Climate shelters: adaptation strategies to climate change.
Climate change is causing increasingly frequent and intense heat waves in Spain, forcing citizens to face extreme temperatures during much of the summer. This situation is worsened in cities due to the effect heat island, which causes a further increase in temperatures in the urban environments due to the accumulation of radiation in asphalt and concrete. Faced with this challenge, some cities are implementing climate shelters as a strategy to deal with this situation, although the concept is still in its early stages of development.
What is a climate shelter?
Climate refuges are public facilities designed to offer respite during periods of extreme heat. These places, which may vary in form and function, are intended for provide people with a cooler and more comfortable space during heat waves. Climate refuges can be both interior and exterior spaces and are designed to be accessible and safe for the vulnerable population. Some of the characteristics sought in these shelters are:
- Thermal comfort: They have a cooler and more pleasant environment compared to the outside.
- Accessibility: They should be easily accessible so people can find them quickly.
- Rest areas: They must have comfortable rest areas, such as chairs or benches.
- Free water: They must offer free drinking water to hydrate those who use them.
Which city has been a pioneer in Spain in installing them?
Barcelona stands out as the first city in Spain in implementing climate shelters. In 2019, The city began its first climate shelter plan, enabling 10 schools as cool places for citizens. Since then, This initiative has grown every summer, and currently, Barcelona It has 227 spaces that fulfill this function. These shelters are found in various places, such as schools, civic centers, libraries, museums and parks. Each of these places is duly identified and has information available on a municipal website so that citizens can locate them easily.
When we talk about Barcelona, we talk about Spain’s pioneering city in climate shelters.
What other Spanish cities have climate shelters?
Bilbao is another Spanish city that has adopted the idea of climate shelters. It has a network of 130 of these shelters distributed throughout the city and duly identified. These shelters are found in a variety of locations, such as libraries, civic centers, sports facilities, transportation stations, museums and exhibition halls. Even some shopping centers They have also joined this initiative. However, it is important to note that accessibility to these shelters may vary depending on location and availability.
Elsewhere in Spain, the implementation of climate shelters is still in its early stages. For example, Victoria has identified 449 installations and parks that could be used as climate shelters, but it has not been confirmed if they have already been launched. Seville enabled three civic centers as climate shelters last year, but no information has been provided on whether this initiative will be repeated in the future. Málaga has announced its intention to implement a similar plan, but is still working on the network design. In Madrid, The City Council rejected the opening of these shelters last year and has not announced if there will be news in the future.
Malls, once primarily intended for shopping, have been transformed into climate refuges.
Do they work at any time?
Most public climate shelters They operate during daylight hours and some even reduce their hours in August. For example, in Barcelona, almost half of the shelters close this month and others have limited hours. This may raise a challenge for people who need shelter during tropical nights, which can also be dangerous to health. In the future, the possibility of some climate refuges could be considered are open at night to offer additional protection.
Are there climate refuges in other countries?
Yeah, several countries have climate shelters or similar installations to cope with extreme temperatures. For example in Canada, Cities like Toronto offer “cooling centers” to help citizens stay cool during heat waves. In USA, Cities like New York and Washington DC have also implemented climate shelters. Paris has developed areas known as “islands of coolness” to offer relief during extreme heat. Athens and Rotterdam have launched an app called “Extrema” that helps users find the nearest climate shelter in case of intense heat.
Athens joins the creation of climate shelters to protect its citizens from increasingly intense heat waves.
What climate shelters will look like in the future
As climate change continues to affect our lives more intensely and frequently, The need for climate shelters is becoming increasingly evident. In the future, these spaces will evolve to adapt to changing weather conditions and the needs of the population. Here are some trends and possible features of tomorrow’s climate shelters:
- Greater number and strategic location: As extreme heat and other weather events become more common, we will see an increase in the number of climate refuges in the cities. These shelters will be strategically located in easily accessible areas to ensure that the population has shelter when they need it.
- Sustainable design: Climate shelters of the future will incorporate sustainable design principles. They will have renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, and will be built with environmentally friendly materials. This will allow these spaces to be more energy efficient and reduce their environmental footprint.
- Advanced technology: Technology will play an important role in future climate shelters. They will be used advanced air conditioning systems that will maintain pleasant temperatures even in extreme conditions. Besides, Digital connectivity will allow authorities to communicate effectively with the population and provide real-time information on shelter availability.
- Flexible spaces: the climate shelters of the future will be versatile spaces that can be adapted to various needs. Not only will they offer shade and protection from the heat, but they will also They may be used for recreational, social and cultural activities. This will encourage its use throughout the year, not just in weather emergency situations.
- Inclusivity and accessibility: Special attention will be paid to inclusivity and accessibility in the design of climate shelters. These spaces will be equipped to serve people with reduced mobility, They will offer information in several languages and will consider the needs of different demographic groups, including children, elderly people and people with disabilities.
- Extended hours: given that heat waves and other climate events They can occur at any time of the day, the climate shelters of the future may extend their operating hours to include the night. This will ensure that people have a safe place to take shelter at any time.
The importance of renewable energies for climate shelters lies in their ability to guarantee a sustainable supply of energy.
What is a climate shelter?
A climate shelter is a public facility, such as libraries, schools or other spaces, that provides a cooler, more comfortable environment during heat waves so that people can shelter from extreme heat and protect their health.
The post what they are, what types exist and what shelters there are in Spain first appeared on Gearrice.