Barcelona
Spain
Barcelona is projected to face moderate climate risks in the coming years, primarily related to rising temperatures and increasing drought conditions. The region is likely to experience more intense heatwaves, which could exacerbate health issues while straining energy resources. Changes in precipitation patterns may result in prolonged dry periods, affecting water availability for both residents and agriculture. Additionally, the threat of sea-level rise endangers urban coastal areas, compromising infrastructure and natural ecosystems. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as storms and heavy rainfall, also poses flooding risks, further affecting the city's economy and local communities. The combination of these climate hazards indicates a pressing need for adaptive strategies to build resilience and ensure sustainability in Barcelona as it navigates an uncertain future.
Hazard Outlook
How will Barcelona's projected climate hazards compare to other cities under a 3.0°C future warming scenario?
Longest Heatwave
Barcelona may experience heatwaves lasting up to 7 days, among the highest of all other cities.
Maximum Temperature
Barcelona's projected maximum temperature of 8.6°C is near the median of cities globally under a 3.0°C warming scenario.
Maximum Rainfall
Barcelona's projected maximum rainfall of 9 mm is near the median of cities globally.
Elevation
At 94 m elevation, Barcelona faces moderate risk from coastal flooding and sea level rise.
Heavy Rainfall Days
With 9 days of heavy rainfall expected, Barcelona ranks lower than most cities for extreme precipitation events.
Exposure Summary
Adaptation Priorities
Barcelona faces high exposure to heatwave. These areas may warrant priority attention in adaptation planning.
Data source: Climate projections from the IPCC AR6 scenario analysis. See our methodology for details on how we process and interpret this data.
Deployed Solutions
Deployed climate adaptation technologies identified in Barcelona.
HAZUR® Urban Resilience Assessment Methodology and Platform
The holistic approach for resilience assessment was implemented using the HAZUR® methodology and tool.[^11][^8][^12] This methodology analyses the...
RESCCUE Urban Water Resilience Methodology
Barcelona performed a comprehensive resilience diagnosis using the RESCCUE methodology and tools to assess climate change impacts on the city's water...
RESCCUE Web-Based Urban Resilience Modeling Platform
The RESCCUE Toolkit represents a comprehensive web-based platform developed through a four-year European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation...
Recommended Solutions
Proven solutions from similar cities that could help diversify Barcelona's resilience portfolio
NASA Landsat Urban Heat Island Mapping and Analysis Platform
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AI-Powered Urban Tree Canopy Mapping Using Satellite & LiDAR Data
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Urban Heat Response Data Platform
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Integrated Metropolitan Meteorological Monitoring Network
80%The Lisbon Metropolitan Area established an integrated meteorological monitoring network in early 2022, consisting of 18 weather stations distributed across each of its 18 municipalities.
Watershed-Specific Downscaled Climate Projection Modeling
85%Seattle's water utilities collaborated with federal and academic research institutions to develop downscaled climate projections specifically tailored to the watersheds supplying the city's water.
Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure Monitoring and I/I Reduction Program
83%Dallas Water Utilities has implemented a comprehensive infrastructure monitoring and maintenance program focused on sanitary sewer evaluation studies, point repairs and pipe replacement, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of large diameter pipes along major waterways.