Shade, that silent ally against the sweltering heat, is taking a leading role in the adaptation of our cities to climate change. With the mission of reducing the impact of urban heat islands, the Shade Program is an ambitious initiative that aims to transform more than 50,000 square meters of public space into covered areas by 2027.
An ambitious project under the Climate Plan
The Climate Plan comprises various strategies to deal with the effects of climate change. But the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Shade Program. By 2025, this plan already envisages the installation of shade systems in 66 children’s playgrounds, 15 school playgrounds and in three large areas of the city, such as the Plaça del Mar, the Rambla del Carmel and the train station slab. The choice of these places is no coincidence. They are spaces that, due to their intense use and direct exposure to the sun, are particularly vulnerable to heat.
The magic of the shadow
Why invest so much effort in generating shade? Shade lowers the ambient temperature, reducing the heat island effect. This not only improves thermal comfort, but also translates into lower energy costs for nearby buildings. Encouraging the use of public space becomes more feasible when these spaces do not look like open ovens.
Currently, 62% of the public space is shaded, but 39% still needs attention. Of that percentage, half require urgent intervention for the installation of shade elements due to their use and the intense solar radiation they receive on a daily basis.
Trees: the most natural and sustainable option
When it comes to shade, trees are the first choice whenever they can be planted. The natural shade and fresh air provided by trees are irreplaceable elements for cities that aspire to be more sustainable. However, when planting trees is not feasible, the program has other cards up its sleeve.
Barcelona implements shades in playgrounds to combat heat and improve urban comfort
Fixed structures are envisioned that not only generate shade, but also harness sunlight to produce clean energy. In addition, temporary structures, such as awnings, will be deployed during the hottest months. For those spaces with special characteristics, public tenders will be held to propose unique shading solutions.
Technology at the service of wellness
To ensure that these measures really make a difference, comprehensive temperature monitoring will be implemented at certain locations before and after the installation of temporary shading elements. In this way, the city will not only be implementing new measures, but will also be continuously evaluating their effectiveness.
The Shade Program, with a budget of 13 million euros, is not just a response to the heat. It is a commitment to improve the quality of urban life and prepare for a future that, according to forecasts, will be much warmer.
More measurements, more comfort
The Shade Program is complemented by other Climate Plan initiatives aimed at addressing the heat challenge. These include climate shelters, spaces adapted to provide respite from the extreme heat, and the air conditioning of schools, ensuring that the youngest children learn in optimal conditions during the hottest months.
This comprehensive vision not only reinforces the city’s commitment to the environment, but places the citizen at the center of the strategy. It is a tangible reminder that fighting climate change is not just about combating global warming, but about taking care of those who live in its spaces.
Looking to the future
The Shade Program envisions its culmination in 2027, but its impact will be felt well beyond that date. It is laying the groundwork for shade, in all its forms, to take center stage in our cities. This measure reminds us that while climate change is an immense challenge, there is a silver lining in concerted, planned action to address it.
Tackling urban heat with shade is a crucial step toward adaptation, and symbolizes that the future of our cities can be as cool and welcoming as we wish. With the Shade Program, we are not only building more resilient cities, but ensuring that their inhabitants enjoy a healthy and comfortable environment.
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