In 2022, Spain went through a record-breaking hot summer with average temperatures in July 2.7 degree Celsius higher than the long-term average. Despite the evidence of heatwaves during summer, coastal cities are less likely to acknowledge these events as a risk because of the benefit warm climate contributes to tourism industry. The paradox is that these cities often are home to locals who have largely become impoverished due to the labor precariousness of the sector itself. Our research explores the case of Lloret de Mar, Cataluña with aims to problematize heatwaves based on the lived experience of households in risk of residential exclusion, and to analyze the vulnerability and resilience of the households by identifying coping strategies and lock-ins. 28 interviews and participatory mapping exercises were conducted with users of the food distribution center run by Caritas. The experience of unbearable heat at home related to exhaustion, suffocation, and excessive perspiring is commonly expressed due to high humidity. Meanwhile local administration perceived heat as less of a problem. The participants reveal limited coping strategies as they rely mostly on natural cross ventilation and fans. Some were locked in the individual strategy of staying at home while they have to juggle with economic difficulties. Moreover, their economic circumstances, tourism industry and labor conditions do not allow them to strategically use vacation. Participatory mapping reveals that these households are exposed to heat in the daily activity. In the absence of adequate adaptation plans available for them at municipal or collective scale, current conditions find vulnerable households trapped in ‘hot’ environment. We highlight the importance of considering the adaptation plan that is for the local community in the context where the municipal policy demonstrates a path dependency, which primarily emphasizes building sustainability around tourism activity.

Hyerim Yoon
Universitat de Girona

 
ID Abstract: 162