How do children perceive heat, and how do they adapt to it? The citizen science project Vigilants de la Calor, coordinated by the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) with the support of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) and the Citizen Science Office of the Barcelona City Council, has engaged schools, families, and children from climate-vulnerable areas in monitoring heat conditions in their homes during summer 2024. Using sensors, heat diaries, and surveys, the project collected valuable data on indoor thermal comfort and adaptation strategies.

Results show that many children live in old, inefficient rented homes that are hot in summer and cold in winter. Children tend to feel hotter than adults and use simple strategies to cool down, such as drinking water, eating ice cream, taking showers, or using fans.

Their proposals include more trees, fountains, and shade in public spaces and cooler schools. The project is ongoing and expanding, and will continue to be offered annually through the Compartim un Futur environmental education program, aiming to engage more educational communities and contribute to safe and healthy climate adaptation.

Find today’s press release (in Catalan) here: