The existing climate shelter networks in some cities are made up of different municipal spaces or facilities, some indoor, such as libraries or civic centres, and others outdoor, such as parks, gardens or inner courtyards. Their number is expected to continue to grow. 

It is in this context that it is worth remembering the reasons why urban parks and gardens continue to be the natural climate shelter par excellence, the most sustainable one. As seen in Barcelona, most older adults (54%) prefer to use them regularly to mitigate the heat. However, they also offer other socio-environmental advantages in the colder months: they mitigate the cold and wind, improve air quality, reduce noise and serve as meeting places. 

This article was originally published on The Conversation. 

Author: María del Carmen Moreno Garcia 

Faculty: Faculty of Geography and History, University of Barcelona