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Dozens of climate shelters to beat the heat in Murcia city
31 designated 'shady' or 'comfortable' areas have been established in Murcia city
Increased mortality due to extreme heat is one of the direct effects of climate change and experts have been warning for years that summers are going to get longer and longer.
Transitional seasons such as spring and autumn will cease to exist as we know them, warn the meteorological experts, and the shift from winter to summer will be sudden, something that is already being experienced to some extent.
And of course, daytime and night-time temperatures are rising. Data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) confirms that August 2022 was the second warmest month of the 21st century in the Region of Murcia.
And episodes of extreme unseasonal heat will become increasingly common, such as the April heatwave when the southeast of Spain sweltered in temperatures of up to 36ºC for several days.
Faced with this reality, Murcia City Council is taking measures in the short, medium and long term. One of the most immediate projects is the creation of a network of 31 'climate shelters', similar to those in other large cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao and Seville.
The aim of the network, promoted by the Department of Health and Digital Transformation, in collaboration with other departments and Emuasa, is to provide the public with "sheltered spaces with comfortable temperatures in which to combat the heat".
The 'shelters' are predominantly easily accessible municipal spaces that are climate-controlled and offer respite in the face of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, while maintaining their normal use, for example libraries, museums, and youth spaces. Plaques have been erected to identify the 'shelters' and four water fountains will be installed across the city.
Councillor Esther Nevado explained that "Murcia is one of the first cities in Spain to have this network of comfortable spaces. The project involves hardly any financial outlay but considerably improves the quality of life of our citizens".
The shelters are aimed at the general population, but especially vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and children, who can suffer more severely from the effects of extreme heat.
In other news: Murcia modernises city busses with smart payment scheme
Image: Archive
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