In districts like Puente de Vallecas, where a significant portion of the population cannot afford vacations and many homes lack adequate conditions to withstand heatwaves, finding a cool place becomes an urgent necessity. Más Madrid's proposal aims to alleviate this 'thermal and social inequality' by establishing climate refuges.
The political party plans to deploy a network of 181 climate oases by utilizing existing public infrastructure and facilities. Locations such as libraries, cultural centers, schools, markets, sports facilities, parks, and squares would be transformed to offer shade, water, vegetation, rest, and community activities during the hottest months. The goal is for any resident to find a refuge within minutes of their home.
“"It's not just about having a place to stay cool."
This initiative contrasts with the plan by the municipal government of José Luis Martínez-Almeida, which Más Madrid describes as 'limited.' This plan includes opening senior centers, installing nebulizers, and designating some markets as refuges, measures that the opposition deems insufficient for increasingly intense and longer summers.
Más Madrid argues that the city will experience more extreme summers, with temperatures similar to those in Seville within the next decade and to those in Marrakech by 2055. They point out that high temperatures already necessitate changes to daily routines and accuse the municipal government of inaction against the 'urban heat island' effect.
The party's data reveal a marked inequality: while 15% of Madrid households cannot maintain adequate temperatures in their homes, this percentage exceeds 30% in southern and eastern districts like Carabanchel, Latina, Usera, or Villaverde. The inability to afford annual vacations is also higher in these districts, exceeding 30% in Puente de Vallecas and Usera.
“"The proposal leverages the public space we already have; there's no need to invent anything new, just put it to work."
Rita Maestre's proposal relies on reusing existing spaces, such as libraries (e.g., Biblioteca Municipal José Hierro), markets (e.g., Mercado de Maravillas), parks (e.g., Madrid Río), and squares. The aim is to create a network of proximity connecting facilities and public spaces, with free activities and areas for rest, play, and community gathering.
Más Madrid criticizes measures like discounts at cinemas during hot hours or the 'Veranos de la Villa' program for their limited free offerings and effectiveness. They believe that adaptation to heat requires a stable network of public spaces, not isolated measures, to protect the most vulnerable citizens.
