Not just climate refuges: what Sánchez has just presented is an “expanded and strengthened proposal” for the first major State Pact against the Climate Emergency in Spain. From so-called climate refuges to the fight against climate denialism, through to plans against floods, Spain is implementing the Pact of the State against the climatic emergencythe plan presented in September which collects 80 measures divided into 15 thematic areas, incorporating almost 4,000 proposals presented by citizens, environmentalists and scientists.
Temperatures are rising inexorably and it’s time to take action (in addition to necessarily having to implement concrete actions), which is why there are those, like Sanchez, who set an example that everyone should follow.
The reason? If we consider only Spain, 2025 was the hottest summer ever recorded, with three heat waves, one of which, in August, lasted 16 days, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees.
Furthermore, the memory of the flood in the Valencia region in 2025, or the torrential rains that brought Gran Canaria to its knees, or the infernal heat that grips the cities in summer is still vivid. All phenomena that have a single denominator: the climate crisis, against which it is urgent to take measures. And clear positions, like those of Sánchez.
Protecting the climate is not an ideological whim – said Sánchez. Spain, due to its geographical position, is at the forefront of the climate threat and therefore betting on sustainability is the only existing tool to preserve collective security and prosperity.
Sánchez’s measures
The new proposal is based on scientific knowledge and uses “80 specific measures” to address different climate risks. In addition to the text of the pact, the Government announced that it will finance plans against floods in municipalities of fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, in addition to sending 20 million euros to strengthen fire prevention protocols in these cities. He also announced that he will promote the first State Network of Climate Refuges, which from next summer will make the buildings of the General Administration of the State available to citizens throughout the territory, while “Funds will be provided to create shelters in the most vulnerable neighborhoods“.
The first “State Climate Refuge Network”
Before next summer, a national network of “climate shelters” will be put into operation in public buildings, adding to those already existing in the regional governments of Catalonia, the Basque Country and Murcia.
To date, in Barcelona, there are almost 400 places identified by the municipality as “climate refuges” and 98% of the population lives less than 10 minutes walk from at least one refuge. These are places designed above all for the most vulnerable sections of the population, who perhaps don’t have a home or have fewer economic possibilities, but also for children and people who particularly suffer from the heat due to their age or health conditions.
At a time when the climate crisis is a reality that affects each of us closely, Spain’s initiative reminds us how fundamental it is to act with determination and solidarity. The measures proposed by Sánchez are not just a political act, but a concrete response to an emergency that requires everyone’s involvement.
