Lisbon maps climate refuges but still lacks a full heat-escape plan

Lisbon city council has listed dozens of gardens, libraries, museums and theatres as climate refuges for heatwaves, though some parks close on certain days. Researchers say shade, ventilation and fewer cars matter most, and that bare lawns and pale paving do little to cool the city. Lisbon is Europe's seventh most heat-exposed city, yet a refuge network approved in 2022 has not materialised. Council projects such as street trees and drinking fountains remain small and mostly EU-funded, according to critics.