In response to unprecedented summer temperatures, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has unveiled plans for a nationwide network of climate shelters in public buildings to provide citizens refuge from extreme heat before next summer. The announcement came during a climate conference in Madrid where Sanchez emphasized that devastating droughts and heatwaves have become ‘the new normal’ in Spain.
The initiative will establish cooled public spaces across areas most severely affected by extreme temperatures, with particular focus on vulnerable populations including the elderly, infants, and those with health conditions or limited resources. These shelters will be equipped with air conditioning, seating, and free water, following the successful model already implemented in regions including Catalonia, where approximately 400 such facilities currently operate in libraries, museums, sports centers, and shopping malls.
This national effort comes after Spain endured its hottest summer on record in 2025, featuring three distinct heatwaves including a 16-day extreme heat event in August with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F). Official estimates from the Ministry of Health indicate more than 3,800 heat-related deaths occurred during the summer months—an 88% increase from 2024—alongside a devastating wildfire season that burned over 400,000 hectares.
Complementing the shelter network, the government has allocated €20 million for flood and fire prevention plans in small municipalities as part of a broader state pact addressing climate change impacts. Sanchez has invited cross-party collaboration on the initiative, characterizing it not as ‘an electoral weapon’ but as ‘a shield for Spain’ against increasingly frequent climate extremes. The proposals will now proceed to Spain’s Congress of Deputies for legislative consideration.