2nd Barcelona expert Workshop on Heat & Health

On 23 September, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and 300K hosted the second workshop on Heat & Health in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Around 30 representatives from local councils, public agencies, universities, research institutes, journalists, and non-profit organisations came together to explore these interconnected issues from multiple perspectives.

Adding a real-world perspective, the workshop took place at Lleialtat Santsenca, a climate shelter itself. Two staff members shared their experiences operating the shelter during this summer’s heatwaves, giving attendees a tangible sense of the challenges and successes on the ground.

Inspiring ideas and data-driven solutions

The day began with three eye-opening presentations. Blanca Atienza from L’Hospitalet Council shared how her city is fighting summer heat. From temporary shading in public spaces and school playgrounds to creative ways of measuring the co-benefits of different shading options, her talk highlighted both the challenges and ingenuity behind urban heat interventions. Some obstacles were surprising, like the impossibility of planting trees above underground parking, but her team found inventive ways to repurpose existing infrastructure.

Next, Mar Santamaria from 300K took the stage to discuss the I4C project and the Barcelona demonstrator. She explained how scientific expertise from across the consortium is being channeled to provide actionable insights for the city. Mar emphasized the importance of high-resolution urban data and the urgent need to integrate climate science more effectively into local decision-making.

Finally, Andrea Pistillo from the Jordi Gol i Gurina University Institute for Primary Health Care Research Foundation (IDIAPJGol) highlighted a largely overlooked issue: how extreme heat affects mental health. Her epidemiological analysis revealed strong links between heat events and increased levels of depression and anxiety, underscoring a hidden but serious impact of climate change on city residents.

From discussion to collective action

In the afternoon, the energy shifted from presentations to lively group discussions. Participants gathered around tables to dive into key themes such as vulnerability, green spaces, housing and indoor temperatures, climate shelters, air quality, and climate-related diseases.

Using the interactive “I like, I wish, I wonder” method, they shared experiences, voiced challenges, and brainstormed practical solutions. This format encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants from different sectors to exchange perspectives and uncover common priorities.

Participants left energised, having formed new connections, shared insights, and learned more about the innovative work happening across the city to protect residents from extreme heat.

Thanks to the support of BSC and 300K staff in organising and facilitating, the workshop was a resounding success!