Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez pledges €10 million for climate refuges

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the Spanish government will provide €10 million to finance the construction of 180 new climate refuges, raising the total network to 1,100 sites. The refuges, described as safe, comfortable and adapted spaces, will be open to the public from 15 May to 30 September each summer and a guide will help citizens locate the nearest shelter.

The funding is part of a broader State Pact on the Climate Emergency, which also includes an additional €9 million for green infrastructure and urban renaturalisation. Sánchez also revealed the creation of a Scientific Panel for Climate Action, composed of leading researchers, to advise the government on risk anticipation, policy evaluation and decision‑making. The measures aim to protect the population from extreme heat waves and recent wildfires that have caused significant loss of life and extensive land damage.