Are Barcelona’s climate shelters accessible to vulnerable residents? A mobility justice analysis
A new study led by @Serena Mombelli, a PhD researcher at the @GEMOTT research group on mobility, transport and territory at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, has been published in the journal Cities. The study was conducted during her research visit to the @Data Analytics & Visualization Group at the @Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), as part of the @vCity project. It was carried out in collaboration with co-authors @Roger González March, @Fernando Cucchietti, @Oriol Marquet, and @Patricio Reyes. The study examines whether Barcelona’s Climate Shelter Network provides equitable access for its most vulnerable residents.
The context
This research is part of wider efforts to understand how mobility and social inequalities interact with urban climate adaptation strategies. Since 2019, Barcelona has developed a network of over 350 climate shelters intended to protect residents from extreme heat. While the network is extensive, little was known about whether older adults and other groups vulnerable to the heat could actually reach these facilities, particularly in low-income or migrant-dense neighbourhoods.
The study
The authors used GIS-based isochrone analysis and socioeconomic data to evaluate the spatial and temporal accessibility of shelters within a 10-minute walking distance, accounting for slower walking speeds of 3.28 km/h. The study also examined intersectional vulnerabilities relating to age, income level and migrant background in order to assess the effectiveness with which the network serves those at the highest risk.
Key findings
- While 92% of vulnerable residents live within a 10-minute walk of a shelter, this figure drops to 75% in August due to seasonal closures.
- The largest accessibility gaps are found in low-income and migrant-dense neighbourhoods, highlighting spatial and social inequalities.
- Taking into account reduced walking speeds reveals further limitations for populations with mobility issues.
Why it matters
The study shows that spatial proximity alone is not enough to ensure equitable climate adaptation. Policies must consider mobility limitations, social inequalities and seasonal availability to ensure that shelters benefit those most in need. The findings provide evidence-based guidance for Barcelona’s 2030 goal of ensuring that everyone has access to a shelter within five minutes and offer a framework for evaluating climate adaptation equity in other urban contexts.
