Spanish climate shelters put pressure on France to act

Paris - 21 July 2026: Spanish climate shelters are coming into focus in France as a possible model for adapting to more frequent heatwaves. These are publicly accessible indoor and outdoor spaces that are sufficiently cool, shaded and easy to reach during extreme heat. Libraries, cultural centres, schools, parks or landscaped squares can fulfil this function, provided that access, opening hours and information are reliably organised.The approach therefore goes beyond the occasional opening of air-conditioned buildings. Municipalities are expected first to identify particularly affected neighbourhoods and vulnerable population groups, select ...