Towards a Cooling Centre Research Network
Europe is a climate change hotspot. Despite the implementation of adaptation interventions since the 2003 heatwave, the number of heat-related fatalities continues to grow. In response, municipalities have started offering extreme heat services and spaces, often as part of heat action plans. In a workshop held last 26 March in Venice, some of Italy’s and Europe’s existing cooling shelter, centre and refuge initiatives were presented for the first time.
The ultimate goal is to explore the potential for, and interest in, establishing a Cooling Centre Research Network (CCRN), led by Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia and the CMCC Foundation. The CCRN would facilitate harmonised and coordinated data collection and analysis, the organisation of events and training, and communication activities to maximise the visibility and social impact of these initiatives.
