Spain is set to establish a national network of climate shelters within public buildings, offering refuge from extreme heat, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced.
The announcement came as Sanchez outlined a plan to address the impacts of climate change during a conference in Madrid on Wednesday.
“Devastating droughts and heatwaves are no longer rare occurrences. Some summers, we face not separate waves, but one prolonged heatwave stretching from June through August. This is now the new normal,” he stated.
Spain experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, marked by three significant heatwaves. A 16-day heatwave in August saw temperatures exceeding 45C (113F), according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
As part of the national network of shelters, spaces to find respite from the heat will be accessible to all, Sanchez affirmed.
Government funding will support shelters in areas “that need them most, where the impact of the heat is most severe,” he added.
This national initiative will complement existing networks already established by regional governments, including those in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Murcia.
In Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, approximately 400 climate shelters are already in operation within buildings such as libraries, museums, sports facilities, and shopping centers.
These air-conditioned spaces, typically equipped with seating and complimentary water, aim to provide a haven from the heat, particularly for vulnerable populations, including individuals with health issues, older adults, infants, and those with limited resources.
Sanchez also announced government funding for flood prevention plans in small towns, alongside €20m (£18m; $24m) allocated for fire prevention measures, as part of a broader state pact to address climate change.
These proposals are pending review before the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of Spain’s Parliament. Sanchez has called on other political groups to contribute to the pact, emphasizing that it is “not an electoral weapon… it is a shield for Spain.”
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has indicated that heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity due to human-caused climate change.
Estimates from the Ministry of Health suggest that Spain recorded more than 3,800 heat-related deaths amid soaring temperatures this summer, a rise of 88% compared to 2024.
Furthermore, during 2025, Spain experienced a devastating wildfire season, with over 400,000 hectares of land consumed by flames.
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