The city of Barcelona has taken a decisive step in its fight against climate change by presenting the new 2026-2030 Work Programme of the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. This announcement was made during the second session of the Barcelona for Climate Days, which featured key figures such as Mayor Jaume Collboni and the Spanish Government's Vice President, Sara Aagesen. The importance of this programme lies in its comprehensive approach that aims to anticipate and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change across various sectors.
Commitment to urban adaptation
Mayor Collboni emphasised that climate policies are essential to ensure the right to remain in the city. “Adapting our public space is fundamental in this context of climate change,” he stated, highlighting initiatives such as the network of climate shelters and the Climate School Plan. These measures aim not only to protect citizens but also to promote more sustainable coexistence.
For her part, Aagesen presented 176 measures covering critical areas such as health, water, biodiversity, and energy. The Vice President called on all social and political sectors to collaborate in this urgent task: “It is time to join efforts to face this emergency together,” she emphasised.
The First Deputy Mayor, Laia Bonet, closed the sessions by highlighting the need to prepare Barcelona to cope with increasingly high temperatures. She announced a planned drill to assess how urban services will respond to extreme conditions, including a hypothetical scenario with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. “Solutions must arise from cities,” Bonet concluded.
The Barcelona for Climate Days took place from June 11 to 12, coinciding with World Environment Day and celebrating Barcelona as the World Capital of Architecture 2026. During these two days, crucial topics were discussed regarding public health in the face of extreme heat and joint strategies to simultaneously address the housing and climate crises.
The event also included shared experiences from leading cities in climate adaptation around the world. Additionally, the 4th Agenda 2030 Barcelona + Sustainable Awards were presented, recognising outstanding sustainability initiatives within the urban sphere.
As Barcelona moves towards its climate goals, these sessions reinforce its commitment to the effective deployment of the Climate Plan and especially the Heat Plan 2025-2035. With these concrete actions, the city aims not only to adapt to current challenges but also to lead a resilient urban model in the face of climate change.
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