Eleven air-conditioned cinemas and the same number of libraries in Rome are opening their doors free of charge to residents of the Italian capital who are…
Eleven air-conditioned cinemas and the same number of libraries in Rome are opening their doors free of charge to residents of the Italian capital who are facing an intense heat wave, municipal authorities announced, quoted by AFP.
Eleven cinemas and the same number of libraries in Rome are participating in this initiative, which runs from July 23 to August 4.
“Climate change, unfortunately, is a reality. It affects people’s lives, their health, their social relationships and their ability to carry out their daily activities,” Massimiliano Smerillo, Rome’s deputy mayor for culture, told the media.
“These places, which can be defined as climate shelters, will provide an opportunity for some residents to break the isolation caused by the inability to spend time outdoors,” he added.
Ten Italian films, including a recent adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” will be shown in the 11 cinemas, with two screenings each afternoon, subject to availability.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri welcomed the initiative, which will allow people to enjoy a film while finding relief from the heat.
Average temperatures in Rome have risen by 3 degrees Celsius since the 1980s, compared with around 2 degrees Celsius in other European capitals, according to a report by the Italian statistics institute (Istat) published in June.
Illustration: pexels-jonathanborba-13061431
