Spain to open nationwide network of climate shelters as heatwaves intensify

Spain will open a nationwide network of climate shelters in public buildings to offer refuge from extreme heat ahead of next summer, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in Madrid on Wednesday. The plan is part of a broader effort to address the mounting impacts of climate change, including longer and more intense heatwaves that health authorities say are becoming the new normal.

The government said the shelters would be publicly funded and available in areas that “need them most,” with spaces to stay cool for people with health problems, older residents, babies and those with limited resources. The rollout will operate in addition to networks already in place at the regional level, such as in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Murcia, where cities already host climate shelters in libraries, museums, sports facilities and shopping centers.

In Barcelona, about 400 climate shelters already exist in public buildings, providing air-conditioned spaces with seating and free water to help residents cope with scorching conditions. The national plan envisions expanding such access across the country, including in smaller towns where the heat can be especially deadly.

Beyond cooling spaces, Sánchez announced funding for climate resilience projects. The government will allocate €20 million for flood prevention plans in small towns and €24 million for fire prevention measures, as part of a state pact to tackle climate change. The package is designed to complement regional initiatives and address a range of risks associated with a warming climate. The proposals have yet to be submitted to Spain’s Congress of Deputies for approval. Sánchez has urged other political groups to contribute to the pact, saying it is not an electoral weapon but a shield for Spain.

The plan arrives as heatwaves become more frequent and intense in Europe due to human-caused climate change, a pattern highlighted by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This summer was Spain’s hottest on record, with three heatwaves and a 16-day stretch in August during which temperatures topped 45°C (113°F) in parts of the country, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

Health authorities report that more than 3,800 heat-related deaths occurred in Spain this summer, roughly 88% higher than in 2024, underscoring the human toll of extreme heat. The year 2025 also featured a severe wildfire season, with more than 400,000 hectares burned. Officials say the climate shelters, alongside flood and fire prevention measures, are intended to reduce risk and provide practical protection as Spain adapts to a changing climate.

The government’s climate-pact proposals are still under discussion and will require cross-party collaboration to move through Parliament. Sánchez reiterated that the measures are aimed at resilience rather than electoral advantage, framing them as a shield for Spanish communities facing increasingly frequent and severe climate events. The plan signals a shift toward integrating risk mitigation, public health protections and infrastructure investment as central components of Spain’s response to climate change.