Madrid is facing another intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and no relief expected soon. To cope, residents are turning to hydration, misting systems and light clothing.

A few climate shelters have been set up across the city, including one in the Circulo de Bellas Artes, a cultural institution now offering a cool refuge at 25 Celsius. These shelters provide a space to rest, work and even store plants while people are away.

The urgency of climate adaptation is underscored by the alarming statistic that over 1,000 people in Spain died from extreme heat between May and July — a sharp rise from the previous year. Ultimately, these climate shelters offer not only physical relief but also a space to reflect on and respond to the growing challenges of climate change.