Barcelona has created a network of about 500 public spaces known as "climate refuges," which are available free of charge to residents seeking relief from the heat and social interaction. These refuges, which include parks, libraries, museums, schools, and community centers, are designed to provide a cooler environment, potable water, and seating. According to Irma Ventayol, who oversees the initiative, 99% of the city’s population can reach a climate refuge within ten minutes on foot. The locations are mapped online and must meet specific criteria, such as maintaining an indoor temperature of 26°C or lower and offering free access. The program began in 2020 with just 70 refuges. Since then, extreme heat has become a growing concern in Spain, with nearly 4,500 heat-related deaths recorded between June 1 and the end of the summer, compared to 3,073 the previous year. Barcelona itself experienced a record high temperature of 40.7°C and had over 52 tropical nights, where temperatures remained above 25°C. Around 20% of the population in the city faces energy insecurity, meaning they struggle to keep their homes cool or afford utility bills. Climate refuges are viewed as a key preventive measure against heat-related health risks. Research suggests that access to cool spaces can reduce the risk of heat-related mortality by 66% among the most vulnerable individuals. These spaces are not only about infrastructure but also about the social and emotional support they provide. For example, the Barcelona Museum of Design allows people to escape the heat by offering free access to its entrance hall, complete with Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Nearby, the Enllaç foundation, which supports the LGBTQ+ community, hosts open activities like language classes and yoga sessions. In contrast, cities with right-leaning governments, such as Madrid and Murcia, have faced criticism for not implementing similar initiatives. In Murcia, most climate refuges remain closed during August, when they are most needed. Greenpeace reports that only 19 out of Spain’s 52 provincial capitals have established climate refuge networks. Despite these challenges, Barcelona aims to improve its system further, aiming to provide a refuge within five minutes of walking by 2030. The Spanish government has also announced plans to create a national network of climate refuges, with over 180 state-owned spaces open this summer and a 10 million euro investment to expand the initiative, especially in schools. Experts emphasize that while climate refuges can be effective with minimal additional cost, they are part of a broader strategy for urban adaptation. Ana Terra Amorim-Maia, a researcher at the Basque Center for Climate Change, highlights the importance of measures like urban greening, reducing car traffic, and improving building insulation to combat the effects of climate change. She notes that existing public spaces can be repurposed as refuges, but long-term solutions must address the root causes of rising temperatures.