The Canary Islands Parliament has rejected a non-legislative proposal from the Canary Socialist Parliamentary Group to implement a comprehensive climate adaptation plan for the 925 public schools across the archipelago. This plan aimed to enhance insulation, ventilation, shading, and energy efficiency over six months and extend environmental monitoring to all schools, instead of just the 120 schools currently involved in the Clima Escolar Canarias project.
The proposal included creating a climate risk map to identify schools most affected by high temperatures and establishing a multi-year action plan that outlines budgets, responsible authorities, and deadlines. It emphasised the need for improvements beyond just providing shaded areas, calling for better thermal insulation, ventilation, solar protection, and air conditioning where necessary, along with renewable energy installations and greening of schoolyards.
It also prioritised early years and special education schools, as well as those with vulnerable students, and aimed to gradually replace temporary modular classrooms still in use after several years. The initiative suggested a specific budget line to fund these actions and promote cooperation between the Canary Islands Government and local councils to ensure that financial capabilities do not hinder schools’ adaptation efforts.
In light of the recent suspension of in-person classes on 15 September in Fuerteventura and nine municipalities in Gran Canaria due to extreme heat, New Canarias MP Carmen Hernández supported the proposal, stating that schools are not equipped for high temperatures and criticising the government for failing to take action.
Raquel Díaz from the PP argued that the initiative does not adequately address the serious issue and accused the PSOE of inaction during its time in government. She pointed out that the Education Department is already working on shading installations, monitoring environmental conditions in 120 schools, and removing modular classrooms, criticising the proposal for suggesting measures that are already underway.
Melodie Mendoza from ASG acknowledged the ongoing need for climate adaptation in schools but supported PP amendments that more accurately reflect the situation. Javier Nieto from Vox called for a comprehensive intervention plan for all schools and suggested reallocating direct subsidies from unions to tackle climate adaptation issues.
Coalition Canaria MP Manuel Fumero expressed concern over the issues raised by the PSOE but justified his party’s rejection of the proposal, stating that many of the suggested measures are already being implemented, albeit with varying levels of urgency. Further amendments proposed by both NC and the PP were also dismissed.
