Our Challenge

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and the climate crisis is driving an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in urban areas across the world. Today, the focus has shifted from mitigation to adaptation, with a focus on managing rising urban temperatures and their impacts on communities. In this context, climate shelters have emerged as innovative solutions. Either indoor or outdoor spaces, climate shelters offer refuge from extreme heat, providing cooler environments (with or without air conditioning), and are equipped with public amenities like seating and water fountains. Cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Rotterdam, and Brussels have already pioneered climate shelter initiatives, demonstrating their potential to enhance urban resilience in the face of a warming world. As part of this ECIU challenge, you will explore the development of a climate shelter network in Toulouse, one of the hottest cities in France. With summer temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C, Toulouse is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves and is thus an ideal case study for practical, impactful learning.