Spain is to set up a national network of climate shelters in public buildings to offer people refuge from intense heat before next summer,its prime minister has announced.
The move was announced as Pedro Sanchez laid out a plan to address the impact of climate change during a conference in Madrid on Wednesday.
“Devastating droughts and heatwaves are no longer rare. Some summers, it’s not separate waves we face, but one long heatwave stretching from June through August. This is now the new normal,” he said.
Spain experienced its hottest summer and three heatwaves in 2025.A 16-day heatwave in August saw temperatures exceed 45C (113F), according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Spain announces New Climate Change Measures Following Deadly Heatwaves and Wildfires
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Following a year marked by extreme weather events – including a deadly heatwave and devastating wildfires – the Spanish government has announced a new package of measures aimed at bolstering the country’s resilience to climate change. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled plans to expand the network of climate shelters, invest in flood and fire prevention, and establish a national pact to address the escalating crisis.
Increased Protection from Extreme Heat
Spain experienced a notably severe heatwave in 2025, resulting in a significant rise in heat-related deaths. Estimates from the Spanish Ministry of Health indicate over 3,800 deaths were linked to the heat, an 88% increase compared to 2024.
To mitigate the impact of future heatwaves, the government will expand its existing network of climate shelters. Thes shelters,located in public buildings with air conditioning,provide a safe haven for vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat. Barcelona already has such a network in place, offering a model for expansion across the country.
Investing in Disaster prevention
Beyond heat protection, the government is allocating significant funds to prevent other climate-related disasters. Specifically, the plan includes:
* €20 million (£18m; $24m) for flood prevention plans in small towns.
* €20 million (£18m; $24m) for fire prevention plans in small towns.
These investments aim to protect communities and infrastructure from the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events. 2025 also saw a particularly destructive wildfire season in Spain, with over 400,000 hectares burned, as reported by the BBC.
A National Pact for Climate Action
Sánchez has called for a broad national pact to address climate change, inviting other political groups to contribute to the initiative. He emphasized that the pact should be a collaborative effort, stating it is “not an electoral weapon… it is a shield for Spain.” The proposals are currently awaiting review by the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of Spain’s Parliament.
The Growing Threat of Climate Change
The Spanish government’s response comes as the scientific community increasingly warns of the escalating impacts of human-caused climate change. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently reported that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to rising global temperatures.
The measures announced by the Spanish government represent a significant step towards adapting to the challenges of a changing climate and protecting its citizens from the growing risks of extreme weather events.
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