Spain will establish a nationwide network of climate shelters in public buildings to help people cope with extreme heat before next summer, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced at a climate conference in Madrid. Highlighting that prolonged heatwaves and droughts are becoming the “new normal”, Sánchez said the shelters will provide safe, cool spaces accessible to everyone during periods of intense heat.

The government-backed shelters will be prioritised in areas most affected by rising temperatures and will complement existing regional initiatives in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Murcia. Barcelona already operates around 400 climate shelters in air-conditioned venues such as libraries, museums, sports centres and shopping malls, offering seating and free drinking water, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Sánchez also unveiled additional climate measures, including funding for flood prevention and €20 million earmarked for wildfire prevention plans in small towns. Spain faced its hottest summer on record in 2025, with temperatures exceeding 45°C, more than 3,800 heat-related deaths, and over 400,000 hectares destroyed by wildfires, underscoring the urgency of long-term climate adaptation.

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