Bucharest launches Romania's largest network of climate shelters

Bucharest is inaugurating Romania's largest network of climate shelters, providing a public service to help residents cope with extreme heat. The initiative, launched by the City Hall, offers free access to shade, cool air, water, and resting places in 71 public institutions and 200 partner pharmacies across the city.

The network is designed to be accessible year-round, with operating hours matching those of the host institutions. An interactive map, available on bucuresti-rezilient.pmb.ro, provides real-time locations, schedules, and details about the facilities. The map also integrates the city's public drinking fountains, offering GPS navigation to the nearest active source.

Various public entities, including theaters, social assistance centers, libraries, museums, and tax offices, have voluntarily joined the network. Pharmacies like Dona and Catena are also participating. The City Hall is inviting private operators, NGOs, and other organizations to enroll their spaces, with applications processed within 30 days.

The shelters are categorized by color on the map: blue for indoor administrative spaces, orange for outdoor public areas with shading and water features, violet for mixed indoor-outdoor spaces like cultural hubs, and green for partner pharmacies. This network aims to provide essential relief during periods of high temperatures, utilizing existing infrastructure without generating additional costs for the city.