In recent years, global climate change has led to a significant rise in temperatures across all seasons, particularly during the summer months. In response to this situation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that, starting next summer, specialized cooling centers will be established to allow citizens to cool down and rest during periods of extreme heat. Speaking at a conference in Madrid, Sánchez emphasized that heatwaves are no longer a rare phenomenon, noting that the period from June to August has become increasingly extreme. According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the country recorded its hottest summer in history this year, with temperatures exceeding 45°C for 16 days in August alone.
These cooling centers, which will be government-funded, are to be established across all regions of the country and will be open to all citizens. Currently, such facilities created by local authorities already exist in regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Murcia. For instance, Barcelona has 400 such “refuges” located in libraries, museums, sports facilities, and shopping centers. Equipped with modern cooling systems, these rooms provide comfortable seating and free drinking water. This initiative is expected to provide significant relief, especially for the elderly, families with children, and those with health conditions sensitive to heat.
Furthermore, Sánchez stated that additional projects would be implemented as part of the strategy to combat climate change. The plan includes funding for flood prevention measures in small districts and the allocation of 20 million euros for forest fire protection projects. These proposals will soon be submitted to the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the country’s parliament, for official approval.
