In 2023, the Green Europe Team of the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM started a series of debates focused on communicating the topic of green transformation to the Czech public. The aim is to develop public debate and support journalists and civil society in informed discussions about climate change and climate policies. In its first year, the Prague Climate Academy focused on sustainability in transportation (decarbonizing road transport in connection with electromobility and the sustainability of transportation in Prague). In 2024, it continued with the topic of adapting cities to climate change and discussing the impacts of heatwaves on cities. The year 2025 brings the perspective of resilience, with a discussion of current trends in global temperature rise and extreme weather events, including their impacts on urban infrastructure and public health.

The project Green Broadcast was launched on 1 January 2025 and will be ongoing until 31 August 2025.

Regional cities lack action plans to manage heatwaves, such as warning systems or climate shelters like those used abroad. The situation was commented on by Katarína Svitková, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The Czech Republic is being hit by a heatwave. Temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius on Thursday. This is particularly stressful for people in large cities. Katarína Svitková, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation.

By the end of the century, the average temperature in the Czech Republic is expected to rise by another roughly 2 to 5 degrees Celsius, and the number of heatwaves is set to increase several times over. Even today, heat claims the lives of around 250 Czechs each year on average. Solutions for making life in the heat more bearable are already known, it would simply take more decisive adoption of foreign practices. The situation was commented on by Katarína Svitková, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

According to the European Copernicus service, July in Europe is once again expected to be warmer than average. So far, this year continues the trend of record-breaking global temperatures set in 2023 and 2024. Climate scientists have long known that European cities are warming significantly — but in recent years, the extreme heat has also become a concern for the public and, as a result, for politicians, including those at the local level. So how can we best survive the summer in the city — and what actions can cities take now? An article on this topic was written for What News by Katarína Svitková, analyst at the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM.

When a heatwave hits the Spanish capital, every emergency service and public institution knows what to do. Cities that face heat waves every year follow action plans and open cooling shelters or assist vulnerable groups, such as the elderly. Czech cities lack similar strategies. Prague is the furthest along in planning. Katarína Svitková, research associate at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for iRozhlas.cz.

In the run-up to the summer of 2025, European cities are bracing for yet another season of record-breaking temperatures. Heatwaves pose a serious challenge for urban areas when it comes to infrastructure, economy, public health and ecosystems. Heat-related hazards now account for over 85% of climate-related fatalities across Europe. This paper explores the impacts of heatwaves upon cities and urban populations, introducing different types of adaptation strategies used in Europe and beyond. It also discusses useful measures of heatwave mitigation, including urban climate shelters, shading and water elements, and public communication.

Cities around the world are looking for ways to adapt to increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. One of the most effective strategies is the expansion of green infrastructure, which can significantly reduce temperatures and improve the quality of life for residents. Czech cities, including Prague, are already taking the first steps towards implementing these measures, although there are still many challenges to overcome. Katarína Svitková, Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech radio.

With another heatwave expected this week following record temperatures in July, cities in Central Europe are belatedly taking action – but politics keeps getting in the way. Katarina Svitkova, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute specializing on climate change, urbanism and sustainability, comments for Balkan Insight.

Czech cities could take inspiration in combating high temperatures from cities in southern Europe, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is well-adapted to extreme heat. Barcelona boasts over two hundred climate shelters in publicly accessible institutions like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. According to Katarína Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, Czechia lacks action plans and responds to heat only at the last minute. Preparedness for tropical days is crucial for protecting the population, especially seniors and young children, for whom summer days are the most demanding.

Czech cities can draw inspiration from southern Europe in combating heat, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is better adapted to high temperatures. For instance, the city boasts over two hundred "climate shelters" in publicly accessible spaces like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. However, the Czech Republic is unprepared for heatwaves. Associate Researcher Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Katarína Svitková commented for the Czech News Agency.