Due to the sustained rise in temperatures and the increasing frequency of heatwave episodes resulting from climate change, the city of Barcelona faces a situation that demands adaptive measures across all areas of urban and labour activity. In recent years, there has been a clear trend of more days with high temperatures, a greater frequency of heatwaves, and a slight extension of their duration — factors that exacerbate impacts on health and certain economic activities. Studies on temperature trends in Barcelona also indicate an expected increase in average temperatures between 1.7 °C and 4.5 °C by the end of the century.

Excessive and sustained heat leads to health problems and an increased mortality rate. This affects especially the elderly, infants, and people with chronic pathologies, but also those groups working outdoors and are more exposed to solar radiation and heat. Such a phenomenon, intensified by the urban heat island effect, high population density, and social vulnerability, possesses specific risks for outdoor workers, such as those in construction and infrastructure maintenance. In this context, the Barcelona City Council approved, through the Mayoral Decree of July 2024, a specific measure authorising the adjustment of construction work hours whenever Spain’s Meteorological Agency or the competent body activates the local action plan for a heatwave in the warning or emergency phase.

This measure reflects the institutional commitment of the Barcelona City Council to address the challenges of the climate emergency, a commitment reaffirmed with the government measure presented in November 2025: the Climate Plan. This is an umbrella plan that sets out the city’s roadmap for mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting to its effects, structured around six specific action plans: “Let’s Change for Climate” Plan, Heat Plan, Mobility Plan, Resilience Plan, Neighbourhood Climate Plan, and Energy Transition Plan.