Tenerife Launches €2.2 Million Emergency Plan to Climate-Proof Schools Against Rising Heat
Tenerife has launched a 2.2 million euro emergency plan to install climate shelters in 51 schools to combat rising temperatures and prevent future classroom closures.
Adapting schools to the Canary Islands' rising temperatures is no longer just a precaution; it has become a top budget priority. Following a recent meeting between regional Education Minister Poli Suárez and Tenerife Island Council President Rosa Dávila, the two governments have launched an emergency plan to keep classrooms cool and prevent the school closures seen in previous years.
The strategy focuses on creating "climate shelters" at 51 schools in the south of Tenerife, where heat is a major concern. With a budget of 2.2 million euros, the project involves installing pergolas and lightweight roofs tailored to each building. Progress is well underway: five schools have already finished their upgrades, six are currently under construction, and the remaining 40 are in the planning stages. The goal is to have all 51 sites ready by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
This initiative, which covers nearly 18% of the island’s schools, is part of a broader regional effort that also includes Lanzarote and La Gomera. As the climate crisis disrupts seasonal weather patterns, officials are recognizing the urgent need to modernize traditional school architecture to ensure students can continue their education without interruption.
During the meeting, officials also discussed the Hermano Pedro Special Education Center, which serves children with high dependency needs. The facility requires a major renovation estimated to cost over 12 million euros. The Ministry has already put the technical project out to tender for 485,000 euros, and both the local and regional governments have pledged to work together to fund the necessary structural repairs.
Finally, it was confirmed that Tenerife will host the National Vocational Training Congress in April 2027. The event is expected to draw over 1,500 attendees and will highlight the island’s vocational training model, which is being promoted as a national leader due to its significant investment and scholarship programs.