“One of the most visible consequences of climate change is the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves. Europe is warming faster than any other continent, and this has a direct impact on our health,” emphasizes Dr. Eng. Tomasz Warężak from the Department of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology WUM, who will lead the pilot program.
What the pilot program involves
Students of public health, nursing, emergency medical services, and medicine at WUM will take part in the initiative. Under the supervision of university faculty, they will educate Warsaw residents on safe behaviors and preventive health measures during periods of high temperatures.
As part of the pilot programme, surveys will also be conducted to better understand residents’ needs during heatwaves, assess the impact of extreme heat on their well-being, and collect feedback on their experiences using Cooling Spots.
Where and when?
The activities took place on 29 August at the following Cooling Spots:
- Terminal Kultury Gocław (Centre for Cultural Promotion) Gocław Culture Terminal
- Centre for Cultural Promotion, 2 Podskarbińska Street, Centre for Culture Promotion (Centrum Promocji Kultury) at 2 Podskarbińska Street,
- Centre for Intergenerational Activity (Centrum Aktywności Międzypokoleniowej) on Korotyńskiego Street.
“This year’s pilot program will focus primarily on education. In future editions, we plan to expand the project to include, among other initiatives, free health screenings for people who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures,” adds Dr. Eng. Tomasz Warężak.
Where to Find Cooling Spots in Warsaw
During the 2026 summer season, more than 150 Cooling Spots are available across all districts of Warsaw. They remain open until 30 September. Visitors can cool down, sit and rest, drink water, and use restroom facilities.
A Fruitful Partnership with the City
This initiative represents another milestone in the collaboration between the Capital City of Warsaw and the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM). In March 2023, WUM became the city’s scientific partner in the Partnership for Healthy Cities program.
Previous joint efforts have focused on improving air quality in Warsaw and on preparing the report “The Health of Warsaw Residents: Health Status of the Capital’s Population from 2013 to 2023.” This report was the culmination of the project “A Model for Assessing, Supervising, and Monitoring the Health Status of Residents of the Capital City of Warsaw.”
Read more about the collaboration:
- MUW’s Conference on the health of Warsaw residents
- We will scientifically influence the improvement of the health of Warsaw residents
- International debate on health in urban environment
A project supporting the assessment of the health condition of Warsaw residents has been launched