Portuguese groups urge government to heat-proof care homes and schools

Portugal's European Climate Pact ambassadors and environmental association ZERO are delivering an open letter to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, urging investment in cooling measures for buildings serving vulnerable people, such as care homes, schools and health centres. The letter, handed over on 15 July, Europe's Day for Climate Crisis Victims, calls for a national network of climate shelters, more urban green space and shade, and a fund to support municipal adaptation plans. The action joins CAN Europe's #citiesnotsaunas campaign. Portugal has already faced six heatwaves in 2026, while the WHO reports over 1,300 heat-related deaths across Europe since 21 June.