Sofia launches first climate shelter to combat heatwave

Bulgaria faces increasingly hot summer days, with temperatures often exceeding 35 °C and night‑time heat stress. Residents are advised to keep homes cooler by ventilating early, using curtains, limiting heat‑producing appliances, and employing fans with ice or water.

In Sofia, the city opened its first "climate shelter" as part of the EU‑co‑funded “Be Ready” project. Volunteers transformed a neglected courtyard into a green oasis with shade, a small herb garden and seating for social activities. Apostol Dyankov, head of the Climate and Energy department of Sofia Municipality, highlighted the need for such "cool spots" to reduce urban heat‑island effects. Sevdalina Voinova, director of Programs and Projects at the Association for the Development of Sofia, and volunteer Yolina Boycheva explained that the shelter offers relief from extreme heat and a place for community interaction. The pilot aims to replicate similar shelters across the city.