​Climate Oases

​The “Klima Oasen” (English: “Climate Oases”) is an initiative aimed at providing cool retreats for vulnerable groups during hot summer days.

Launched by Caritas Austria, a catholic social aid organisation, it addresses the challenges posed by climate change, particularly the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The project is a collaboration between Caritas and various parishes in Vienna and Lower Austria.

​The primary goal of the Climate Oases is to offer a respite from the heat for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, children, economically disadvantaged people, and those without access to adequate cooling at home. The basic concept of these oases is to provide a cool environment with refreshments and a place to relax.

​The Climate Oases are set up in parish gardens and other suitable locations, offering shade, cool drinks, and light snacks. Volunteers and Caritas staff manage these oases, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for visitors. The initiative also aims to foster a sense of community and social interaction among visitors. The opening times and -dates do range depending on the capacities of the particular location, from location to location. In general, the initiative is active from June until September.

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​In general, the following social groups are targeted:
- ​People from the parish area who want to cool off and chat
- ​Refugees
- ​People who live in overheated apartments and want to cool off with a lemonade, regardless of origin, religion, or emergencies
- ​In urban areas: homeless people or people in great financial need
- ​Beyond that, people who, for example, want to escape loneliness, want to use the catering offer or are looking for conversation

​- A garden, a green space etc. that invites to linger
- ​Catering: cool drinks (lemonades, iced teas, water); snacks, fruit, rolls, finger food, sometimes more
- ​Volunteer companions who have an open ear for the guests

Not applicable

​This is the central dimension targeted by the Climate Oases Initiative by:

- ​Many volunteers dedicate their time to support the initiative. They help manage the oases, distribute refreshments, and engage with visitors, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment.

- ​Community Engagement and Participation: The initiative fosters a sense of community by encouraging social interaction among visitors. This not only provides immediate relief from the heat but also helps build social cohesion and support networks, especially among vulnerable groups. Local parishes and community organizations actively participate by offering their spaces as oases. This collaboration is essential for the initiative's success, as it provides accessible and familiar locations for people to seek respite from the heat.

- ​Awareness and Education: The initiative raises awareness about the impacts of climate change and the importance of community support during extreme weather events. By engaging with the public, it also educates visitors about heat stress and the measures they can take to protect themselves.

- ​Feedback and Improvement: The initiative values feedback from visitors and volunteers to continuously improve the services provided. This participatory approach ensures that the oases meet the evolving needs of the community.

​The Climate Oases have become popular, with thousands of visitors each summer. They provide not only physical relief from the heat but also a social space where people can connect and find support. The initiative has been well-received, with many visitors appreciating the free refreshments and the opportunity to escape the heat.

​The exact number of locations can vary each year, but in 2023 there were 27 Climate Oases opened for a total of 145 days and over 9000 visitors of which 52% were women and 48% were men. One Climate Oasis was specifically opened for Women.

​- The success of the Klimaoasen project relies heavily on volunteer support and community involvement. Engaging volunteers and maintaining their commitment is crucial for the sustainability of the project.

- ​The project has evolved from winter "Wärmestuben" (warm rooms provided in the cold season) to the summer months demonstrating adaptability to seasonal needs. However, scaling the project to meet growing demand and ensuring long-term sustainability remain challenges.

- ​Providing refreshments and maintaining the spaces require resources. Ensuring adequate funding and material support is essential for the project's continuity.

- ​Raising awareness about the availability of these spaces and ensuring they are accessible to those in need is important. The project aims to make these spaces welcoming and easily accessible to the target population. However, this also means to specifically communicate to those in need of such facilities.

​- Ensuring that the spaces are welcoming and accessible to all, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless, and those living in poorly insulated homes, is vital. The ultimate ambition should be to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported

​- Partnering with local parishes and community organizations has been instrumental in the project's success. These collaborations provide the necessary infrastructure and support to establish and maintain the Climate Oases​