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A plan proposes aid to tackle extreme heat in Barcelona
Extreme heat has become one of Barcelona’s major challenges. Summers are getting longer and tropical nights make it hard for thousands of people to rest, especially in homes with little insulation or without cooling systems. This new reality has sparked debate about how to adapt the city to an increasingly demanding climate.
In this context, Esquerra Republicana has presented the proposal “Refresca’t Barcelona”, a plan aimed at promoting measures to reduce the impact of high temperatures both in homes and public spaces. The initiative comes at a time when heatwaves are becoming more frequent and prolonged.
Among the main measures proposed is the creation of aid to help families improve the thermal comfort of their homes. The proposal includes grants for the installation of low-energy fans, thermal curtains, repair of blinds, and other systems that help maintain a more pleasant temperature indoors.
The plan also calls for adapting the city in the long term through actions that increase shade, improve the energy efficiency of buildings, and encourage the renovation of the housing stock. According to the party, these investments would also help create jobs in sectors related to sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
Another focus of the proposal is the use of technology to make it easier to get around during episodes of intense heat. Ideas include developing tools that allow people to consult temperature maps and find cooler routes through the city, helping to reduce exposure to heat during daily journeys.
The initiative considers that current measures, such as climate shelters or temporary actions during the summer, are useful but insufficient to address a phenomenon that is already part of Barcelona’s climate reality. The aim is to move towards a permanent strategy that combines prevention, adaptation, and support for the most vulnerable groups.
The proposals will need to be debated at the municipal level, where other political groups will have to assess their viability and funding. The debate comes during a summer marked by high temperatures and growing concern about the impact of heat on health and quality of life.
Barcelona has been promoting climate change adaptation projects for years, from expanding green areas to creating climate shelters. The increase in heatwaves has made this issue one of the city’s urban priorities, with the aim of preparing Barcelona for a scenario in which episodes of extreme heat will become increasingly common.