Anticipatory Action and Future Urban Living in a Context of Increasing Temperatures: An Analysis from the Barcelona Climate Shelter Network
摘要
In recent years, the world has undergone a significant transformation from a realm of certainties to one filled with uncertainties and looming disasters. These catastrophes, which are both ecological and social, are primarily attributed to the climate crisis caused by human activities. As a result, the future of cities and the planet is at stake, with the prospect of becoming uninhabitable. To address this urgent issue, local governments worldwide have taken action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. One exemplary initiative is the Barcelona City Council’s Network of Climate Shelters, which was established in 2019. This network aims to prepare the city for the anticipated rise in temperatures by transforming existing public spaces, such as libraries and schools, into climate shelters. What sets the Barcelona Network of Climate Shelters apart, at least in one of its modes of assemblage, is its collaborative approach. The citizens actively participate in designing and implementing some of these infrastructures. That ensures the shelters are efficient and effective and fosters a sense of collective responsibility toward the climate crisis. By involving the public, the initiative prepares the city for climate change and builds a more resilient citizenry capable of facing an uncertain future together.