangerous heat conditions, particularly in densely populated cities with limited green space.
Spain’s experience is now being closely monitored by policymakers and researchers across Europe as governments assess how to reduce heat-related illness and mortality in the coming decades. While climate shelters alone cannot eliminate the risks associated with rising temperatures, experts increasingly view them as an important part of Europe’s long-term public health response to extreme heat.
