As summers across Europe become hotter and heatwaves more frequent, the question of who can stay cool is becoming increasingly urgent. For many people, keeping a home at a safe and comfortable temperature is not guaranteed. Poor insulation, rising energy costs, inadequate housing and limited access to cooling all contribute to what is known as summer energy poverty. This issue shows that climate change does not affect everyone equally: people’s exposure to heat is shaped by income, housing conditions, health, age, gender, care responsibilities and where they live. 

On April 24, 2026, WECF organized the interactive webinar Who Can Stay Cool? Heat, Energy and Inequality in Europe’s Summers as part of the Imagining Climate Just Futures series. The session focused on summer energy poverty as a growing climate justice issue in Europe. It explored how extreme heat affects vulnerable communities, why current policies often overlook cooling needs, and what changes are needed to ensure safe and dignified housing in a warming climate. 

The webinar was moderated by WECF consultant, Clara Presman. She introduced the session by placing summer energy poverty within a broader conversation on environmental justice. Rather than treating heat only as a technical challenge, the webinar looked at how social inequalities determine who is most at risk during extreme temperatures. Clara also encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences of heatwaves and to think critically about the systems that shape access to safe housing and cooling. 

The first speaker, Erman Erogan, Policy and Campaign Officer at Climate Action Network Europe, addressed the European policy context. He explained that energy poverty is still often understood mainly as a winter issue, even though many households also struggle during summer. Across Europe, inefficient buildings, lack of insulation, urban heat islands and limited access to affordable cooling are already creating serious health and social risks.  

Erman stressed that summer energy poverty remains under-recognised in data and policy. Without better information on who is affected, it is difficult to design effective and fair solutions. He called for more detailed data that takes into account gender, age, health, income, housing tenure and other social factors. He also pointed to the importance of EU policy frameworks, including building renovation plans and climate funding, as opportunities to address overheating, improve housing quality and support those most at risk. 

The second speaker, Islene Façanha, Project Manager and Policy Officer at ZERO, focused on Portugal as an example of how energy poverty is experienced in Southern Europe. She explained that many households in Portugal live in older, poorly insulated buildings that are difficult to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Combined with low incomes and high energy costs, this creates unsafe and uncomfortable living conditions for many people. 

Islene highlighted the health impacts of poor housing, including respiratory problems, mould, humidity and increased risks during heatwaves. She also explained how climate change is intensifying existing vulnerabilities in Portugal, where extreme heat, droughts, storms and other climate impacts are becoming more common. Her presentation showed that tackling energy poverty requires more than short-term support with energy bills. It also requires long-term investment in housing renovation, climate adaptation and social protection. 

A key part of Islene’s presentation focused on ZERO’s campaign Dignified Home for Everyone. The campaign raises awareness about energy poverty throughout the year and calls for homes that are healthy, affordable and energy efficient. Through public engagement, testimonies, surveys and exhibitions, the campaign brings visibility to people lived experiences and pushes for stronger political action.

Throughout the session, participants were invited to reflect and exchange ideas. In breakout rooms, they discussed how heatwaves affect different groups and what kinds of solutions could help communities adapt. Participants raised concerns about outdoor workers, migrant workers, older people, renters and people living in urban areas with little green space. They also discussed possible responses, including better ventilation, more trees and shaded public spaces, cooling shelters, improved building materials and renovation programmes that take summer heat seriously. 

The discussion made clear that cooling should not be seen as a luxury. As temperatures rise, access to safe indoor temperatures becomes a matter of health, dignity and justice. The webinar also underlined that solutions must avoid creating new problems, such as increased energy demand from air conditioning alone. Instead, speakers and participants pointed to the need for passive cooling, better urban planning, affordable renovation and policies that prioritise vulnerable communities. 

Overall, the webinar showed that summer energy poverty is an emerging challenge that deserves far more attention. Extreme heat is already affecting people’s homes, health and daily lives across Europe. A climate-just future must therefore include the right to live in homes that are safe, healthy and comfortable throughout the whole year, not only in winter.