RECAP OF THE WEBINAR:
How cooling centres provide relief during extreme heat: Experiences from across Europe
14th of January 2026
The webinar ignited a lively exchange in the chat. These are the highlights.
Cooling centres are a key element in preparations for extreme heat. Southern Europe is already facing the reality of serious health impacts caused by extreme heat and therefore requires greater priority within European climate adaptation support programmes. Northern European countries need to prepare for similar risks in the years and decades to come. Joint learning and programme development can help us address these challenging tasks ahead.
The webinar was information-dense and featured presentations from:
- Amsterdam: Eline Coolen & Fé van Delden
- Greater London Authority: Michelle Vianello
- City of Paris: Léa Morfoisse
- City of Barcelona: Xavier de Pedro Puente
- Emilia Romagna region: Paola Angelini and Marco Pollastri
Did you miss our webinar? You can now watch the recording, view the five presentations, or read highlights from the discussion in the chat on our website. As an added bonus, you will also find a literature overview shared by the City of Amsterdam.
This webinar is organized by Samen Klimaatbestendig in collaboration with Klimaatverbond Nederland and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health
Recap of the webinar
The presentations addressed a broad range of issues related to cooling centres, including:
- How to identify neighbourhoods that are most at risk from the impacts of extreme heat
- How to organise tens to hundreds of smaller cooling centres, including those often run on a voluntary basis
- Which criteria are used regarding access to cooling centres and the services they provide
- How to communicate effectively about the availability of cooling centres
- How to monitor the use of cooling centres and their health impacts
- Other research questions to better understand what works, and what does not, in relation to cooling centres
Finally, you are very welcome to join the informal European Heat Adaptation Community. More information about the aims and practical arrangements of this community can be found here.
Download the 5 presentations
- Amsterdam
Cooling Centers
- Emilia Romagna region
Project to develop a system of climate oases in Emilia-Romagna region
This webinar is part of the Dutch Community of Practice heat adaptation
An informal network of Dutch decentralized governments focused on sharing knowledge, experience, and research on heat adaptation.
For questions about the webinar or joining the Dutch community of Practice, please contact the team.
