Rising temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat in Euskadi. Climate scenarios from Ihobe, the Basque Government's public environmental management company, predict that days exceeding 35 degrees Celsius will quadruple in the coming decades. To address this health risk, particularly for the elderly, children, and chronically ill, a network of climate shelters has been established, comprising approximately 500 spaces across the Basque Autonomous Community.
Laura Gutiérrez, a technician in the climate action area at Ihobe, explains that these shelters are "urban spaces or facilities that already exist in municipalities and meet the necessary characteristics to protect the population during periods of extreme temperatures." The urgency for these measures is high, as Gutiérrez notes, with the region experiencing its second heatwave even before the official start of summer. "Deploying strategies that allow us to adapt to climate change is precisely why they are so important," she emphasizes.
“"Deploying strategies that allow us to adapt to climate change is precisely why they are so important"
These spaces can be indoors, such as libraries, civic centers, sports complexes, senior centers, and even private venues like shopping malls, churches, or museums. Outdoor shelters with vegetation and shade also exist, but opting for air-conditioned indoor spaces during the central hours of the day is recommended to ensure necessary thermal comfort and recovery from heat's negative impacts.
Upon entering one of these shelters, which are marked at their entrances, individuals should find basic guaranteed services. These include a place to sit and rest, potable water for hydration and cooling, and access to restrooms.
To facilitate the creation and management of this network, IHOBE has developed a technical guide for municipalities, drawing inspiration from the experience of pioneering towns. The guide's presentation, held in Vitoria, was very well-received, with a "full house." It took place on June 18th at the Artium Museum, as part of a specific session on the Euskadi Climate Shelters Network 2026, promoted by Ihobe to assist municipalities in identifying, marking, and expanding these spaces. Since then, the response has been immediate. "Municipalities activating emergency meetings due to high temperatures have already requested the publication," states Gutiérrez.
“"Municipalities activating emergency meetings due to high temperatures have already requested the publication"
Furthermore, the Basque Government has created a common distinctive mark for all climate shelters in Euskadi. The aim is for any citizen, regardless of their municipality, to easily identify these spaces as safe havens from extreme heat.
Municipalities that already have a network of shelters publish this information on their respective town hall websites. Maps detailing addresses, opening hours, and services offered by each space can be consulted there. Currently, the network is available in Amurrio and Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava); Barakaldo and Bilbao (Bizkaia); and Bergara, Donostia, Hernani, Irun, Pasaia, and Tolosa (Gipuzkoa).
Ihobe recommends that residents in these localities consult their town hall's website to locate the nearest shelter. For others, it is advised to seek out typically conditioned spaces, such as a library or a civic center. Additionally, the importance of following the Department of Health's recommendations is reiterated, including ensuring adequate hydration and avoiding exposure to heat during peak hours.
