Guimaraes reshapes urban spaces to combat extreme heat risks

The city of Guimaraes in northern Portugal is reshaping its urban environment to combat extreme heat and climate change, Euronews reported. Local officials have invested in river restoration projects and green corridors over the past decade. These environmental initiatives have already lowered local temperatures in several urban areas. [1]

Guimaraes holds the title of European Green Capital for 2026, according to Euronews. The Minho city secured the designation after competing against Heilbronn in Germany and Klagenfurt in Austria. It is the second municipality in Portugal to earn the recognition, following Lisbon. [1]

The selection process involves rigorous standards set by European officials. Euronews reported that the European Commission evaluates candidates across seven key areas, including air quality, noise levels, water management, biodiversity, circular economy practices, climate mitigation, and climate adaptation. [1]