What it means to be resilient to heatwaves for vulnerable households in mass tourist destinations?

Abstract

Despite clear evidence of increasing heatwaves in the Mediterranean region, coastal cities in Spain are often reluctant to recognize these events as significant risks, largely due to the economic benefits a warm climate brings to their tourism industry. This reluctance exists despite the fact that many residents in these cities, particularly those working in tourism, face economic hardship due to the precarious nature of the sector. Our research focuses on Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, to examine the impacts of heatwaves in vulnerable households. We analyze the vulnerability and resilience of these households to extreme heat events and heatwaves by studying lived experiences identifying their coping strategies and the barriers they face. To gather data, we conducted 28 interviews and participatory mapping exercises with users of a food distribution center run by Caritas. Participants frequently reported experiences of extreme discomfort at home, describing symptoms such as exhaustion, suffocation, and excessive sweating, exacerbated by high humidity levels. The study found that participants have limited coping mechanisms, relying mainly on natural ventilation and fans. Some are constrained to staying at home due to economic challenges, with no opportunity to use vacation as a respite. The participatory mapping further revealed that these households are regularly exposed to heat during their daily activities. In the absence of effective municipal or collective adaptation strategies, vulnerable households remain entrapped in increasingly unlivable conditions. Our findings underscore the urgent need for localized adaptation plans that address the specific needs of the community, especially given the current municipal policies that are heavily focused on sustaining the tourism industry.