The training believes that the Canary Island Agency for Climate Action, Energy, and Water could play a key role in coordinating and supporting municipalities in their implementation.
Vanesa Martín, spokesperson for Sí se puede, has expressed her concern following the revelation that only six of the 88 municipalities in the Canary Islands currently have climate refuges. “This is a troubling situation in a context where extreme heat episodes are becoming increasingly frequent, particularly affecting the most vulnerable sectors of the population,” she stated.
What Are Climate Refuges?
Climate refuges are public spaces designed to ensure the thermal comfort of citizens. They should have good accessibility, adequate rest areas, free drinking water, and safety measures to protect the population during extreme temperature episodes. Their implementation is being promoted by numerous cities worldwide, following technical recommendations from organisations such as Greenpeace and the Network of Cities for Climate.
Rising Temperatures and Associated Risks
Martín reminded that the report “Cities on Fire: Climate Refuges and Lack of Protection Against Extreme Heat in Spain,” prepared by Greenpeace, indicates that around 1,800 deaths linked to extreme heat episodes have been recorded in the State just this year.
Call for Action
Sí se puede finds the lack of initiatives from the Ministry of Ecological Transition of the Canary Islands Government particularly alarming to promote support lines for municipalities. The organisation reminds that the budget execution for this area barely reached 41.9% of available funds during 2025, the lowest percentage among all regional ministries.
The organisation proposes prioritising the creation of shaded areas on the islands, incorporating public water points, rest spaces, and specific measures in senior centres, children’s areas, and open commercial zones where temporary awnings could be installed during the hottest periods.
Research and Implementation
Furthermore, Sí se puede suggests conducting a specific study on public educational spaces to ensure the presence of shaded areas and heat protection measures. According to Martín, the scientific community warns that temperatures will continue to rise, and heatwaves will become increasingly intense and prolonged—a trend already being felt in the Canary Islands.
The organisation insists that future climate refuges should have a minimum surface area of 2,000 square metres and be located close to areas inhabited by groups particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. They also consider it essential to enhance vegetation, add water points, and reduce the presence of heat-absorbing surfaces, such as large expanses of concrete.
Future Prospects
Finally, Sí se puede reminds us that the Canary Islands Climate Change and Energy Transition Law assigns future responsibilities to the Canary Island Agency for Climate Action, Energy, and Water, including coordinating climate action measures with local and regional administrations and advising local entities to incorporate climate considerations into their planning.
“Adequate management of available resources and a strong commitment to this agency could be crucial in developing a genuine network of climate refuges in the Canary Islands that protects the population and saves lives,” concluded Vanesa Martín.
